Expert tips on choosing the right fabrics, adding subtle embellishments, and using smart accessories to transition your traditional style from the boardroom to the Diwali gathering
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic
Bringing the warmth and vibrancy of the festive season into a professional environment requires finesse. The perfect festive-formal look strikes a delicate balance between tradition, comfort, and contemporary elegance.
The idea is to celebrate the season with grace while keeping your look refined and wearable through the entire workday. Diwali may be over, but the festive season has Christmas and New Year, and design experts to share styling tips for you to shine at work.
The foundation: Fabric, comfort, and functionality
Since you'll be working all day, comfort should come first—but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the festive look.
Ujjwala Singh, design manager at Rareism, stresses that fabrics that breathe and flow are essential. “Opt for linen-cotton blends, light silks, or modal fabrics—these offer structure with movement. For comfort and functionality, you can have stripped lurex insertion or soft foil subtle silver foils over linen. A fluid kurta with straight trousers, or a co-ord in muted festive hues, keeps you looking put-together while allowing you to stay comfortable all day,” she shares.
Arun Kumar, head of design at Rare Rabbit, confirms the importance of breathability for men. He says, “If you're working all day, comfort should come first. A good-quality cotton shirt is your best bet. If you want something a little more elevated, go for a cotton-silk or linen-cotton blend. These fabrics have a slight sheen or texture that adds just the right amount of festive feel, without going overboard.”
Colour and embellishment: Subtlety is opulence
How does one incorporate traditional Diwali colours and light embellishments without looking too informal or overpowering? Singh suggests focusing on understated opulence while saying, “Festive dressing doesn’t always have to mean full-on sparkle. Think soft metallic accents, rich jewel tones, and refined textures. For instance, pair a deep emerald or sapphire blouse with neutral trousers or a muted gold skirt with a crisp ivory shirt. Choose fabrics like cotton silks or viscose blends that carry sheen without being flashy. We love matte finishes, minimal embroidery, and tone-on-tone detailing—they bring in festive warmth while staying boardroom-appropriate.”
Kumar provides the male perspective, adding, “Traditional festive colours, like deep red, emerald, bright blue, work really well when used thoughtfully. You don’t have to go all-out; even a shirt in one of these shades can set the tone. A printed shirt with clean, graphic motifs or small floral patterns adds a festive edge without feeling too casual. Colour combinations like navy with red, or green with beige, can bring in personality while keeping things sharp.”
The power of layers: Structuring the look
Layering is the simplest way to elevate your outfit from casual to chic and meet the formal requirements of the office dress code.
Singh explains the transition, saying, “A structured jacket or cropped blazer instantly gives ethnic silhouettes a sharp, professional edge. Pair a solid kurta with a belted linen blazer, or a flowy printed dress with a minimalist overlay jacket—it is the easiest way to strike a balance between formal and festive.”
Kumar highlights the sharpness a jacket provides, “A well-chosen jacket can instantly pull your festive look together. Pairing a printed or solid shirt with a tailored bandhgala, Nehru jacket, or a linen blazer adds structure and makes the outfit feel more put-together. It’s a simple layer that adds depth, brings balance to brighter shirts, and makes the overall outfit feel ready for both the workday and the Diwali mood.”
The footwear factor: Comfort meets tradition
According to Charru Sharrma, founder of House of Vitti India, festive footwear should perfectly complement ethnic-formal wear, striking a perfect balance between tradition, comfort, and contemporary elegance.
Embroidered Kolhapuris
For those pairing with straight-cut kurta sets or elegant cotton sarees, embroidered Kolhapuris bring a touch of tradition while still feeling minimal and sophisticated. Subtle tones like pastel pinks, muted golds, or tan shades work beautifully for daytime celebrations.
Classic jutti
For versatility, classic juttis are truly timeless and can be paired with almost anything, from silk kurtas and stylish salwar suits to anarkalis. A soft shimmer or delicate embroidery instantly adds festive charm without compromising on comfort. Gold and silver juttis are always a safe and stylish choice for both daytime and night-time celebrations.
Embroidered mules
If you prefer a blend of modern design and traditional craft, embroidered mules pair beautifully with palazzo sets, kaftans, or ethnic-inspired dresses. Shades like beige, champagne, or soft blush add a graceful festive touch without being too over the top.
Heeled sandals
Finally, for those who like a hint of height, minimal heeled sandals (1.5-inch and 2.5-inch) are perfect for co-ord sets and anarkalis. Look for elegant tone-on-tone styles, like Blush Reverie Heels (tone on tone colour), or lumi gold heels (gold on gold). These neutral tones add understated glam to any outfit while keeping you comfortable throughout the day.
Transitioning the look post-work
If your outfit is more suitable for evening celebrations, a simple change can pivot the look.
“If you are heading straight to an after-hours Diwali gathering, smart layering or accessory swaps do the trick. Swap your work blazer for an embroidered vest or metallic dupatta or simply add statement earrings and a bold lip to transition your outfit seamlessly,” suggests Singh.
“When it’s time for the after-work gathering, bring along a lightweight jacket or a waistcoat. Adding this layer instantly sharpens the look and gives it a more festive vibe without needing a full outfit change,” shares Kumar.
Elevate with accessories
When you have a particularly subtle outfit, the right accessory can carry the entire festive weight of the look without requiring a full ethnic change. Designer duo Paridhi Patodia and Shrishti Agarwal, founders of Parishri Jewellery, share tasteful accessories to elevate your festive outfits.
For women
Statement brooch or pin
A blazer or dress can be instantly elevated with a brooch featuring Indian-inspired designs—like lotuses, diyas, or peacock motifs. Gold tones or jewel-encrusted accents keep it festive yet formal.
Elegant bangle or kada
A slim, minimalist kada or bangle in gold or rose gold—with subtle etching or filigree work—pairs beautifully with a Western outfit, offering a tasteful touch of tradition.
Traditional stud earrings
Compact jadau, pearl, or kundan-inspired studs can complement formal attire without being overwhelming, offering a refined nod to festive dressing.
For men
Pocket square with Indian motifs
A silk pocket square featuring traditional Indian motifs—such as paisley, buti prints, or zari borders—can add a refined splash of colour and texture. Opt for festive yet formal shades like deep maroon, sapphire blue, or gold to make it both celebratory and appropriate for office.
Cufflinks with ethnic detailing
Replace plain cufflinks with designs that incorporate Indian craftsmanship—such as meenakari enamel work or motifs like diyas or elephants. These details add interest without compromising the formality of a tailored shirt and suit.
Classic watch with a subtle twist
Choose a timepiece that features a textured leather strap or a dial inspired by Indian architectural elements or textile patterns. It’s a minimal way to incorporate heritage into a daily essential.
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