Let’s be honest, Diwali prep isn’t just about sweets and fairy lights. It’s also your chance to serve looks you have been imagining all year long ( to compete with your cousin secretly). Whether you’re planning a full blown Bollywood entrance or just vibing with your cousins, your outfit deserves to be as extra or as chill as you feel.
From traditional glam to Indo-western fusion looks, we’ve put together Diwali looks for every kind of vibe because brown girls know there’s no one way to be Desi. Here’s your no-judgemental aunty gaze guide to looking fire this festive season.
The modern desi diva
She will wear a lehenga but it’s not really a lehenga! A red lip of course because she’s glam and bold. She’s here to post every look on the gram before the diya is even lit.
Top – Bella Rose Dhs480
Skirt – Fashion Nova Dhs86
Earrings – Ounass Dhs300
Heels – Nicoli Dhs1095
The cool cousin energy
She shows up in cargo pants and an embellished crop top, calls it “fusion” and somehow pulls it off. She’s got sunglasses on indoors and will be the first one to start the dance floor.
Bottom – Roni Helou Dhs2165
Bag – Nicoli Dhs2695
Sunglasses – Adasat Dhs59
Heels – Steve Madden Dhs450
Saree, not saree
For the girlie who’s rocking a saree but not the Sanskari way: this look is all about honouring tradition while rewriting the rules. It’s giving drama. It’s giving edge. It’s giving yes, I’m wearing a saree, and no, I won’t be sitting still in the corner. Saree, not saree for slaying. 💅🏽
Earrings – NEXT Dhs157
Heels – Shewak Dhs2,478
Lip oil – Goou Beauty Dhs125
The soft desi girl
She’s in a classic salwar suit, but make it adorable. Dainty details and that effortlessly pretty energy. Her makeup? Barely there. Her glow? Immaculate. And yes she’s definitely holding a cup of chai like it’s a prop in her soft girl photo shoot. ✨
Necklace – Swarovski Dhs1,456
Bracelet – Swarovski Dhs1,159
Perfume – Kayalı Dhs125
Heels – Nicoli Dhs1325
The maximalist main character
Colours? Bright. Bangles? Stacked to the elbow. Eyeliner? Graphic. She doesn’t tone it down, she turns it all the way up. No such thing as “too much” in her Diwali dictionary.
Necklace & Earrings set – Sareeka Dhs126
Bangles – Desertcart (left) Dhs90 & Desertcart (right) Dhs182
Perfume – Kayali Dhs125
Heels – Nicoli Dhs1,325
The floral princess
Earrings – Styli shop Dhs10
Heels – Aldo Dhs169
She gently floats into the function with a dreamy pastels and luxe florals fit. She has dewy skin, pink cheeks and enough elegance to make the aunties whisper, “Who is that?” She’s not trying to be the centre of attention; it just happens effortlessly.
No matter which version (or a mix of versions) of you shows up this Diwali, decked out in florals, dripping in sequins, or rocking sneakers with your sari, the only rule is do it your way. Whether you’re going full glam or keeping it lowkey with lip gloss and jhumkas, there’s no one “right” way to dress.
So light the diyas, line up your best angles, and remind every room you walk into that tradition and trend can totally co-exist, especially when you’re the one setting the vibe.
Want to make this Diwali even more special? Don’t show up empty handed, here’s your ultimate Diwali gift guide to slay the gifting game too.