Fashion18 Mar 20253 MIN

Blouses are having their main character moment

Super crops, corsets, jackets—scroll on for the styles making all the noise this wedding season

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If you think about it, blouses maketh the wedding ensemble—be it a lehenga or a sari. The right design can transform any outfit, and this garment has evolved from best supporting actor to star of the show, in all its glory. This season, blouse designs are getting bolder, sleeker and more experimental. Designers are reimagining traditional silhouettes with fresh updates—think daring cuts, structured fits and statement embellishments. Whether you prefer a timeless, classic silhouette or something more risqué, there’s a blouse style for every occasion. Below, a look at the hottest blouse trends of this wedding season.

The super crop

Teeny-tiny blouses have been trending for a while, offering a fresh and youthful take on ethnic wear. Sitting well above the midriff, the ultra-cropped style pairs perfectly with high-waisted lehengas and flowing saris, creating a balance of skin-baring allure and classic charm. You can opt for a deep V-neck if you’re feeling frisky, or a sweetheart neckline—a timeless favourite that adds a soft, romantic touch. These designs are perfect for showing off the décolletage and work beautifully with statement jewellery. Our picks? Monisha Jaisingh’s embellished version, Ritu Kumar’s antique gold Rajwadi blouse, and Shanti Banaras’s Vineyard blouse, which features embroidery that tells a whole story in just a few inches.

The jacket

Bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary, jacket-style blouses bring a structured, power-dressing element to Indian wear. From cropped embroidered jackets (like Gigi Hadid’s Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla jacket-blouse from the NMACC opening) to longer versions, these blouses are perfect for those who love fusion fashion. Ritu Kumar’s velvet coat featuring Persian motifs looks stunning with a sari, while Ashdeen’s painterly jacket pairs perfectly with a matching lehenga.

The best part? You can re-wear the top with virtually any pair of bottoms—tailored trousers, skirts, jeans—the styling possibilities are endless!

Sleeves for days

Long-sleeved blouses are best suited for cooler seasons and evening events—or simply when the air conditioning is on full blast. Whether crafted from sheer fabrics, embroidered net, or detailed with heavy embellishments, long sleeves add an air of regal elegance to your ensemble. You can opt for sheer, exaggerated puff sleeves—like those showcased in Asha Gautam’s latest lookbook—for a playful day look. Or, if you’re looking to double down on luxury, consider sleek, fitted, fully embroidered sleeves. Think Rahul Mishra’s Blushed Meadow blouse, which features the designer’s signature floral landscape from his Spring Festive 2025 couture collection, Amit Aggarwal’s futuristic piece with a uniquely beautiful neckline, Roseroom’s romantic white number, or Lajjo C’s salmon blouse in Banarasi silk if you’re after something more traditional (psst... it’s backless!).

Nita Mukesh Ambani in Manish Malhotra.jpeg
Nita Mukesh Ambani in Manish Malhotra

Corset-style blouses

Who knew a corset could look this good paired with a sari or lehenga? In 2025, corset-inspired blouses continue to dominate the scene, thanks to their ability to emphasise the waistline and enhance the overall silhouette. This structured look works seamlessly with voluminous lehengas as well as sleek saris. Take your cues from your favourite Bollywood celebrities. You could opt for a short bustier-style blouse or consider a proper corset for a flattering fit.

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Kareena Kapoor Khan in Manish Malhotra

Backless blouses

Backless blouses continue to be showstoppers. Whether fully open or featuring thoughtfully designed doris, this trend is all about tasteful exposure while keeping the overall look refined. You can opt for a minimalist back with no frills or dial up the drama with playful details like multiple tie-ups and fun latkans. Payal Singhal’s choli and sharara sets are fun, flirtatious and perfect for haldi and mehendi ceremonies. Gopi Vaid offers several lehengas in summery shades with backless blouses. But if you (and your tailor) can think it—any blouse can be backless!

Janhvi-Kapoor in Manish Malhotra.jpeg
Janhvi Kapoor in Manish Malhotra

High-neck blouses

Contrary to what you might think, high-neck blouses aren’t stuffy—they look polished and regal while providing the perfect canvas for detailed embroidery. It’s the ideal style for a formal occasion.

Sophisticated options include Lajjo C’s Preet blouse, Still by Tejal and Rhea’s top featuring zardozi and marodi work, and Kunal Rawal’s Big Grid blouse. If you’re after something fun and youthful, Khushi Kapoor’s halter-neck Manish Malhotra blouse and Raji Ramniq’s high-neck blouse with a plunging neckline fit the bill.

3D embellishments

Nothing says 'statement' like a blouse with three-dimensional embellishments, which bring texture and depth to blouse designs and transform them into high-fashion pieces. From floral appliqués to sculpted details, these blouses are perfect for fashion-forward brides and trendsetters. These statement details elevate any look, especially when paired with a simpler sari or lehenga.

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