Mirror work is officially sangeet-approved

Post the Tory Burch and J.Crew mirror embroidered tanks and tunics, the west may have just woken up to mirror work, however basic. But for the OGs in India, we've loved our mirror work for centuries now, and have never really let go of the joy this beautiful craft brings. But if there’s one day that screams mirror work the loudest, it’s got to be the sangeet. If you’re going to go all out, there’s nothing that grabs more attention than these tiny shiny things. And if you’re slightly terrified of performing in front of 500+ people, then at least wear something that’ll excuse your messed-up choreography. It’s fun, it’s playful, and it’s the kind of embroidery that even gets the grown-ups’ approval. Plus the fact that it’s believed to ward off the evil eye is a massive bonus.

We’ve seen Ananya Panday nail the 'baraati' brief in a gold corset blouse drenched in mirror work, paired with a dusty pink sari scattered with mirrored accents as well. The gold-and-pink contrast feels straight out of the mirror work rulebook—doing just enough, without tipping into gaudy disco ball territory. Then we have Alia, in an Anushka Khanna metallic-studded kurta with gharara pants, embroidered not just with classic round mirrors but sharp-edged square ones too. Mirror work is definitely having a moment, and if you’re hopping on the trend, the trick is in getting everything else to work around it. 

Ditch the colour chart

In a wedding world full of moodboards and perfectly coordinated palettes, sometimes the most memorable looks are the ones that don’t follow the brief. Maybe it’s a lehenga bursting with unexpected colour, or a gold-on-gold sari moment. That’s the beauty of mirror work—it’s been refined over the years into something incredibly versatile. Whether you go full volume or keep it slightly muted, it works as long as you let it be a little playful, and let colours clash a bit for once.

It’s all about the base

Mirror work’s non-negotiable, but the rest is up to you. If a sari’s your thing, drape it right and pin it well (courtesy mum), it’s more dance-friendly than you’d think. And if you’re still not convinced, a lehenga with a bit of swing will always deliver, especially when you’re mid-performance and the adrenaline kicks in. And then there’s the classic sharara: effortless, reliable, and one of the most practical things you can wear on a night like this. You don’t want to pick something you’re not fully comfortable in, trip mid-step, and then spiral about it for the next three days.

Think of it less like dressing up, and more like gearing up. Because between a surprise choreo and catching your breath backstage, the last thing you need is a silhouette that slows you down. Whatever you choose, the mirror work’s going to catch the light.

Mirror in moderation (or not)

Mirror work might be the star, but how you wear it is what really counts. If you’re not ready to go full sparkle, play it smart, pair a mirror-studded blouse with a breezy, unfussy sari, or flip the formula with a clean kurta up top and all-out mirror flared pants. It’s all about balancing the shine. And if you are going full mirrorball, we're here for it. Just make sure your hair and makeup don’t fight for attention. Stick to chic jewellery. If you’re going for a nath, skip the earrings. A single-layered choker is more than enough. Think sleek buns or a half-up with fresh flowers, makeup that’s more flushed-and-fun than contoured, and pick gloss over matte.

As for shoes: pick whatever won’t betray you mid-thumka. A jutti, kitten heels, or even sneakers under your lehenga (we won’t tell). Finish it off with a cute little potli. Bonus points if it has mirror work too. In that case, consider the memo officially received.

Below, our edit for your mirrored fit that’s going to have you sangeet ready: