28 December,2025 06:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai Agarwal
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic
The year 2025 marked a major turning point for Indian fashion. It was the moment the traditional wardrobe moved away from strict rules and toward personal freedom. This year was defined by a unique balance: on one side, we saw quiet, simple minimalism; on the other, a bold and colourful dopamine-hit of modern fusion.
As we look toward 2026, the focus is shifting from trying out new styles to refining what actually works for our daily lives. Across the country, the way women dress is no longer about seeking approval or following old traditions. Instead, fashion has become about a single, powerful question: "Does this feel like me?" From effortless pre-stitched sarees to calm, earthy neutrals, 2025 proved that style is now about comfort and confidence. Leading designers now look back at these defining trends and forecast a future of versatile, sustainable fashion for the year ahead.
2025: The year of confidence and fluidity
If previous years were about the tentative return of glamour, 2025 was the year comfort finally met confidence. Designer Babita Malkani observes, "The rules of the traditional wardrobe didn't just bend, they loosened entirely. Indian women stopped dressing for approval and started dressing for themselves, leading to a democratic shift in how garments are constructed and worn."
The democratisation of the drape
One of the most significant shifts in 2025 was the transformation of the saree. Once a garment that required a specific skillset to master, it evolved into something that felt like second nature, Malkani shares.
She notes that 2025 was the year the drape stopped being intimidating, "Women wanted the elegance of a saree but the convenience of ready-to-wear. So, the hybrid was born. Pre-stitched silhouettes, sari gowns, draped skirts, wrap jumpsuits. You didn't need to know how to drape, pin, pleat, or tuck. The garment did the work and you just lived in it. It was fashion without pressure, and that's powerful."
Minimalist heritage and quiet luxury
Parallel to the rise of easy drapes was a movement toward minimalist heritage, particularly in the realm of handlooms. Khushi Shah, creative director at Shanti, witnessed a transformation in how traditional textiles like Banarasi were perceived. 2025 saw the rise of quiet luxury within the Indian context - intentional, calm, and deeply rooted in craft.
"Minimalism isn't the absence of design, it's the refinement of it. People would say, âThis doesn't look like Banarasi,' and I would smile, because it was Banarasi, just in a quieter, more modern language," Shah says.
This movement was driven by a desire for sustainable, mindful luxury. "Women began seeking pieces with linear motifs and tone-on-tone designs that allowed the architecture of the weave to speak for itself. It made the saree feel breathable, contemporary, and light on the body, attracting a younger generation who now wear the craft because they want to, not because they feel obligated to."
The neutral dominance: calm, grounded, and effortless
Alayna Zaid, founder of Siorai, highlights, "One of the most noticeable shifts in 2025 was the dominance of neutrals across both ethnic and Western wardrobes. Shades of ivory, beige, taupe, stone, and soft browns were everywhere, reflecting a collective move toward calm, grounded dressing."
Was it limited to a specific segment of clothing? Nope. "In ethnic wear, this translated into minimalist saris, kurtas, and sets with subtle textures and fine craftsmanship rather than overt embellishment. In Western wear, clean tailoring, relaxed silhouettes, and neutral palettes felt effortless and modern, proving that sophistication often lies in restraint," Zaid answers.
Footwear: From afterthought to anchor
In 2025, footwear finally stepped into the spotlight. Charru Sharrma, founder of House of Vitti India, notes, "Shoes became a defining element that shaped the entire look, communicating intention and mood."
Elevated minimalism: Focused on sculptural heels and wide bands in tonal shades. These pairs worked as anchors of elegance for everything from organza sarees to tailored jumpsuits.
Chromatic expression: This trend celebrated optimism and individuality. Women began breaking traditional coordination rules - pairing a lime-green heel with a bronze saree or a bright coral heel with a black gown.
2026: The era of refinement and modularity
As the industry looks toward 2026, fashion is moving away from chasing trends and toward intuitive dressing. "Fashion will be less about chasing trends and more about meaningful choices timeless silhouettes, expressive accents, and garments that celebrate both personal style and craftsmanship," poses Zaid. If 2025 was about trying new things, 2026 will be about refining what truly resonates.
The modular wardrobe
Babita Malkani forecasts a major shift toward the âModular Wardrobe Era,' where the concept of the set is replaced by separates. The focus will be on longevity and versatility. "Separates will finally take over sets. We'll see reversible blouses, detachable drapes, and jackets that work with lehengas one day and trousers the next. Brides will start asking, âCan I wear this again?' and designers will have to answer yes," she explains.
This movement toward pieces that can be styled in multiple ways reflects a more mature, conscious consumer who values wearability, individuality, and emotional connection.
Sculpted movement and heritage 2.0
In 2026, structures are making a comeback, but with a twist. Malkani predicts, "Sculpted silhouettes with movement - think bold shoulders balanced with soft fabrics and architecture softened by femininity."
This structural evolution extends to footwear as well. Sharrma anticipates, "A focus on comfortable height through lightweight, ergonomic, and sleek sculpted heels. Furthermore, heritage craft will be reinterpreted through modern forms. Expect to see woven textures, braided straps, and handcrafted beadwork that pay homage to Indian craftsmanship without feeling nostalgic or traditional."
The future of fusion: Banarasi and beyond
The vibrant fusion that began in 2025 is expected to grow even stronger in 2026. Shah describes, this as a pure emotion where textiles are paired with sneakers, corsets, oversized shirts, and denim. "Fusion doesn't mean compromise, it means reimagination. Consumers are no longer limiting Banarasi to specific moments. They're styling it for dinners, concerts, vacations, and even daily office wear," she elaborates.
Zaid agrees, "Fusion wear will mature, moving away from obvious Indo-Western statements toward refined interpretations of Indian silhouettes in contemporary fabrics."
The 2026 colour palette
While the projected colour of the year, âCloud Dancer', points toward softness and subtlety, the actual application will be more dynamic. Zaid predicts, "2026 will balance this softness with pops of colour, bling, and metallic finishes."
The dominant greens: Shades of green will continue to lead, often paired with metallic elements.
Jewel accents: Lime, crimson, plum, and mocha will add richness to the pared-back âCloud Dancer' base.
The bigger shift: Belonging to yourself
The most profound change moving into 2026 isn't a specific hemline or a colour - it is a change in mindset. The categories of traditional" and Western are blurring to the point of irrelevance.
As Shah aptly puts it, "The beauty of Banarasi lies in its duality. And I think Indian fashion is at a moment where it can celebrate both identities without choosing between them." Whether it is through a minimalist heritage saree that feels as light as air or a sculpted contemporary separate, the goal of the 2026 wardrobe is to foster a sense of belonging - not to a trend or a social group, but to one's own identity.
"Fashion is no longer about fitting into categories. It's about belonging to yourself. And honestly, that's the evolution I've been waiting for," concludes Malkani.
