What to wear to Diwali
Wear your brightest festive clothes: silk, embroidery and rich colours such as magenta, gold, emerald and deep red. If you are a guest and unsure, a smart outfit in a bright colour is warmly welcome; many families wear new clothes for the day.
Three outfits that work
Silk sari, gold clutch and shawl
- magenta silk sari
- gold clutch
- gold flat sandals
- cream shawl
A silk sari in a rich colour is a classic for the day, and a shawl keeps you warm for the evening lamp-lighting outdoors.
Gold kurta, cream trousers and jacket
- gold silk kurta
- cream churidar trousers
- navy Nehru jacket
- brown leather sandals
A silk kurta with a jacket looks festive, and loose trousers are comfortable for a long family meal.
Long anarkali with a dupatta
- burgundy long anarkali
- gold dupatta
- cream churidar
- embroidered flats
A long anarkali with a dupatta covers arms and legs, and the colour and embroidery still feel celebratory.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Light silk or cotton, breathable fabrics and flat sandals; avoid heavy layers. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | Silk or cotton outfit with a light shawl or jacket for the evening. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm shawl or coat over the outfit, closed shoes with socks and a scarf for outdoor lamp-lighting. |
Do and don’t
- Wear bright colours, silk and embroidery
- Choose shoes you can slip off at the door
- Keep a shawl or jacket for the evening
- Check the host’s lead; some families dress very festively, others more simply
- Wear all black, which many families avoid on festive days
- Wear loose sleeves or hanging fabric close to oil lamps and candles
- Wear your most delicate fabric near fireworks
- Assume one colour is required; practice varies by family and region
Check the night before
- Iron the outfit and check the hem for tripping
- Lay out jewellery and put on shoes you can remove easily
- Check the evening temperature for lamp-lighting
- Pack sweets or a small gift for the host
- Put out socks without holes in case you remove your shoes
Questions people ask
What colour should I wear for Diwali?
Bright festive colours are popular, such as red, gold, magenta, orange and emerald. Many families avoid wearing all black on this day, but there is no strict rule.
Do I have to wear traditional clothes to a Diwali party?
No. A smart outfit in a bright colour is welcome. If you borrow a sari or kurta, ask a friend to help with draping and fit.
What should a guest who is not Hindu wear to a Diwali celebration?
Smart, modest clothes in a bright colour, with shoulders and knees covered. Remove your shoes if the host does.
Is it OK to wear a sari if I am not Indian?
Yes, if you are invited and you wear it respectfully. Many hosts are happy to see guests in festive clothes.
Pick Diwali in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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