Here is how you can restyle your existing occasion wear with creativity and newness this festive season

Restyling your existing occasion wear can steer you clear of excess, while infusing creativity and newness into your wardrobe this festive season. Experts suggest how to get it right

Here is how you can restyle your existing occasion wear with creativity and newness this festive season

Alia Bhatt restyles her mehendi attire

If there’s one place you should be shopping from this festive season, it’s your wardrobe. Celebrities across the board — from Deepika Padukone to Sonam Kapoor to Alia Bhatt – have proved that re-wearing your existing festive outfits with creative twists can make your celebrations more mindful without lowering the style stakes. “The truth is that most of us already have beautiful pieces in our wardrobes that just need a little creativity and care to feel new again. The most common issues are stains, fading, ill-fits, or worn-out fabrics, but none of these need to mean the end of a garment’s life,” explains fashion designer Sanjana Bubber Divecha who focuses on re-wearability in her design ethos. And if you’re worried about looking dated, here are a few tips to keep your fits fresh and sustainable at the same time.

Alia Bhatt at Bollywood gala

Nip, tuck and fix

Just because you’ve gained or lost weight doesn’t mean that you need an entirely new wardrobe to celebrate your new body. “A simple trip to the tailor can resize most of your occasion wear. When the fabric allowance isn’t enough, a designer can cleverly add panels or side inserts to make it work. If a piece is stained or discoloured, re-dyeing is a smart option. When done skilfully, the tailor can match the previous threads and restore the outfit beautifully,” says Divecha, explaining that she welcomes clients who bring in their outfits that have been stained with mehendi, haldi or even wine.

Restyle and re-wear

(Left) Bhatt arrives at the National Awards ceremony in her (extreme left) ivory wedding saree. Pics courtesy/@socialbuzzs, @here_for_alia_bhatt

Styling pieces differently also extends the lifespan on existing outfits. For women, draping a dupatta like a jacket over a lehenga can give the look an Indo-Western feel. Swapping dupattas creates playful new looks, while adding a belt to a sari, or dupatta drape instantly makes a traditional outfit look modern, Divecha explains. For men, she points out that breaking sets is key. A bandhi worn with a different kurta or styled open over a shirt and trousers can look elegant without being repetitive. Even the classic black kurta feels different when paired with contrast churidars or new bottoms in shades like grey or white. Altering kurta lengths to mid-thigh is another way to achieve a more current look.

Accessories make the look

Bold kundan layered over a modern gown, or traditional gold jewellery styled with a contemporary dress, can transform a look. If you feel you’ve repeated a jewellery set on several occasions, change its polish or replace the stones for a fresh look. Heirloom pieces can be highlighted during the festive season without waiting for weddings.

Sanjana Bubber Divecha

For men, a stole in kantha, Kashmiri kaani or woven Patola, even borrowed from a woman’s wardrobe, can elevate the simplest kurta, Divecha suggests. Footwear is another detail worth investing in — Indian classic shoes, which have been enjoying a fashion moment globally, can be re-worn across outfits and occasions, styled appropriately to remain timeless. Adding new embroidery, tweaking buttons, trimmings or playing with textures also infuses energy into both menswear and womenswear staples, she concludes.

Shop smart, not more

If you intend to add a few pieces to your festive wardrobe this season, keep an eye out for reversible and convertible outfits. For example, a reversible bandhi, an under-kurta and one Chinese shirt can be styled in numerous ways to create multiple looks. This not only saves space but also gives variety without constant shopping, Divecha advises.