Ethnic fashion tips for kids: This festival season, keep them light, playful, and packed with personality

Festive outfits for children: This festive season, let the kids be the main characters in their own little stories, dressed in outfits that are festive, fuss-free, and functional (Images: The Mom Store)

This festive season, children’s ethnic fashion is all about marrying comfort with tradition. Lightweight fabrics like cotton and cotton-silk blends are leading the way — not just for their breathability in warmer climates, but also for their elegant drape and photogenic appeal. These materials help kids stay cool and happy during long hours of celebration, without compromising on style.

While adults may be willing to trade comfort for aesthetics, kids are always in motion, even in the middle of a photo shoot! Offering a modern twist on classic styles works best for kids’ festive wear, says Surbhi Bhatia, founder of the fashion label The Mom Store. “The trending colours for this season include pastel hues like lavender, aqua and also metallic tones like rose gold, silver, metal blue using sustainable dyes and handcrafted detailing such as block prints and mirror work, which are also making a comeback. For boys, kurta-pajama sets with Nehru jackets or embroidered pathani suits are popular, while girls can be seen in lehenga-choli sets, shararas, or anarkalis with lightweight dupattas. Gender-neutral options like dhoti sets or fusion Indo-western styles (e.g., kurta with trousers) are gaining popularity too,” she says.

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Mindful dressing:

There’s a visible shift toward mindful dressing in children’s fashion, where parents are looking beyond the single-use sparkle. Smart investments today lean towards pieces that are reusable, adjustable, and even shareable within families. It’s not just about the look anymore but about the lifecycle of the garment. Bhatia adds, “When shopping for festive kidswear, wise investment means choosing pieces that combine durability, adaptability, and timeless appeal. Children outgrow clothing quickly, so prioritize breathable linings, and adjustable waists or drawstrings that can be used for multiple occasions. Even among siblings, one can mix and match with other sets of clothing. Also if you maintain the clothing well, you could always pass down the clothing to other young members of the family and keep up our traditional ways of family set up where people always used to wear hand me downs.”

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There’s also a conscious effort to support local craft and sustainability in children’s festive wardrobes. “Consider supporting local artisans or sustainable brands offering high-quality, handcrafted festive wear with resale or hand-me-down value. A slightly higher initial investment often pays off if the outfit holds up beautifully after multiple wears or can be passed on,” says Bhatia.

This festive season, let the kids be the main characters in their own little stories, dressed in outfits that are festive, fuss-free, and functional. And if there’s one golden rule parents shouldn’t forget: comfort trumps all. An unhappy, fidgety child in an uncomfortable outfit can take the joy out of any celebration. Always choose breathable fabrics and fits that allow room to move, even if it means simplifying the design.