Sonali Bendre’s mocha moment is ideal for quiet luxury aesthetic

The foundation of Sonali Bendre's outfit was a pair of beige striped pleated pants there were wide-legged, high-waisted, and softly tailored (Image: @iamsonalibendre/Instagram)

At a recent promotional event for her new book, Bollywood veteran Sonali Bendre charmed her fans with refined minimalism and her signature smile. With a look that artfully merged comfort, polish, and trend-conscious styling, the 90s heart throb won the casual chic look for the day by pairing earthy brown shades.

Known for her understated sartorial sense, the actress stayed true to her signature style sheet, but looked inspired by the quiet luxury colour codes and picked the stuble shades of beige, mocha, and cocoa to create a super chic look for elevated everyday dressing.

Sonali’s outfit felt thoughtfully composed, with each piece chosen to complement not just the palette, but the tone of the event itself. In a subtle nod to Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year – Mocha – she anchored her colour theme in neutral hues inspired by warm coffee tones to create a monochromatic look with striking pieces.

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Rooted in everyday textures but elevated by silhouette and detail, the foundation of her outfit was a pair of beige striped pleated pants there were wide-legged, high-waisted, and softly tailored. Far from the confines of pleated formal pants or a casual pair of denim, the Korean style pants offered a versatile base that felt professional and relaxed. Paired with a casual brown tee, the look avoided fuss, instead leaning into the subtle power of tone-on-tone dressing.

Layered over the base was a mocha-hued fluid, collarless, and open-front shrug to add movement and depth without overwhelming the outfit. The layering brought a chic effect to the transitional daywear, ideal for events that call for a polished appearance without sacrificing comfort.

With going overboard with accessories, Sonali wore a statement pendant rested at the centre of the outfit to break the tonal consistency with a hint of metallic shine. Gold earrings added just the right amount of bling, paired with slim brown leather belt that subtly cinched the waist. Her choice of formal slip-on platform shoes furthered the grounded, androgynous vibe, enhancing the boho-luxe undertone of the look without feeling costume-like.

While the outfit played with earth tones and relaxed tailoring, the beauty look was equally aligned with the theme. Sonali opted for a clean, radiant base with a natural glow. Subtle contouring along the cheekbones and nose lent definition, while her matte pink lips balanced the warmth of the mocha tones. The use of kajal added a traditional touch to the otherwise contemporary makeup, creating a soft, lived-in eye that worked seamlessly with the neutral palette.

Her shoulder-length bob, styled with soft curls and tinted with amber highlights, framed her face gently, offering a sense of ease and softness. The hair perfectly mirrored the easy elegance of the outfit. What stood out most about this look wasn’t just the harmony of colours or the balance of casual and chic, but the seamless idea of looking influential in understated luxury.