Indian & Festive Wear Styling
Practical styling tips to help you feel confident and elegant in the Indian outfits you already own, regardless of the occasion.
Are you scared of Indian wear making you look heavier? This guide provides instant tips to look slimmer, from choosing straight kurtis and darker pants to draping your dupatta vertically.
Here are 12 tips to look elegant in any Indian outfit. This guide covers everything from choosing the right fabrics and silhouettes to experimenting with indo-western styles for a modern, chic look.
Look elegant in your salwar suits with these simple tips. I show you how to swap chappals for pointed-toe shoes, choose open necklines, and drape your dupatta correctly for a sophisticated look.
My number one styling tip for the festive season is to create a single focal point. Whether it's a chunky earring, a bold lipstick, or a detailed blouse, having one point of emphasis creates a polished look.
If you're too much of a diva for a basic blouse, this guide is for you. Discover modern and stylish saree blouse ideas, like square necklines, that will elevate your ethnic look.
If you are on the heavier side, avoid these five types of sarees. I explain why fabrics like organza and satin, or styles with heavy borders, can add unnecessary bulk and suggest more flattering alternatives.
Alia Bhatt is 5'2" but always looks tall in sarees. Her secret is choosing sarees with thin or no borders, tiny prints, and draping them high on the waist to create an elongated look.
About this collection
You don't need a brand-new outfit to look elegant at a wedding or festival. Often, it is just about one small change—like switching from leggings to cigarette pants or opting for an open neckline—that instantly balances your proportions and makes you feel more polished in the Indian clothes you already own.
Most women I work with feel stuck because they think they need to buy something new for every event. My philosophy is different: your best look is already in your closet.
If you struggle with Indian wear, it usually comes down to silhouette and fit. For instance, if you are on the shorter side, I always suggest ditching leggings, which often date your look, and switching to palazzos or cigarette pants to create a seamless, elongated silhouette. Similarly, for festive wear, we focus on creating a single focal point—be it a chunky pair of earrings or a bold blouse design—rather than over-accessorizing.
Here is what we can work on together:
- Body-Specific Cuts: We identify which necklines (like V-neck or sweetheart) and kurti cuts (like A-line or empire) flatter your specific body shape.
- Saree Styling: Learn to drape your saree to elongate your frame, or find clever ways to repurpose old sarees into anarkalis, dresses, or jackets.
- Modernizing Ethnic Wear: We move away from outdated trends and focus on timeless techniques, like monochrome sets or vertical embroidery, to ensure you feel confident and comfortable.
You already own most of what you need. My job is to help you unlock the potential of your current wardrobe.
Ananya Shetty
I'm Ananya. I help you find your style in the clothes you already own, so you stop chasing trends and start dressing for your body. We will work together to build looks that feel authentic, powerful, and festive.
Search styling tips for your wardrobe
Find advice on specific Indian wear styles and body types.
More from Personal Image & Style Makeover by Ananya Shetty