November ushers in the wedding season. As the air gets cooler, you can feel the festive spirit spread through the nation, and looking your best is just a given. From the ever-glamorous sequins to the empowering allure of pantsuits, sharply tailored sherwani's to tuxedo sets, this year's festive fashion is all about celebrating in style. Move beyond the restrictive contours of cinched clothing and look towards more relaxed and anti-fit silhouettes that are a perfect blend of style, comfort and design. When it comes to wedding fashion, 2024 is a year of revolution, where old styles have been given a new twist, and modern designs are also making a statement.
This season's overarching trend is the blend of tradition with modern sophistication. Brides and grooms are gravitating towards comfort, pastels, and bold splashes of colour. While the iconic bridal red remains timeless, we’re seeing a striking emergence of sheer fabrics and sequins for men, alongside corset blouses and co-ord sets leading the way in women’s couture. To stay ahead of the curve, we decode the top trends for the season.
The 2024 festive season is a celebration of tradition meeting modernity. Designers across the board are focusing on blending rich cultural heritage with contemporary flair. From rich colours to intricate embroideries, this season’s styles offer something for everyone. We spoke to Suneet Varma, Manish Malhotra, Abraham & Thakore, and Dolly J.
Blending Tradition with Contemporary Flair
Suneet Varma believes this season is all about merging tradition with a touch of modern elegance. "Draped sarees with structured blouses, layered lehengas, and asymmetrical tunics paired with shararas present an effortless blend of elegance and comfort," says Varma. He adds that structured jackets give traditional attire a contemporary twist, allowing for versatile looks that cater to the evolving tastes of the modern Indian woman.
For Manish Malhotra, rich, vibrant colours are making a grand return, with deep reds, royal blues, and lush greens dominating the festive wardrobe. “Luxurious fabrics and elaborate embroidery, especially zardozi and sequins, take centre stage, adding opulence to every garment," he notes. Fluid silhouettes, including flowing lehengas, draped dupattas, and tissue saris, continue to be key, offering a harmonious balance between tradition and modern design.
Abraham & Thakore highlight the importance of colour this season. "A rich, deep palette of burgundy, rust, and aubergine provides a sophisticated alternative to the usual reds and pinks," they remark. These rich ones, complemented by gold accents, lend a luxurious touch to any festive outfit. Techniques like crewel embroidery, ikat, and bandhani-inspired prints add texture and depth, making every piece stand out.
Dolly J echoes these sentiments, stating that festive fashion in 2024 is all about dramatic layering and texture play. “We see timeless classics like sarees, lehengas, and anarkalis reinvented with sleek, modern cuts and innovative draping techniques.”
“This festive season is all about blending tradition with a modern twist. Draped sarees with structured blouses, layered lehengas, and asymmetrical tunics paired with shararas offer the perfect mix of elegance and comfort. Appliqué work with metallic foils is a must for 2024, adding glamour while keeping things light. The 2024 bride and groom are all about sophistication and individuality—she opts for luxurious, jewel-toned lehengas with soft metallics, while his look is all about refined cuts and understated grandeur. For the season, "more is more" is the memo, with opulent textures, lavish details, and dramatic silhouettes taking center stage. Trending silhouettes include asymmetrical tunics, 'Farshi' shararas, and draped sarees with corseted blouses in a color palette ranging from deep jewel tones like emerald and burgundy to soft hues like ice pink and pale grey. My go-to festive look? A richly draped saree in soft metallics with a structured corset blouse—it’s the perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern flair.” - Suneet Varma
Celebrating Indian Craftsmanship
Craftsmanship remains central to festive dressing in 2024. According to Abraham & Thakore, Benares silk brocades are quintessential for this year's celebrations. The intricate designs of brocade, alongside the timeless Tanchoi weaving technique, elevate both sarees and separates to a level of unparalleled luxury.
For Suneet Varma, appliqué work is a standout trend. "When crafted with metallic foils, this technique adds a glamorous yet lightweight touch, making it ideal for richly adorned but
comfortable pieces," Varma explains.
Manish Malhotra echoes this sentiment, advocating for the incorporation of handloom weaves and tissue saris into festive wardrobes. "Handloom weaves tell stories of meticulous craftsmanship and heritage, while tissue saris, with their delicate sheen, offer a touch of grandeur," says Malhotra. These fabrics, according to him, are perfect for those who want to celebrate India's artisanal legacy while embracing timeless elegance.
Dolly J too incorporates heritage into her designs through intricate Tilla and Kasab embroidery, pairing these traditional methods with modern silhouettes like embroidered waistcoats and shararas. She describes this as “the perfect fusion of heritage and modernity."
"This season, we're witnessing a splendid return to rich, vibrant colours like deep reds, royal blues, and lush greens, gracing luxurious fabrics. Embroidery is more elaborate than ever, with zardozi and sequin work taking centre stage, adding a sense of opulence to every garment. Fluid silhouettes remain prominent, with flowing lehengas, draped dupattas, and elegant tissue saris. Handloom weaves and tissue sarees are a must for the festivities. Handloom weaves embody the richness of Indian tradition, each piece telling a story of meticulous craftsmanship and heritage.Tissue sarees, with their ethereal quality and delicate sheen, add a touch of grandeur and sophistication, making them perfect for festive celebrations. Their lightweight nature and graceful drape ensure comfort while maintaining an air of elegance. These elements celebrate traditional artistry and embrace the timeless charm that continues to captivate and inspire." - Manish Malhotra
The 2024 Bride and Groom: A Sophisticated Approach
This season’s brides and grooms are stepping away from the conventional, opting for a look that marries heritage with modernity. Abraham & Thakore describe the 2024 couple as sophisticated minimalists. "They combine traditional handwoven textiles with subtle detailing and contemporary cuts, creating a fresh, timeless appeal," they note.
Suneet Varma adds that the 2024 bride exudes individuality, favouring luxurious jewel-toned lehengas adorned with intricate embellishments. The groom, he says, opts for elegant, understated designs that reflect India's sartorial richness while maintaining a modern edge.
For Manish Malhotra, the season is a celebration of rich, elaborate designs. "From deep reds and blues to soft pastels, there’s a renewed interest in opulent fabrics and intricate embroidery," he observes. Malhotra believes that the bride and groom’s attire should reflect their personal style, whether they prefer simplicity or grandeur.
"For my 2024 wedding vision, I envision delicate, ethereal tones and floral accents creating a dreamy, whimsical atmosphere, complemented by sleek, textured outfits for the groom that add a modern, refined touch," said Dolly J.
Less is more this season! After years of opulence and extravagance, this season’s focus shifts to understated sophistication. Delicate thread work, impeccable craftsmanship and classic cuts along with your personality shine through this season. My 2024 wedding vision combines soft, ethereal hues and florals for a whimsical feel, paired with sleek, textured groom wear for a modern touch. - Dolly J
Trending Silhouettes and Colour Palettes
This festive season sees a variety of silhouettes and colours that cater to both traditional and contemporary tastes.
Manish Malhotra highlights the popularity of flowing lehengas, sarees with long veils, and signature infinity blouses. "Ivory, rose pink, powder blue, and lavender create a romantic, modern look, while deep tones like Bordeaux and royal blue maintain a timeless charm," he explains.
Suneet Varma echoes this with his take on asymmetrical tunics, Farshi shararas, and draped sarees. The colour palette, ranging from jewel tones like emerald and burgundy to soft ice pinks and pale greys, offers something for every festive occasion.
Abraham & Thakore focus on easy-fit silhouettes that transition seamlessly from day to night. Their rich palette of burgundy, rust, aubergine, and cocoa, complemented by gold accents, adds a sophisticated yet understated elegance to the season’s wardrobe.
Dolly J highlights vibrant hues like eclectic blue, hot pink, and vibrant oranges, paired with lightweight sarees and embroidered waistcoats for a statement-making look.
A rich, deep colour palette is essential for the festive season. Shades like burgundy, rust, and aubergine bring a level of sophistication that feels like a fresh alternative to the usual reds and pinks. Saturated tones like cocoa, chocolate, and russet are also beautiful, especially when paired with gold accents. - Abraham & Thakore
Go-to Festive Looks
When it comes to their personal festive go-to styles, designers have distinct preferences. Abraham & Thakore recommend an embellished sari for women and a textured silk two-piece for men, offering a refined yet modern look.
Manish Malhotra opts for a classic, well-tailored kurta for the festive season, while Suneet Varma prefers a richly draped saree in soft metallic fabric, paired with a structured corset blouse—a perfect balance of tradition and contemporary style. This season, whether embracing minimalism or indulging in maximalist designs, the key is finding a look that resonates with personal style while celebrating the festive spirit.
Dolly J’s ideal festive look? A mix of traditional silhouettes with modern cuts that play with textures and layers to create a striking, unforgettable ensemble.
This festive season, we are seeing mix of traditional and contemporary styles. Structured draped sarees are my favourite for weddings, offering elegance and ease, while lehengas with exaggerated hems provide comfort without sacrificing glamour. Metallic threads and sequins are key details, symbolising luxury with a modern touch. For 2024, zardozi embroidery shines as a timeless craft that enhances festive wear, adding depth and luxury to any garment. The 2024 bride embodies understated elegance in soft hues like ivory and blush pink, while the groom opts for sleek sherwanis with modern twists.This season, it's all about balance. “Less is more” is evident in refined elegance, yet “more is more” thrives in bold colours and intricate craftsmanship. My go-to look is a structured pre-draped saree with gota detailing, paired with statement jewellery for effortless style. - Ridhi Mehra
Style Tips
Celebrity stylist Eshaa Amiin shared, "For festive styling, I believe in blending contemporary and traditional elements. For men, classic kurta-pajamas, sherwanis, and bandhgalas in rich fabrics are perfect, especially when paired with tailored trousers or loafers. For women, sarees, lehengas, and kurta sets in silk or velvet are timeless, with a modern twist like a crop top or chic jacket. Bright colours, jewel tones, and metallics are key trends. Accessories can transform any outfit. Strategically chosen pieces like embellished brooches, ornate dupattas, or juttis can elevate your look. They also add versatility, refreshing the same ensemble with a new appeal. Layering is another key tip for both men and women. It’s all about blending textures, colours, and silhouettes to create a look that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different draping styles for sarees and lehengas, and always make sure your pieces are well-fitted to keep things sharp and polished. I’m also a big advocate for upcycling. Alter and tailor old clothes to breathe new life into them, and mix and match old pieces to elevate your look. "
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