Happy Navratri 2018: How to match your ethnic outfits to your favourite star’s style

Leave me unaccompanied on the dance floor and I’m like a deer in headlights. Not that I’m any better with people. On many disparate occasions, my friends have accused me of simply repeating my shoulder-exercise routine a tad rhythmically in the name of dance. In fact, when it comes to Navratri and synchronised dancing, they have learned better than to set one with me. So, how do I still partake in the festivities? By dressing up, of course.

Although I’m no good when it comes to helping you with a ‘dandiya playlist’ or the dance steps with the most swagger, I can do wonders for your outfit choices.

But, unlike every time where we enlist the coolest things celebs were spotted wearing and ask you to simply, um, try to source the outfit which comes closest to it, I decided to dig a little deeper into their dressing psyche (and yours, too).

Ahead are all of our favorite best-dressed celebs, who each have their idiosyncratic style that you relate to on an invisible consciousness plane. If you’ve never been able to figure how to exactly nail their looks, my little (and very handy) guide will teach you that just right.

Take a look!

Who: Karisma Kapoor  
Style sense: Extreme sophistication

In lieu of making a cinematic comeback, the actor, unlike her peers from the ‘90s, made a sartorial one. And rather strong, too, I must add. If your aesthetics are anything like Karisma’s - unfussy minimalism combined with luxurious pragmatism (a serendipitous aftermath of being a mother I’m guessing) - then, you can opt for colour-blocked pieces like the ones she’s seen wearing here. Since layering has been all the rage on international runways and cape blouses were ubiquitous in LFW Winter/Festive 2018, you will look pretty much in tandem with the current trends and obviously, sophisticated.

Who: Sonam Kapoor

Style sense: Statement-making

I guess we can all mutually agree on two things: a. Sonam is Bollywood’s original ‘It’ girl and b. Her style is inimitable. Having said that, if your style sensibilities do actually resonate with Sonam’s, these outfits are low-key perfect for recreating them during the festive season - especially the fuschia coloured ikat kurta and micro-pleated palazzos by Saaksha and Kinni. If you can pull it off, there’s no outfit more statement-making than the smock-work jumper and saree dress by Rashmi Varma.

Who: Shilpa Shetty

Style sense: Pretty experimental

If I had a garba-inspired Pinterest board, Shilpa Shetty’s wardrobe would be the literal manifestation of it. For the last few months, the actor has been experimenting with many indie-looking silhouettes and prints, and looks like they’re really coming in handy this festive season. If you have a midsection like Shilpa’s, I insist you use the above looks as your inspiration and deploy offbeat belts to cinch your waist. Case in point - the rope variant in her brick red Anita Dongre outfit.

If you’re feeling extra courageous and don’t mind experimenting a wee bit more, you can also opt for the actor’s latest drape saree gown look from designers Shantanu & Nikhil that the fashion team at PinkVilla is majorly crushing on.

That’s one way to ensure you won’t trip.

Who: Esha Gupta  
Style sense: Sensual (trying to be subtle here).

Whether Esha Gupta adds personality to her outfits or it’s actually the other way round is a separate discussion in its own. Either way, the playful sensuality that’s brought to the table with her looks is something that you could channel this festive season. The actor has been championing one too many ghararas of late, which could well become your Navratri outfit staple for the simple reason that it is so comfortable to move around in them. Speaking of which -  that saree with a twist makes for a perfect outfit, too. I am especially crushing on the kalidar kurta and zari palazzos. So subtly sexy, no?

Who: Parineeti Chopra
Style sense: Effervescent

There is a certain ‘desi-ness’ that comes along with being Parineeti Chopra. The actor, whose wardrobe is chock-full of dhoti pants (quite a rage, again), crop tops and full-length jackets is a great inspiration for anyone who wants to inject their playfulness into their clothes, too. A great option for all those who want to shun a lehenga altogether.

Who: Deepika Padukone  

Style sense: Neomodern

Deepika’s style is one which embraces the best of both the eastern and western aesthetics. One day she’ll be showing-off her suave body in an Alberta Ferretti creation at Cannes and the next she’s looking ethereal in a digital-printed Sabyasachi saree with heritage jewelry. She’s very millennial. Her style is eclectic, and yet, seeking greater simplicity. And while we’re at it, she also looks like someone who doesn’t have a problem breaking a leg in a saree (pun not intended). If you like your ethnic wear with a dash of modernism, Deepika’s your style icon.  

Who: Shraddha Kapoor
Style sense: Girl-next-door

Shraddha Kapoor makes the simplest of clothes look great. Her outfits are relaxed, easy-going and, effortless -  the kind that every girl can carry and not very different from what a quintessential Bollywood actor would dress like in a typical Dharma movie. That’s right - very romantic. And although I’m no archetypal actor, I fall for her sartorial sense every single time. She’s pretty much on point when it comes to dipping her toes in the latest trends - case in point - crop tops, tiered ruffles and stripes, which she wears with a slant of her own simplicity.

Who: Sonakshi Sinha   

Style sense: Maximalist

Think - her sequin outfit from GQ Style Awards. If you believe in Sonakshi’s styling sense which roughly translates to ‘less is more, but more is better’, these are a week’s worth of outfit inspirations that will see you through Navratri. Why stop at a saree dress when you can wear it with a floor length jacket and accessorize with multi-strand necklaces? Also, if #OTT is your calling, then, now would be the best time to invest in a multi-print outfit - with floral motifs, of course - like the Asal By Abu Sandeep she’s wearing here.

If you’re wondering who’s my stylespiration, it’s Deepika, of course.

I am armed and ready with a digital-printed saree and a sleeveless velvet blouse for when my friends will call. Only, I’ll be clicking their pictures from afar. *sigh*