Ah! Diwali. There’s so much to love about the festival: from sharing sweets and gifts with loved ones to illuminating the whole house with strings of lights, candles, and diyas; from going all out with rich, decadent dishes to decking up the hall with colorful rangoli and expressing creativity, joy – and love – through crazy crackers in the sky.

And then, of course, the reason to don the most dazzling outfit for the festival further enriches the mood of celebrations. The excitement is unreal but so is the struggle to pick the perfect dress for the occasion. If you’re like me, who always panics at the last minute deciding what or what not to wear, you’ve come to the right place.

So, for you to look your best, we’ve compiled a list of seven gorgeous Indian ethnic wear ideas you can opt to wear this festive season. From glamorous lehengas to sizzling sarees, here’s what trending and what’s not.

Trending Diwali Outfit Ideas 2023

1. Crop Top and Palazzos

Palazzo pants are wide-legged trousers that are often paired with a matching or contrasting Kurta.  If you’re blessed with a slim waistline, why not make a statement by combining palazzo pants with an ethnic crop top? Trending hot this season, crop top and palazzo pants combo will not only make you stand out but your natural silhouette will also come out very well on this style.

Tip: Look for styles with embroidery, foil work, and embellishments that go well with the spirit of the festive season.

• Dhoti Pants with Short Kurtis/Tops

If you’re a young woman with a taste for fashion, then you must add these dhoti pants with a crop top or short kurti to your ethnic wear collection. Highly stylish and fashion-forward, these dhoti pants look absolutely stunning on young girls.

Tip: For a perfect festive look, layer your crop top and dhoti pants with a long jacket or designer dupatta.

• Sharara Suits

If you want a stylish yet traditional look, then Sharara suits are the perfect pick for you. Available in a wide variety of styles and designs, sharara suits are the rage this season. Depending upon your taste and style, you can pair these flared pants with a long kurta, crop top, or short kurta for an appealing ensemble.

Tip: Opt for sharara suits in vibrant colors and intricate patterns featuring embroidery and embellishments to create a regal look for the festival.

• Ruffle Saree

Looking for a one-of-a-kind yet sensational outfit for Diwali? A ruffle saree is your best pick.

Artistically designed with ruffles, flares, and twisted swirls, a ruffle saree will make you look effortlessly glamorous in no time. And if you’re already a saree lover, then ruffle saree is the way to go. Give your traditional drape a miss and opt for this contemporary ethnic swathe to stun everyone with your style sense.

• Lehenga with Peplum Top

When it comes to looking dazzling and ethereal, nothing can beat the regal charm of a traditional lehenga choli. If you like flamboyant styles, you should start looking for a lehenga set right away. And a lehenga set with a peplum top that accentuates all your curves without baring much skin, now isn’t that a dream pick for a festive occasion like Diwali?

Even for those girls who love wearing a lehenga but still want to look different and stylish, combining a lehenga with a peplum top is your best bet. Cinched at the waist with a ruffle that flounces out from the waistline, the style looks extremely flattering on young girls.

Tip: Choose a lehenga with intricate embellishments, such as mirror work or zari embroidery for a bedazzling festive look.

• Ethnic Co-Ord Sets

If you’re a modern girl who doesn’t want to compromise on her comfort and style, then these ethnic co-ord sets are an ideal choice for you. Made from the same material or fabric, a co-ord set is a two-piece set of clothing designed to give you a uniform look.

Versatile in style and high on comfort, these co-ord sets can make any body type look appealing and attractive. No wonder, ethnic co-ord sets are gaining huge popularity among women of all age groups and tastes.

Tip: Accessorize your co-ord set with a pair of chunky earrings, bracelets, stylish footwear, and a clutch bag for a head-turning appeal.

• Anarkali with Front Slit

Hello, classics! The Anarkali style has been around ever since the Mughal times! After all, it is such a versatile style that looks good on any occasion and body type. To give this classic attire a modern twist you can opt for a front slit Anarkali kurta/gown.

A front slit Anarkali kurta with its contemporary cut and royal vibe will make sure you stand out from the crowd with class and poise.

Tip: Pair it with pencil heels and jhoomar-style kundan earrings to reach the zenith of modern ethnic sophistication.

So, this is my collection of trending Diwali outfit ideas for 2023. Hope you enjoyed reading and found the list useful. As for me, since we have a newlywed couple in our family celebrating their first Diwali, I have decided to go all loud and flashy this time with a heavily embroidered peplum lehenga choli.

Which style did you like the best for this upcoming Diwali? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I would love to know about your best Diwali outfit ideas and how you dressed for the festival.

Coming to my outfit, I got my lehenga designed and customized online from the House of Panchhi. I’ll be sharing the pics of this outfit soon on my Instagram handle. Stay tuned!