Not a sari or lehenga girl? Try these new wedding guest-approved looks

Some of us light up at the thought of wedding dressing. Others go through mild panic. Between the ever-changing trends, the pressure to outdo that one high school frenemy, and the need to look good in 100 unsolicited candids, it's a lot. But here's the thing: it doesn't have to be. We're moving beyond the usual sari, lehenga and anarkali, and shaking things up. Fashion (and weddings) is meant to be fun, after all. So next time, wear something that feels a little more you, and a little less aunty-approved.

The deeper you dig into your cupboard, the more random gems you’ll find, pieces that somehow just work when paired with the right plus-one. Modern Indian dressing doesn’t come with a rulebook, but there are definitely a few ways to ace the mix.

Up your jumpsuit game

We all love the comfort of a jumpsuit, and it’s a game-changer when it comes to wedding outfits. With the ease of a Western silhouette and the massive bonus of Indian prints, it makes for a super versatile fit. Think a sleeveless one with a choker around the neck. Or something with a low neckline to keep things flirty. You could even ditch the heavy necklace and add a dupatta (yes, dupatta, not a Scandinavian scarf). It gives the whole look just the right amount of wedding-ready. Choose bolder colours for this one.

Bring back the sari-dress

We’ve all heard about how versatile a sari is, but ironically, most people don’t really experiment with it, especially at weddings where it’s treated like a default. But here’s the thing: Indian designers have been reimagining the sari for decades now. And there’s a whole range of new sari-inspired silhouettes to choose from. Studio Medium’s collection of hands-free saris gives the classic drape a fresh form without losing its traditional charm. Ekaya Banaras is serving us elegant yet experimental drapes. Or go full edge with an all-black sari dress. The options are endless. And whoever wore boots with their sari first was an absolute icon (thank you, millennials!)

Mix, match and zari

The best part about wearing a dress to your next wedding? You can style it to glory. Layer it over or under a jacket. Or wear the jacket as a dress. Like we said, there’s no right or wrong, as long as you know how to mix and match. Cinch an oversized jacket with a chunky belt and you’ve got yourself a dress. Or throw on a relaxed-fit kaftan with the right oxidised jewellery for a fresh switch-up from the same old lehenga. The trick is in finding pieces with zari work and prints that speak to your style.

Co-ord set glow up

We’ve all heard the complaints about co-ord sets looking like glorified night suits, and sure, they can look like it, if you pick the wrong ones. Opt for something with a high neckline and pants that flare like a sharara. A little embroidery along the hem goes a long way in making it more festive. Throw on a printed cape or a statement jacket to add structure to a plain set. And the big pants + crop top combo is always flattering. For instance a slinky blouse with baggy pants is a big yes. Half the charm is in the accessories, so don’t hold back. Layer those jewels, mix those metals too, if you’re feeling a little risky.