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It’s that time of the year again when for nine days and nights, our lives are going to be colourful and vibrant. Navratri season is more than just dancing to Falguni Pathak’s songs, having fun with your friends and family, and gorging on delicious food – it is time to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Our near and dear ones come together to celebrate this time with exuberance and merriment. The nine days of Navratri also come with the added joy of wearing colourful, bedazzled, and gorgeous outfits that get their moment during this season.
Let’s look at 10 Navratri dress ideas for ladies who are trying to make heads turn as they swirl to the traditional folk songs and contemporary Bollywood music on the Garba floor. These outfit suggestions are super comfortable and make for picture-perfect moments when you step onto the Garba floor. But before we begin, let’s understand exactly why we celebrate Navratri.
Importance Of Navratri
The Navratri season symbolises the victory of goddess Durga over Maheshasura, a celebration of the quintessential good over evil. It is also a harvest festival embodying the giving spirit of Goddess Durga and the motherly love that holds life and all its creation. The battle between Durga and Mahishasura took over nine days, which is where the festival gets its name from – Nav meaning nine and Ratri meaning nights. Additionally, every day of this festival is assigned a colour that embodies the different qualities of the goddess.
During these nine days, clothing and jewellery really take centre stage. The nine different themes, colours, and values are incorporated into the outfits. These outfits are a physical manifestation of the essence of the day and we love everything about it. Not only do we get to play with colours, but it’s a beautiful way to honour your culture and tradition. From classic Chaniya Choli to modern denim outfits, the options are endless when it comes to Navratri dress ideas. So let’s look at a few of them below.
10 Navratri Outfit Ideas
1. Traditional Chaniya Choli
A Chaniya Choli, which is ubiquitous to Navratri, originated from the western parts of Gujarat. The main feature of this ensemble is the flared ghagra (circle skirt) that reaches the ankle and looks graceful when spinning in circles during garba. It also includes a matching cinched choli and a vibrant dupatta that you can drape for a bold or modest look based on personal preference.
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2. Patola Sarees
If your vibe is more sophisticated and poise, opt for Patola sarees that feature patterns popular in the Patan region of Gujarat. A pure silk Patola saree is handwoven to create intricate patterns that cannot be replicated making them unique and exclusive. If you are not one to step on the dance floor and wish to simply attend a Navratri event, then make this silk patola your first choice.
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3. Lehenga Choli
If you want a more regal look than a Gharga Choli, then make lehenga choli your outfit of the season. It consists of a long pleated skirt that reaches the ankles and offers more flare when you swirl. It is more voluminous and regal than the traditional Chaniya Choli.
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4. Crop Top With Pants
A navratri outfit idea that works as appropriate during the day and night? Sign me up! Wearing denim jeans with a traditional-style crop top is popular among the Gen-Z. It gives the comfort and freedom to be out and about during the day, and helps smoothly transition for parties at night. Pair it with the right jewellery and you will have yourself an Indo-Western outfit for all possible occasions.
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5. Anarkali
If you want the flare of a lehenga but the comfort of a lightweight kurta, then Anarkali sets are the perfect choice. They add a royal touch to the festive look, offering an underrated fusion wear moment. Anarkalis are also flattering on all body types and help create a flattering silhouette.
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6. Kimono
If you love a comfy, cool, and relaxed ensemble, then a Navratri-inspired Kimono is for you. It falls elegantly on your body and leaves room for flexibility and style. When paired with a simple inner and pants, Kimonos can really rock the show for a fun-filled Garba night.
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7. Crop Top With Skirt
Skirts with traditional Indian prints and motifs are extremely versatile. They not only look good with a matching ethnic top or blouse but also look stunning with Western crop tops or shirts. You can style a bright red skirt with a simple solid tee, some traditional jewellery, vibrant makeup, and some flowers in your hair for the perfect Garba look.
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8. Sharara
Sharara suits bring old Bollywood vibes with their extravagant fabric and magnificent embroidery patterns. A traditional Navratri celebration with Garba performances truly calls for a retro aesthetic that screams glamour.
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9. Dhoti Pants
Inspired by traditional Maharashtrian attire, this dhoti avatar for Navratri is one for the books. It combines the ease of movement and the elegance of the festive season. The Dhoti is a unisex bottom wear choice, but these days, a dhoti pant looks so much better as part of women’s fashion.
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10. Silk Sarees
Saving my personal favourite for last – a classic silk saree that exudes sophistication and class no matter where you are. The perfect way to ace the festive season, a silk saree makes for a grand outfit for celebrations.
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Tips To Accessorise Navratri Looks
No matter what outfit you choose, you need to have your accessory game in place to really bring the outfit together. Here are a few tips you can remember to take your Navratri outfit game to the next level.
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Jewellery
Silver and gold oxidised jewellery such as earrings, kamarbandh, bangles, maangtika, and neck chains really take centre stage during the Navratri season because they represent the traditional jewellery worn for generations in India. They also won’t stain or lose colour when in contact with bodily fluids like sweat when you are dancing your heart out.
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Footwear
We recommend comfortable flat footwear such as juttis, mojaris, or kholapuri sandals that help you stay on foot the whole night while also looking festive. If you are a fan of incorporating Western elements with ethnic looks, opt for embellished sneakers for the ultimate comfort levels.
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Bags
If you are going to be dancing all night, you need a safe space to hold your phones, cash, and makeup. Sensible bags such as embroidered totes, or cloth clutches are the way to go.
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Makeup
Wear waterproof and lightweight mascara so you can look and feel amazing without it melting away as you slay on the dance floor.
Parting Thoughts
These 10 Navratri outfit ideas are going to make the festive season a little easier and help you plan your outfits. You can now wear a different outfit every day and look your best for Instagram-worthy photos. Fashion is a big part of Navratri season because this is the time for you to showcase your style in different avatars reflecting the different avatars of Goddess Durga.
FAQs
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What type of jewellery complements a Navratri outfit?
Chunky silver jewellery pieces complement Navratri outfits the best. Shiny or oxidised silver earrings, waist band, necklaces, bangles, and rings look beautiful when paired with vibrant and colourful Navratri outfits.
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How do I choose the right footwear for my Navratri outfit?
Opt for flat juttis, mojaris, or kholapuri sandals when it comes to choosing the right footwear for Navratri outfits. They are the perfect combination of style and comfort.
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Why do we wear Navratri colours?
Each Navratri colour symbolises a different quality of the goddess Durga. By adorning these colours throughout the nine days, we embrace and celebrate the virtues of the goddess and honour her spirit.
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Can I wear black for Navratri?
Wearing any colour is a personal choice and there are no strict rules for Navratri. However, black is usually associated with impurity, death, and mourning in Indian culture. Navratri is a festival of victory, joy, and hopefulness hence, black is usually avoided.