Best styles for dandiya night: Fun fusion outfit ideas for navratri’s dandiya celebrations

With just a few days left before Navratri wraps up, it's time to dress up, grab your dandiyas, and celebrate! If you’re stressing about what to wear for the Dandiya Garba festivals, now is the perfect time to refresh your festive looks, especially since the initial days have already passed.

Dandiya without ethnic attire may not feel like a festival, but if traditional options like sarees or ghagra cholis aren’t your style, consider fusion wear. Suggests fashion designer Kanupriya, a stylist at Latin Quarters, Delhi, “Fusion wear combines comfort and style, allowing you to dance the night away with ease.” She insists that if heavy fabrics feel burdensome, get creative with outfits that blend elegance and freedom. “As the last days of Dandiya celebrations approach, you find a huge footfall at the pandals and dandia-garba nights. Wearing heavy sarees or lehengas can be uncomfortable in such conditions,” she says, adding, “Instead, mix contemporary with traditional outfits for a fun and effortless look.”

Kanupriya suggests the following fashion trends, which combine the best of tradition and contemporary styles, for your wardrobe: 

• Shirt and skirt: For a fusion look, wear a pristine button-down shirt knotted at the waist with a flowing long skirt. Choose a lighter shade for the shirt to beautifully contrast with the bold colors of the skirt, achieving a subtle yet sophisticated aesthetic. To enhance the ensemble with a touch of ethnic elegance, adorn yourself with striking silver jewelry, such as chunky necklaces or oxidised earrings. Don’t forget to complete your look with juttis embellished with glasswork for ultimate comfort while dancing.

• Denim twist: Give your traditional look a fresh twist by pairing a cropped denim jacket with a classic lehenga. The casual vibe of the denim contrasts beautifully with the elegance of the lehenga, creating a stylish blend of modern and ethnic styles. Complete the outfit with colorful bangles and embroidered juttis for a lively pop of color and texture. If your denim jacket features lovely embroidery, it becomes a sone pe suhaga moment! This combination is perfect for anyone who wants to stand out while enjoying the comfort needed to dance the night away.

• Crop top: Transform your festive look with a stunning embroidered crop top paired with high-waisted dhoti pants. These dhoti pants are an ideal choice for Garba dance, perfectly blending comfort, style, and cultural significance, allowing you to enjoy the energetic twirls and footwork of Garba without any hindrance. To enhance your outfit, drape a flowy dupatta over your shoulder, adding a touch of elegance and nostalgia. Complete your dazzling look with eye-catching earrings and a chic pair of ballet flats.

• Flowy dress: A long, flowy party dress is all you need for a fusion look this Navratri. Don’t wait, start looking for one adorned with sequins to reflect the festive vibe. To give your outfit an ethnic touch, consider layering it with a bright dupatta or a bold, embroidered jacket. Complete your look with silver jewelry, like statement jhumkas or bangles, and don’t forget a black bindi to make your style both beautiful and perfect for the exciting dandiya nights.