Sumptuous fabrics and rich colours are perfect for Deepavali. Photo: Thasselz Collection
Deepavali is just around the corner and if you’re still looking for an outfit or want to try something new, there are plenty of choices ranging from colours, materials and designs.
Traditional Indian wear has a variety of styles from the saree, lehenga, kurti for women and the sherwanis and kurtas for men.
So what are the popular looks at the moment?
According to Naviraj Namasivayam and Deva Preya, a married couple who run homegrown brand Choli By Mydesistyle, the past few years have seen a rise in the lehenga culture experience.
“We’ve seen the meteoric rise of the lehenga in Malaysia, drawing interest from both Indian and non-Indian customers who opt for lehengas instead of the usual go-to sarees or casual suits. Weddings in particular, have become a staple occasion for someone to don and show off their flair in a beautiful lehenga,” says Naviraj.
Choli By Mydesistyle is an Indian wedding boutique that also caters for festive occasions. Its collections include fashion-forward designs of traditional Indian attire including lehengas, sarees, trendy Indo Western suits, sophisticated men’s sherwanis and kurtas.
They also carry high quality fabrics such as silks and heavy embroidered materials, along with semi-stitched or unstitched pieces, which are tailored to the preferences of their customers.
“During festive seasons, our modern suit collection also tends to accompany most lehenga purchases, with customers often leaving our boutique with surprise additions to their carts. Indo Western suits are trending too,” he says.
Yeshan Sarees, founded by Yessh Ravin and Mir Momin, is a familiar name in the local fashion industry and known for its beautiful high-quality Indian sarees, lehengas and kurtis.
“Our most popular designs include the elegant Kanjivaram silk sarees, luxurious lehengas, and our unique bridal collection. Customers are particularly drawn to our ‘Proudly’ collection, which features artisanal handwoven fabrics crafted with intricate handwork like zardozi and kantha embroidery.”
This anarkali is a lovely and sweet choice for the festival of lights. Photo: Yeshan Sarees“This collection is especially loved by brides-to-be, as it offers one-of-a-kind pieces that can be customised to include personal details such as their wedding date and names woven into the fabric,” says Mir.
Their everyday sarees and kurtis are stylish and comfortable and is popular for those looking for a modern twist on traditional Indian clothes.
Sangeetha Radhakrishnan, founder of local brand Thasselz Collection which specialises in sarees and accessories from India, says when it comes to traditional sarees, it’s more about comfort and style.
“They (the customers) like it subtle and most of them time choose materials which are easier to drape like soft cotton, chiffon and georgette. Our bestsellers are floral patterned and soft cotton sarees and they never seem to run out of style. In the last couple of years, there is a lot of demand for pastel colour sarees too.”
Read more: Taking the saree to new heights: The designers and brands that are doing it
Rich and bold colours
Deva says customers should decide on what saree they like and confidence plays an important role when it comes to dressing up.
She says they try to inspire their customers to feel confident while encouraging them to challenge their normal necklines and blouse designs.
“In general terms of colours, we find that earthy tones and harmonised palettes are dominating the event scene these days. People are probably taking a page from Bollywood celebrity weddings as many of them use these hues and tones throughout their events. But when Deepavali rolls around, we take it as a festive opportunity to unleash a burst of colour and break away from the bland daily choices of our everyday clothes.”
As the festive season approaches, there will always be a demand for unique designs and comfortable fabrics, say Sangeetha.
“It’s all about finding that perfect balance between looking grand and feeling at ease.”
Yessh says the current trends in Indian ethnic wear focus on rich, vibrant colours and intricate handwork.
“For this Deepavali season, we’ve seen a rising demand for bold hues like royal blue, deep red, and emerald green. Gold and silver thread work are also trending, adding a touch of regal opulence to sarees and lehengas.”
“Additionally, modern brides and fashion-forward customers are gravitating towards fusion designs, where traditional Indian elements are mixed with contemporary cuts and silhouettes. Fabrics like Kanjivaram silk and Banarasi brocade are still in high demand, and we’ve noticed a growing interest in sustainable and artisanal products that tell a story through their craftsmanship.”
Confidence and comfort
What about those who are choosing their first traditional look, be it for visiting or a glamorous event?
“If you’re dipping your toes into the beautiful world of Indian fashion for the first time, we suggest embracing the elegance of a ready-made saree. This chic and hassle-free option allows you to experience the beauty of the fabric without the intricacies required for draping (think of it as the clip-on tie of traditional wear), says Deva.
She says that if you’re confused on what blouse designs and shapes to go for, use what you know and have worn before as a benchmark, before experimenting.
“It’s always important to have a good discussion with your tailor on your blouse designs before work starts to make sure everyone is on the same page.”
Mir recommends starting with a classic saree or kurti, particularly in cotton or lightweight silk, as it is an easy and versatile piece that can be styled in various ways.
“If draping a saree feels intimidating, a pre-stitched saree or a lehenga with a matching blouse offers a more convenient yet elegant option. For more casual wear, kurtis paired with leggings or palazzos are perfect. My tip for beginners is to focus on comfort first – choose fabrics that feel light and breathable, especially for events that may last several hours.”
He also says to accessorise appropriately as a simple saree can be elevated with traditional jewellery like jhumkas or bangles.
“Most importantly, wear your outfit with confidence. Indian ethnic wear is all about celebrating individuality and culture, so embrace the beauty of these timeless garments.”
If you’re new to traditional attire, Sangeetha says the key is comfort.
Choose between a beautiful saree and or a sharara suit from Choli By Mydesistyle. Photo: The Star/GLENN GUAN“Opt for fabrics that feel good against your skin and designs that allow you to move freely. When it comes to sarees, the main issue for newbies is not knowing how to drape it and they can consider choosing a ready made option. This way, you can enjoy the elegance of a saree without the worry of complicated draping techniques.”
Read more: Modern and colourful, fashion in Malaysia reflects the diversity of its people
Do’s and don’ts
“If it’s your first time attending an Indian cultural or religious event, check with the hosts on restrictions for things such as colour or if you need to cover up,” says Naviraj.
“Otherwise, let your personality shine through by having a little fun with your outfit design, and don’t opt for anything boring.”
“Indian traditional clothing has evolved beautifully over the decades, blending Indian heritage with modern styling and adaptations, and we love it when its being worn right by many people of different cultures and backgrounds in a nation like ours,” he says.
When it comes to accessorising, Sangeetha says keep it simple.
“Choose accessories that enhance your look without overwhelming it. Comfort matters too, so opt for fabrics that feel good against your skin and allow for easy movement.”
She cautions that when purchasing a silk or expensive saree, it’s essential that you buy from a reputable seller as the market is flooded with replicas that can be misleading.
Yessh suggests experimenting with colours as she says Indian traditional wear allows you to play with bold and vibrant shades, so don’t be afraid to explore different colour palettes.
“Do ensure your outfit is tailored to fit well. Whether it’s a saree or a lehenga, the right fit can make all the difference in how the outfit looks and feels.”
Accessories should be appropriate, she adds, and traditional jewellery, whether statement pieces or subtle accents, can complement your outfit beautifully.
It is also good to look for either matching or contrasting your jewellery with your attire.
Choosing the right fabrics and designs for the occasion are also important, as she says lighter fabrics like cotton or linen are perfect for daytime events, while heavier silks and brocades are ideal for evening or formal occasions.
Don’t over accessorise, as while it’s tempting to go all our with jewellery, balance is key, says Mir: “Pick one statement piece, like a necklace or earrings, and keep the rest subtle.”
Draping is also important as the way you drape your saree or dupatta can drastically change your look so make sure it’s done properly.
And don’t mix too many colours and accessories.
“If your saree or lehenga has a bold design, keep the accessories and makeup minimal to avoid overwhelming the look.”
Finally, he says not to forget the comfort factor as it’s important to be comfortable in what you’re wearing.
“Choose outfits that you can move freely in, especially if you’re attending long events or celebrations.”
Mir says by following these tips, you can confidently wear traditional outfits that not only reflect cultural heritage but also make you look and feel your best.
