Festival capsule wardrobe: Golden palazzos, colourful dupattas, ethnic shrugs are must-haves

Golden bottoms are luxurious and can elevate any outfit. (Image: Canva)

If you are thinking of buying new clothes for the festive season, having a plan will help you not only maximise your outfits, it also help you save money, consume less, and reduce the stress of putting together outfits.

Do you often go shopping, buy the clothes that you like, and then come home and realise you can’t wear the outfit more than once because it doesn’t match with anything else? Creating some essential capsule pieces will help you stay more organised with your wardrobe and create more outfits.

Creating a capsule wardrobe for Indian wear is all about versatility and style, as it helps you select some key pieces that you can mix and match to create numerous outfits suitable for a variety of occasions. So instead of picking out a blouse every time for a new saree or wondering what to pair with a new kurta you just bought, having these key pieces in your wardrobe will remove the stress of dressing.

So let’s delve into the key pieces you need in your Indian wardrobe that will help you stay organised and still look stylish this festive season. This list was curated by Kinnari Jain from @thepearshapedshylist on her Instagram page.

Golden bottoms

• Key piece: A pair of golden palazzos or churidars.
• Why it works: Golden bottoms are luxurious and can elevate any outfit. They pair beautifully with a range of colours and styles, making them a versatile choice for both casual and festive occasions.
• Styling tip: Pair your golden bottoms with a simple kurta or a statement blouse to let them shine. Consider fabrics like silk or brocade for a more opulent look.

• Key piece: a fitted golden blouse with intricate detailing.
• Why it works: A golden blouse can add elegance and sophistication to any saree or lehenga. Its shimmering quality makes it perfect for festive events.
• Styling tip: Wear it with a contrasting saree, such as deep maroon or emerald green, for a striking look. Add statement earrings to complete the ensemble.

• Key piece: A black blouse embellished with sequins or beading.
• Why it works: A black bling blouse is a versatile piece that can be paired with a variety of sarees and skirts. Its sparkle adds a touch of glamour, making it ideal for evening events and parties.
• Styling tip: Combine it with a bright-coloured saree (like fuchsia or royal blue) to create a chic contrast. Opt for bold makeup to complement the bling.

Colourful dupattas

• Key piece: A collection of vibrant phulkari or Banarasi dupattas in different colours and fabrics.
• Why it works: Colourful dupattas can transform any outfit and add a festive touch. Choose dupattas with embroidery, prints, or mirror work for added flair.
• Styling tip: Drape a colourful dupatta over a simple kurta or Anarkali to elevate your look. You can also use it as a scarf or headwrap for a modern twist.

• Key piece: An ethnic shrug, jacket, or embroidered vest in a complementary colour to your outfits.
• Why it works: ethnic shrugs, jackets, or embroidered vests are perfect for layering and can add a stylish element to your attire. They are great for transitioning between day and night events.
• Styling tip: Choose a jacket with embellishments or intricate embroidery and pair it with a simple outfit to create a balanced look. This layering technique also keeps you comfortable in varying temperatures.