If you never miss a Bollywood movie or often find yourself quoting dialogues, there’s a chance you’re throwing or attending a Bollywood-themed party. For all you filmy divas, we’ve curated a list of stunning costume ideas for parties that will help you stand out at any movie-theme-related party. Some of these looks are also wearable and can be sneaked in for non-themed parties as well. So, keep reading as we break down these iconic looks from even more iconic movies. Veteran actor Mumtaz wore this fitted orange saree while singing Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche (1968) and both the song and the ensemble remain iconic to this day – even Sonam Kapoor recreated the retro look for a Bollywood party. It’s all about the unique retro drape, which utilises the border of the saree to create a flattering silhouette. Recreate it with the Zari Jaipur orange saree that has a sequinned border for the ideal look. You can wear it with the top-rated Fida kundan earrings that have a similar look to the one Mumtaz originally wore or opt for a contemporary style like Sonam.
If you really think about it, the song Jooma Chumma De De (1991) taught us about consent without trying – even if they promised a kiss last Friday, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to ask again! This casual fit inspired by the outfit is perfect if you prefer a laidback look and can be worn by anyone, opening up the opportunity for a couple’s costumes with your boo, bro, or bestie. All you need is a loose-fit white shirt and a black shacket from the popular denim brand Pepe Jeans (you can also try this shacket for men). The comfy cotton red scarf from Style Quotient is a non-negotiable to complete this look.
It’s mandatory to say ‘Shiva’ every 5 minutes while wearing this ensemble. Now that we have that cleared, let’s get into how you can recreate this easy-to-style look seen on Alia Bhatt in Brahmastra (2022). You will have to start with a V-neck white top, like this super soft silk top from Baesic Clothing and pair it with this top-rated long shrug from Sera in red. You can wear this with fitted jeans like Alia or opt for any neutral dark-coloured bottoms you have on hand.
This image broke the internet when Karan Johar dropped it and just proves how Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) will forever be a part of Bollywood. Yes, this movie was about Rahul and Anjali but here we want to focus on Rani Mukherjee’s character Tina. There’s no denying she had ‘main character’ vibes from the get-go and deserves the recognition. Wear the sequined mini bodycon dress from Sera, which is made using a responsible production process and will flatter your curves. While Gauri Khan wears nude pumps, we love going all-out and recommend wearing the top-rated RSVP by Nykaa Fashion silver block heels that match the OG look.
While Kajol wore several cute looks in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), this bold look stands out as it shows a different side of her character. Recreate this with the top-rated Cider Midi Dress, which matches the shade and cut of Kajol’s dress perfectly – compared with the sultry side slit. The round-toe block heels from Twenty Dresses by Nykaa Fashion which has received high praise from reviewers are the ideal match with this look and will help you stay comfortable as you dance the night away. While Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum (2001) is a cult favourite Bollywood movie, this look introducing Poo has its separate fan base. Dazzle everyone with this look by wearing the stylist’s pick sequined top from Twenty Dresses by Nykaa Fashion. Pair it with the highly rated faux tan leather skirt from RSVP by Nykaa Fashion. If you want to go the extra mile, complete the look with a pink bag and a matching fur scarf. Like Poo would say, what are you waiting for? Christmas? We can all relate to crying over what a mess life is after a few “beverages” – it’s a sign of a good party. This raw relatability is why Kangana Ranaut’s “Mera toh itna life kharab ho gaya … ” monologue from Queen (2013) became a pop culture moment. The look she’s wearing is super easy to recreate and you may own some of these elements already. For the printed kurti, we recommend the Globus light blue kurta that has a similar print and neck design and is made of comfortable cotton material for daily use. Wear it with oversized jeans to complete the look. The cardigan from Soch will match your ethnic and Western wear perfectly while keeping you warm.
Looking for more ideas? Explore iconic Bollywood saree looks here for more inspiration. Remember to have fun, that’s what this is all about anyway.
What should I wear to a Bollywood theme party? Bollywood theme parties are usually all about vibrant clothing and extravagant fits. You can choose to recreate outfits seen in the many iconic characters from movies or pick a bright-coloured outfit to match the lively high-powered energy of Bollywood.
What is the Bollywood theme or style? Bollywood theme or style is all about exuding glamour and the distinctive dramatic looks of Indian cinema. You can pick from the opulence of the old-school 60s to 80s, casual chic looks from the 90s, or contemporary ensembles from the 2000s. Retro Bollywood includes the fashion trends seen during the 1960s and 70s. It includes colourful polka dots, large bug-eye sunglasses, sequined dresses, and bold prints. You can refer to outfits seen in the movies from this period or Zoya Akhtar’s Archies (2023) for inspiration.
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FAQs
What is the Bollywood retro theme?
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