Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Traditional upgrade alert: 5 contemporary ethnic styles for the festive season

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| etimes.in | Last updated on - Aug 27, 2025, 22:51 IST
Comments
Share
1/6

Swap the saree 101 for these fusion picks!

Dressing for the festive season is one of those activities that gets every woman all excited and riled up at the same time. While the idea of arriving at festive gatherings is a chance to create a statement, the pressure to absolutely nail it can make you feel overwhelmed. This is especially true for the Gen Z crowd, who are still in the process of defining their personal style. Balancing modernity with core traditional aesthetics, draping a simple saree or slipping into an age-old anarkali is no longer the go-to choice. So, let’s put together a stunning line-up of contemporary ethnic outfits that scream iconic, aren’t a century old, and are far from basic.
2/6

Short kurti with gharara or lehenga skirt

Short kurtis are one of the things Gen Z is obsessed with. As they are back with a bang and are available with a corset-fitted bodice, you can uplift this retro beat with a stunning lehenga or flared gharara skirt that will surely be tipping in favour of grandeur. These flared ghararas and lehengas have been all the rage for quite some time. Team them with sleeveless short kurtis and throw in a stylish cape or matching dupatta, which will be an instant hit.


(Image Credits: Pinterest)

3/6

Corset with draped full-length skirt

Every Gen Z is utterly obsessed with corsets. From corset gowns to blouse designs, we can see the cinched waistline detailing in full-length suits and ethnic sets, which neatly accentuates one’s curves, creating a lean illusion. Therefore, have a taste of something new and opt for a stunning full-length corset top, and drape it with a pleated skirt. This combination is great for the festive run and ticks all the boxes of being youthful, sophisticated, and modern traditionalist.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

4/6

Concept sarees are the ultimate thing

Gone are the days of draping six yards of drape with a matching blouse in the usual way. Gen Z always prefers to keep things fast yet statement-worthy, and these pre-draped concept sarees can be your ultimate muse. Opt for pre-draped Banarasi sarees with a sleek pallu show, which accentuates your curves and also showcases the embroidery and detailing of your blouse. You can also opt for frill-style layered concept sarees that come with a sense of ease and comfort, making them every Gen Z’s favourite.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

5/6

Enjoy the aura of lehenga sarees

Bollywood’s ‘Sundari’, Janhvi Kapoor, has made the half-saree trend go viral in the Northern states. Known as Pavadai Dhavani, Langa Voni, and Langa Dhavani in Southern states, this South Indian half saree mainly features a lehenga skirt with a matching choli and a dupatta that is styled like a saree’s pallu. Often drenched in bright shades with statement golden borders, you can now opt for a colourful palette with floral motifs that will look perfect for the festive season.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

6/6

Traditional jumpsuits for the run

Traditional jumpsuits may sound odd, but they are a current rage amongst the Bollywood celebrities. Opt for a flattering traditional silhouette with a sharp V-neckline and flared bottom detailing that guarantees ease of movement. Combining the East and West's luxury with comfort, ethnic jumpsuits can easily be worn at weddings, festivities, and other celebrations, offering you the best of both worlds.
(Image Credits: Pinterest)

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In lifestyle
  • Leonardo DiCaprio is Hollywood's quiet powerhouse: 4 personality traits that made him a megastar
  • Optical illusion personality test: Eyes, trees, two faces? What you see first reveals if you are an introvert, extrovert or too sensitive
  • "Kya woh abhi bhi sadkon par...?" Why Anand Mahindra wants to connect with this young child
  • NEET re-test: How parents can help children ‘peak’ again
  • 5 iconic Bollywood bedrooms that still live rent-free in our minds and were every teenager’s dream
  • R. Madhavan's home is a blend of Indian soul and modern ease: Art inspirations to take away
  • His father was an IIT graduate; Shaurya Shikhar couldn't crack IIT-JEE – at 26, he surprised him with a ₹55 lakh BMW
  • Motivational quote of the day by Narayana Murthy: "Progress is often equal to..."
  • Quote of the day by Michelangelo: "Beauty is the purgation of superfluities"
Photostories
  • 5 of the most unique road systems from around the world every traveller should experience at least once
  • 5 budget-friendly countries Indians can visit this July
  • 5 iconic Bollywood bedrooms that still live rent-free in our minds and were every teenager’s dream
  • Brahminy blind snake: Meet the world’s “flowerpot snake” that secretly travels through plant soil
  • Stop selling samosas and jhal muri in newspapers: Why FSSAI warns against the decades-old food packaging practice
  • Meet Aslam, the multitalented rickshaw wala of Chandni Chowk leaving tourists speechless with his fluent German, Italian and Spanish
  • Walk-in vs modular closets: Which closet design makes busy workday mornings less chaotic?
  • 5 succulents that can make even the smallest rental apartment look stylish
  • From humidity control to airflow: Top 6 expert tips to keep your home fresh during travel
Explore more Stories
  • 6
    5 of the most unique road systems from around the world every traveller should experience at least once
  • 6
    5 budget-friendly countries Indians can visit this July
  • 6
    5 iconic Bollywood bedrooms that still live rent-free in our minds and were every teenager’s dream
  • 10
    9 iconic snakes of India's Western and Eastern Ghats
  • 6
    5 snake parks in India where travellers can spot rare and venomous species and how to reach them
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Life & Style
  • /
  • Fashion
  • /
  • Style Guide
  • /
  • Traditional upgrade alert: 5 contemporary ethnic styles for the festive season
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © Jun 8, 2026, 01.42PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service