As the Hindu Spring Festival approaches, excitement builds around the world for Holi, a celebration known as the ‘Festival of Colours’ and ‘Festival of Love’. This joyous occasion marks the triumph of good over evil, making it the perfect time to gather with friends and family. With no limits to creativity, the possibilities for Holi outfits are endless – from classic kurtas and saris to jeans and tunics.
While white is a popular choice, representing the purity of the spring season, there’s no rule against breaking tradition with bold hues like pink, orange, and red. To inspire your Holi style, we’re sharing 16 unique combinations that include makeup, hair, and accessory suggestions. Additionally, our guide on ‘How to Dress Up for the Carnival Festival’ offers even more ideas to get you started.
What To Wear on Holi?
To make a memorable impression at this festive occasion, it’s essential to dress to impress. Here are some style tips to help you create a trendy and stylish look:
When celebrating Holi, the traditional attire involves spraying powder color over each other, typically worn with a white Kurta. However, you can opt for a Western-inspired outfit instead. For a more modern take, consider wearing a long white dress that’s perfect for getting colored in.
If you prefer an ethnic look, draw inspiration from Punjabi fashion and wear a short Kurta over shalwar – similar to a Lohri Dress. To add a pop of color, throw in a vibrant dupatta that complements your overall outfit. For an authentic Indian style, pair your attire with a Kohlapuri and some Jhumkay.
Don’t forget to prioritize sun protection if your Holi celebration takes place during the day. Apply sunscreen and top off your look with classy sunglasses.
When playing Holi, remember to use organic colors that are gentle on the skin, ensuring a fun and worry-free experience.
↓ 16. Off-White Saree
The traditional Indian attire of choice for festivals like Holi is undoubtedly the saree, and its appeal transcends age groups. This stunning off-white saree is particularly suited for the vibrant Spring festival, as it offers a refreshing alternative to the usual pure white options. Pairing it with an orange blouse adorned with floral detailing creates a stunning combination that exudes elegance.
To complete the look, consider styling your hair in a sleek bun and adding some fresh flowers for a pop of color. Whether you’re young or old, this attire is sure to make you stand out at Holi celebrations.
↓ 15. Lohri Dress
With the Punjabi Folk festivals of Lohri and Holi mere months apart, it’s only logical to repurpose your Lohri attire for the upcoming Holi celebrations. While Lohri typically takes place during the winter season in January, its traditional dress code – a short kurta paired with shalwar – can be easily adapted for Holi’s vibrant festivities. The Punjabi culture is renowned for its rich tapestry of colors and intricate embroideries, making it an ideal canvas for creative expression.
This stunning yellow outfit, complete with an ornate dupatta, would undoubtedly turn heads at any Colour Party. As the Spring festival of Holi approaches in March, swapping white for a bright, seasonally-inspired hue like this one will perfectly capture its carefree spirit.
↓ 14. Western Outfit
For those in the West eager to experience the Colour moment, fear not! The West has its own spin on Holi celebrations, mirroring the enthusiasm seen in the East. In countries like Brazil and major USA states, vibrant festivities are underway. If you’re planning to join the fun, dress comfortably by donning an old pair of denim jeans that can withstand the colourful chaos. Pair this with a plain t-shirt for a laid-back look, and add a lightweight denim wash jacket for a stylish touch.
This practical ensemble ensures you’ll stay carefree throughout the celebration, without worrying about preserving your colourful attire.
↓ 13. Formal Attire
As we approach the festive season of Holi, there’s a buzz surrounding daytime celebrations. To make a stylish impression at these events, consider opting for formal attire that exudes elegance and sophistication. A stunning Cape dress in crisp white with intricate details is an excellent choice to beat the sun while maintaining a chic look.
This breezy ensemble can be effortlessly paired with your favorite shades, making it perfect for Spring’s warm weather.
If you’re observant of modest fashion and donning the Hijab, there are ways to have fun at Holi festivals. One approach is to pair a Turkish neck wrap-style Hijab over a collared white shirt, adding subtle color detailing to a basic outfit. Another option is to opt for a brown Hijab that complements the simplicity of a white ensemble.
↓ 11. Tie-Dye Outfit
Kick off spring with effortless style. To achieve a laid-back yet polished look when meeting up with friends, consider pairing a crisp white shirt with comfortable trousers. The real showstopper, however, is the vibrant tie-dye cardigan that adds a pop of color to the outfit. Its unique design makes it perfect for this occasion. The addition of casual slippers and a cross-body bag takes this look from good to great.
↓ 10. Holi Footwear Ideas
When crafting an outfit ensemble for a festival setting, footwear plays a crucial role in ensuring overall comfort and style. To make the most of this experience, it’s vital to select shoes that cater to your needs. Kohlapuris, with their unique and lively designs, can add a playful touch to traditional Indian attire. These charming slip-ons are available at My Sole Sisters for INR 2,500.
↓ 9. Printed Tunic With Silver Accessories
Consider trading in your all-white ensemble for a more spring-inspired outfit. The subtle tones of this printed tunic make it an excellent choice for a daytime look. To elevate the overall style, add some statement silver accessories, a staple in Indian culture that pairs beautifully with this tunic. A funky necklace, a bracelet, and some danglers can add a playful touch. Don’t forget to pack a pair of cool sunglasses if you’ll be spending time outdoors under the sun’s rays.
Fun Facts About Holi
In the heart of Nepal’s calendar, the 11th month’s full moon marks the vibrant celebration of Holi – a festival that defies religious bounds. This 16-day extravaganza in a specific Indian region is as much about embracing Spring as it is about honoring ancient folklore. What sets Holi apart from other festivities is its boundless joy and mouthwatering delicacies, with traditional sweets taking center stage.
The prelude to the main event begins with a spectacular bonfire on the eve of celebration, igniting anticipation for what’s to come. Interestingly, this cultural phenomenon transcends Hinduism, with non-practitioners joining in on the fun. Water and colors combine to create an unforgettable experience, as water pistols and guns fill the air with colorful sprays, leaving everyone drenched in merriment.
↓ 8. Indo-Western Fusion
Transforming a casual get-together into a vibrant celebration on Holi doesn’t have to be a style challenge. With just a few wardrobe staples, you can create a chic and effortless outfit. For a relaxed evening with friends or family, consider pairing a classic white top with distressed denim jeans and a vintage-inspired Dupatta. The result is a unique blend of Indian and Western flair that’s perfect for the occasion. To avoid any last-minute stress, opt for an old yet reliable combination.
Not only will it save you from the hassle of dealing with stubborn color stains, but it’ll also add a touch of sophistication to your overall look. Take your outfit to the next level by accessorizing with a bold statement necklace and watch how it effortlessly elevates your entire ensemble.
↓ 7. Ethnic Attire For Indian Festival
Embrace your cultural heritage by opting for an exquisite ethnic ensemble that exudes sophistication. This stunning pastel green embroidered Kurta, paired with a crisp white palazzo, creates a traditional look that’s both timeless and elegant. The sleeveless cardigan adds a touch of whimsy, while the printed design subtly complements the overall aesthetic. For those seeking to deviate from the norm, this outfit serves as an excellent alternative to the classic white ensemble.
The statement earrings inject a dash of playfulness into the light-colored attire, resulting in a look that’s both modern and refined.
↓ 6. Indian Chunari
As the Festival of Love approaches, you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your loved ones. To make the most of this special occasion, why not plan a fun day out with your favorite girls? You can do this by dressing alike in traditional white outfits, adding a touch of elegance with matching Chunari Dupattas in various colors. For inspiration, take a look at our curated collection of Indian Ethnic Wear Sarees that blend seamlessly into modern fashion styles.
↓ 5. Accessories To Wear at Colour Festival
When planning your Holi look, it’s not just about what you wear, but also how you accessorize. While many women focus on their outfits, there are a few key details to consider. For instance, adding the right accessories can elevate an entire look and make it truly stand out. This is especially true when it comes to traditional Indian attire, where Jhumkay or other types of dangling earrings can add a touch of elegance to an otherwise simple outfit.
Of course, if you’re going for a more modern look, quirky earpieces can also be a great way to add some visual interest to your overall style. Regardless of whether you choose traditional or modern accessories, the key is to find something that complements your overall look and lets your personal style shine through.
↓ 4. Traditional Clothing
A classic Indian attire comprising a white kameez paired with churidar is versatile enough to be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. While it’s perfect for everyday wear, it can also be elevated for a special event like a wedding. Given that white is a popular color during Holi celebrations, we suggest recreating this look. However, the outfit may appear too casual without some added flair.
To inject excitement into your ensemble, consider adding an embroidered traditional dupatta featuring intricate multicolored thread embroidery and mirror detailing. This blue dupatta is sure to make a stunning addition. For maximum style and comfort, don’t forget to pair it with silver footwear.
↓ 3. Celebrity Holi Style
Deepika Padukone is no stranger to celebrating Indian festivals, as seen in her movies Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and Ram Leela. In both films, she donned distinct attire that reflected the occasion’s essence. For instance, a western-inspired look featured prominently in the former, while a traditional Gujarati Ghagra Choli stole the show in her latter venture. This fusion of styles showcases Deepika’s versatility as an actress.
In this stunning image, she effortlessly pulls off a traditional Chikankari shirt, exuding effortless elegance. Inspired by this celebrity look, you can easily incorporate similar elements into your own wardrobe for a light and casual approach to celebrating Indian festivals.
↓ 2. White Kurta Shalwar
A standout ensemble is created by pairing self-printed, embroidered Kurtas with the same color as the base fabric, adding a touch of uniqueness to the overall look. The sleeveless ethnic shirt, when combined with a shalwar, exudes a beautiful flair. Meanwhile, the bicolored Dupatta in blue and purple, featuring delicate pompom detailing, injects a refreshing charm into the outfit, making it perfect for Holi celebrations.
The addition of traditional Kohlapuris lends a casual and comfortable vibe to the overall appearance, further elevating its appeal.
↓ 1. Spring Look For Holi Festival
Planning a vibrant Holi celebration? I’ve got you covered with a stylish and comfortable outfit idea that’s perfect for dancing the day away. The Ghagra Choli, a traditional Indian attire, is a great option to consider. This floral print ensemble in cotton fabric is lightweight, making it ideal for daytime gatherings. The added tassels bring a pop of color and fun, evoking Spring vibes. Pair it with Kohlapuris or Punjabi Juttis to complete your traditional South Asian look.
If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of online shopping, you can easily replicate this look by checking out Gulaal Creations for Holi dresses that will keep you looking and feeling great.
