Posts in category: Life Style

Nothing says drama better than smoky eyes, reminiscent of Natalie Portman’s Black Swan (2010) character. This week saw just that. Malaika Arora paired her black gown with layered jewellery featuring emeralds, pearls and diamonds. Her look comprised smoky eyes with soft brown eyeshadow, a winged liner and coats of mascara with dramatic faux lashes. Neatly groomed brows, mascara-coated lashes and nude glossy lips completed her look. A soft pastel blush and highlighter added a natural glow to her cheeks.

Similarly, Parineeti Chopra embraced power dressing in a blazer lehenga by Gazal Gupta. She styled her hair straight with a centre parting. Her beauty look was all about intensity—kohl-rimmed eyes paired with smoky shadow added depth to her gaze, while luminous highlighter accentuated the high points of her face. A deep pink semi-matte lipstick completed the ensemble.

Sanya Malhotra brought effortless glam to the week with a radiant base, well-defined brows and peachy cheeks. Her signature kohl-rimmed eyes blended seamlessly into a soft brown smoky eye, finished with nude lips and subtle contouring for a polished effect.

Karisma Kapoor went for kohl-rimmed eyes paired with soft brown shadow and layers of mascara, accentuated by fluttery faux lashes. She opted for dewy makeup with well-defined brows and a pop of rose pink on the cheeks. A nude pink semi-matte lip complemented the look. A red micro bindi and sleek ponytail completed the ensemble.

Scroll down for the best beauty looks of this week:

When Kendrick Lamar hit the stage at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, we had many pressing questions: What’s the difference between bootcut and flare jeans—and which style was he wearing? What does his “a” necklace stand for? Would he perform “Not Like Us?” And most urgently, where did he get those jeans? All questions were soon answered. (The logo for Lamar’s communication company pgLang, but it served as a nice double entendre for his lyric “a minoooor”).

These questions, however made me pause. Are flares bootcuts like a square is a rectangle? Kind of. Flares seem more clear-cut: hip- and thigh-hugging pants that dramatically kick out at the knee. Another noted fan of the look is Pharrell Williams, whose proclivity for the retro pants has made its way into his Louis Vuitton menswear.

Pharrell Williams in flare jeans.

Photo: Jacopo Raule / Getty Images

Bootcut jeans, however, seem to have some more leeway. They adopt a more straight-legged silhouette with a less exaggerated flare below the knee. Rather, they’re meant to accommodate a boot, not make a disco-inspired statement. While they can lean more bodycon, bootcut can also adopt a baggy form. Beloved by naughties royalty Beyoncé and Jennifer Aniston, they’ve found a new life in the 2020s, namely on models like Bella Hadid. (Given Hadid’s rodeo activities, it only makes sense she’d be into them.)

While people remain divided, Celine weighed into the debate, categorizing Kendrick Lamar’s light-wash denim as flares. So at least one case is settled.

This story first appeared on Vogue.com

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Festivals in India are more than just celebrations—they’re a time for vibrant colors, joyous gatherings, and, of course, wearing the best Indian Clothes to feel festive and stylish. Whether it’s the grandeur of Diwali, the playful vibes of Holi, or other cultural celebrations, your outfit sets the tone for the occasion.

And, when it comes to festival wear, nothing beats traditional Indian Dresses and the timeless appeal of a Kurta For Men. From delicate lehengas and sarees to casual kurtas and sherwanis, there’s an outfit for everyone. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to pick the perfect outfits for various festivals, ensuring that you look both fashionable and culturally appropriate.

So, whether you’re shopping for your next festival or looking to revamp your wardrobe, let’s explore the best Indian Clothes for every major Indian festival.

Diwali: Celebrate in Style with Traditional Indian Dresses and Kurtas

For Women: Elegant Sarees and Lehengas

Diwali, the festival of lights, is all about celebrating new beginnings and spreading joy. What better way to express this festive spirit than with a stunning Indian dress? Sarees and Lehengas are the perfect choices for women looking to shine during this occasion.

• Sarees: Opt for sarees in rich, bold colors like gold, red, or royal blue. Traditional silk sarees or even contemporary saree drapes are fantastic choices for Diwali. Pair them with statement jewelry and a sleek bun to channel that perfect festive look.
• Lehengas: If you prefer a more modern, yet equally glamorous look, a lehenga choli is your go-to choice. Choose bright, happy colors like pink, orange, or emerald green, and don’t shy away from embellishments like sequins or zari work.

For Men: Classic Kurtas for Every Occasion

For men, Diwali is the perfect time to wear something traditional yet contemporary. Kurtas for men are always in style, offering both comfort and elegance. There are various styles of kurtas to choose from, ensuring that you can find one that fits your personality and the mood of the celebration.

• Classic Silk Kurtas: For a grand occasion like Diwali, a silk Kurta For Men in gold, cream, or deep red will look regal and stylish. Pair it with a churidar or a dhoti for a complete traditional look.
• Printed Kurtas: If you’re going for a casual Diwali celebration, printed kurtas with modern designs are an excellent choice. These kurtas are lightweight, comfortable, and still festive enough to wear to a family gathering.

Accessories for Diwali:

Complete your outfit with matching accessories. Women can go for jhumkas or chandelier earrings, while men can add a classic watch or a sleek bracelet to enhance their look.

Holi: Vibrant and Playful Indian Clothes for the Festival of Colors

Holi is all about fun, colors, and excitement. Your outfit should match the carefree spirit of the festival while being practical enough to handle the splashes of vibrant hues. This festival calls for Indian Dresses and Indian Clothes that are colorful, comfortable, and easy to move in.

For Women: Easy-Breezy Kurtis and Cotton Sarees

While sarees are a traditional go-to, for Holi, the kurti is perfect for women. Choose cotton kurtis in bright hues like yellow, pink, and turquoise that are light and breathable, making it easier to play with colors.

• Cotton Kurtis: These are comfortable, easy to wear, and versatile. Whether you go for a simple cotton kurti or one with delicate embroidery, this look is perfect for the playful energy of Holi.
• Cotton Sarees: For those who prefer sarees, a cotton saree in a cheerful color is ideal. Opt for a lighter fabric to stay cool while playing Holi. Bright colors and minimal accessories will complete your Holi look.

For Men: Fun Yet Traditional Kurtas

Holi is all about comfort and joy, so men can rock a casual kurta during the festival. Choose bright, lively shades like pink, orange, or lime green that reflect the spirit of the festival. A simple cotton Kurta For Men paired with comfortable jeans or joggers will keep you relaxed as you play with colors.

• Cotton Kurtas: Go for breathable, relaxed-fit cotton kurtas for Holi. These kurtas are easy to wash and perfect for when you need to move around and enjoy the festivities.
• Dhoti Pants with Kurta: If you’re feeling traditional and adventurous, pair a Kurta For Men with a dhoti. It’s a stylish twist on the traditional look and adds a charming vibe to your Holi outfit.

Navratri: Dance and Dazzle in Indian Dresses

Navratri is a nine-night festival that is all about dance, celebration, and devotion. When it comes to Indian Dresses for women, you can’t go wrong with the vibrant and traditional Lehenga Choli or a Saree. For men, Kurtas are a staple, but you can opt for more festive designs with extra flair for the occasion.

For Women: Lehenga Choli and Chaniya Choli

• Lehenga Choli: This is the most popular choice for women during Navratri. The combination of a flared lehenga skirt and a beautifully embroidered choli is perfect for the Garba nights. Choose lively colors like red, yellow, or bright green to match the vibrant spirit of the festival.
• Chaniya Choli: If you’re attending a Garba event, a chaniya choli will allow you to move freely while looking stunning. This outfit consists of a flared skirt (chaniya) and a crop-top style blouse (choli), typically worn with a dupatta.

For Men: Dashing Kurtas with Dhoti or Churidar

• Kurta with Dhoti: A Kurta For Men paired with a dhoti is both stylish and comfortable for the energetic dance moves of Garba and Dandiya.
• Kurta with Churidar: For a more modern twist, pair your Kurta For Men with churidar pants. You’ll still keep it traditional but with a sleek, contemporary edge that suits the vibe of Navratri.

Eid: Traditional Elegance with a Modern Twist

Eid celebrations are an occasion for family gatherings, prayers, and feasts. For such a significant occasion, dressing in Indian Clothes that exude elegance while being comfortable is a must.

For Women: Elegant Anarkali and Salwar Kameez

• Anarkali Suits: The long, flowy Anarkali suits are an excellent choice for Eid. These elegant dresses come in a variety of fabrics, including chiffon, georgette, and silk, and can be worn in both simple and embellished styles.
• Salwar Kameez: A chic and comfortable option for Eid is the classic salwar kameez. Choose pastel shades or bold jewel tones, paired with delicate accessories for a polished look.

For Men: Elegant Sherwanis and Kurtas

• Sherwani: A sherwani is a staple for men’s attire during Eid. A beautifully embroidered sherwani in rich fabrics like brocade or velvet will add the touch of elegance you need for the festive prayer and family dinner.
• Kurta with Pajama: A simple yet elegant Kurta For Men paired with a white or cream-colored pajama is the go-to choice for a comfortable yet polished Eid look. Add a stylish dupatta for that extra touch.

Other Festivals and Special Occasions: Timeless Indian Dresses for Every Celebration

Whether it’s Lohri, Onam, or Ganesh Chaturthi, Indian Clothes always bring out the best in us during festivals. Kurtas, lehengas, sarees, and sherwanis are versatile enough to be adapted for any cultural celebration. Depending on the festival, choose colors and fabrics that match the occasion and your personal style.

Conclusion

When it comes to dressing up for festivals in India, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you choose to rock a Kurta For Men, a beautiful lehenga choli for women, or a simple yet stylish saree, Indian clothing allows you to express tradition while staying fashionable.

At Nihal Fashions, we offer a wide variety of Indian Clothes that cater to every style and occasion, so you can step out in elegance, comfort, and confidence this festive season. Celebrate in style, and make memories in the most stunning outfits!

By blending traditional charm with contemporary flair, you can shine bright during any festival—be it Diwali, Holi, or Eid—while staying comfortable, stylish, and rooted in culture. Happy festive dressing!

Christian Dior once said, “You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age. You may wear it for almost any occasion” and this week the stars took it to heart. From K-pop star Lisa to Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor—there was plenty of inspiration. Be it through sharp cuts, rich textures, or unexpected styling choices, every look brought something distinct—demanding a second glance.

Deepika Padukone made her ambassadorial red carpet debut in a custom black maxi dress by JADE by Monica and Karishma, proving that simplicity, when done right, never fades into the background. The gown featured sculptural sleeves and a plunging neckline further elevated by a Cartier necklace set with a 63.76-carat diamond—proving that sometimes, all a black dress needs is the right accessory to make a statement.

Sonam Kapoor once again cemented her fashion icon status in a sculptural silhouette. She recently stepped out in a custom Gaurav Gupta creation from the designer’s ‘Across the Flame’ collection. The look featured a gilded off-shoulder breastplate that flowed into a cosmic black tulle gown, with satin-sculpted details lending fluidity to the structured design. Further, she opted for minimal jewellery to let the gilded piece take centre stage.

Moving on, Blackpink’s Lisa also embraced structural dressing in a Schiaparelli creation from the label’s Autumn/Winter ’24/’25 collection. The gown played a game of contrasts—its sheer black mesh inserts sculpted the silhouette, while the white ruched skirt added a fluid yet structured dimension. The high-neck, long-sleeved bodice in ecru crepe jersey seamlessly blended into her skin, creating an almost second-skin effect, with the open-back detail serving as an unexpected reveal. Statement earrings, a bold cuff, and a metallic clutch further punctuated the look.

Kylie Jenner has a knack for unearthing archival gems, and her latest look is no exception. Stepping out in a slinky, low-back halter gown from Azzedine Alaïa’s Spring 1998 collection, she proved that some silhouettes remain timeless. The dress, sculpted to perfection, hugged her body with signature Alaïa precision, letting the minimalist design speak for itself. Keeping the aesthetic effortless, she opted for a tousled, blown-out hairstyle—an undone contrast to the gown’s structured allure.

That’s not all, scroll further for a roundup of the best-dressed moments you don’t want to miss.

Deepika Padukone attended Cartier’s 25th-anniversary celebrations in Dubai in a black gown from JADE by Monica and Karishma paired with the Chryseis 63.76-carat necklace by the Maison. She accessorised with diamond ear studs and pulled her hair back in a sleek, side-parted twisted bun. A silk black bow was added on top for a vintage touch.

Deepika Padukone’s eye makeup featured a shimmering gold eyeshadow that blended into a soft smoky finish. Smudged kohl enhanced the depth of her gaze, while a precise winged eyeliner added definition. Coats of mascara lifted her lashes, paired with fluttery faux lashes for a striking effect. A sweep of warm pink blush was blended across her cheeks for a natural flush. Highlighter was applied to the high points of her face, creating a soft glow. Light contouring was added along her forehead, cheekbones and jawline to create a subtle structure. A glossy mauve lip brought the look together with a polished finish.

To recreate the look, follow the steps below:

1. Start by cleansing your face and applying a hydrating moisturiser to create a smooth, glowing base. Follow up with a primer to ensure the makeup stays in place all day.
2. Choose a lightweight foundation with a buildable formula to even out your complexion. Use a damp makeup sponge or brush for a natural finish.
3. Apply concealer under your eyes and on any blemishes to brighten and even out your complexion. Blend it well for a seamless look.
4. Sweep a shimmering gold eyeshadow across the lids. Blend a soft brown or taupe shade into the crease for depth. Smudge a kohl pencil along the upper and lower lash lines for a smoky effect. Apply coats of volumizing mascara and add fluttery false lashes for extra drama.
5. Use a soft contour powder or cream to sculpt your cheekbones, jawline and forehead. Blend well to avoid harsh lines and create a more defined face shape.
6. Highlight the high points of your face, including your cheekbones, collarbones, down the bridge of your nose and cupid’s bow.
7. Brush up your brows and fill in sparse areas with a brow pencil. Set with a clear or tinted brow gel for a feathered look.
8. Line your lips with a nude or mauve lip liner for definition. Apply a glossy mauve lipstick for a plump and polished finish.
9. Finally, set your makeup with a fine mist of setting spray to lock everything in place and ensure your makeup lasts throughout the day.

Also read:

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For those of us in India who count ourselves as fans of The White Lotus, a delicious black comedy that follows the twisted private lives of wealthy Americans on holiday, the show comes home in its third season in more ways than one.

Firstly, it’s set a stone’s throw away from India on the sunny beaches of Thailand (Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, more specifically). Thanks to its visa-free policy, the Southeast Asian country is fast emerging as a top destination for Indian tourists, with 2024 closing out on 2.1 million Indian visitors. To its south stands Sri Lanka, home to the first brown character to be cast on The White Lotus, who I’m fairly certain Indians will be claiming as their own by the time season 3 finishes airing.

Wondering how to style a red dress without looking overdone? The key is balance—letting the bold colour take centrestage while keeping everything else effortless. Whether you’re dressing for a date night, wedding or brunch, here’s how to master it.

Let the dress do the talking

Keep accessories sleek, not competing. A gold cuff, sculptural black pumps, or a silver mini bag adds contrast without overpowering the look. Red-on-red? Risky. Stick to black, nude or metallic accents for a refined, balanced aesthetic.

Women’s pump with crystal chain, GUCCI, ₹1,60,852

Open heart cuff, ELSA PERETTI for Tiffany&Co, ₹16,50,736

Rosantica mini alice silver lume bag, AISPI.CO, ₹88,710

Outerwear that works

A boxy blazer says cool-girl confidence. A structured trench keeps it refined. Want contrast? Throw on an oversized denim jacket for an effortless edge. For a polished winter look, a camel coat or a black leather trench makes the red feel even more elevated.

Nappa leather trench coat,
LOUIS VUITTON, ₹7,30,000

Burgundy Chunky Heeled Platform Shoe, LITTLE BOX, ₹1,699

Sequins Detail Denim Jacket, MO&Co, ₹27,374

The beauty edit

Skip the red lip cliché—go for bronzed skin, nude gloss or a softly smoked eye. If you must go red, make it deep and matte. Keep your hair sleek and straight, or tousled and undone for that effortless contrast to the high-impact colour.

The unexpected styling trick

Still wondering how to style a red dress without looking too formal? Pair it with sneakers, a baseball cap or even chunky boots for a street-style-approved twist. Layer it over a white turtleneck or crisp shirt for a fashion-forward, transitional look.

Sienna leather boots, MIU MIU, ₹2,00,000

Triomphe baseball cap in cotton in Vanilla, CELINE, ₹57,100

Panthere de Cartier Watch, CARTIER, ₹8,00,000

Camilia shirt, VERB, ₹13,500

At the end of the day, if you’re searching for how to style a red dress in a way that feels fresh, keep it simple, mix it up, and wear it with confidence. Because nothing turns heads quite like a perfectly styled red dress.

Also read:

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The morning after the first time I had sex with Mike, I noticed a pair of heart-shaped glasses abandoned on a Brooklyn sidewalk on my walk home. They were glittery and pink, a novelty trinket from a birthday or bachelorette party. The arms of the glasses had snapped off, and the lenses popped out, but the heart-shaped frames were still intact. At the time, it felt like foreshadowing—but of love or future heartbreak, I wasn’t sure. I took a photo and posted it to Instagram without context. (It was 2014, and that’s what we did back then.)

Over a decade later now, if I scroll far back enough, I can still see that photo of sunglasses and remember that first night with Mike—the floral Urban Outfitters miniskirt I was wearing, the cigarettes-and-beer taste of his mouth, the summer humidity in the air, the way he slept curled up behind me. We were on and off and on and off for years. He was the first person I really fell hard for and the first person who left me truly heartbroken, crying on the subway at all hours and combing social media late at night searching for hints of what he was doing in his life without me. Mike was a Sagittarius: adventurous, open-minded, playful, spontaneous and reluctant to commit to anything. Turns out I’m not so good with Sagittariuses, but I always fall for them.

Somehow, I always end up falling for the wrong zodiac signs. My dating history is filled with Sagittariuses and Aquariuses, which are both supposed to clash with my Scorpio self. (And although things might feel blissful at first, eventually the fall always comes.) Astrologers have explained why I’m drawn to them: My Moon, Venus and Mercury are in Sagittarius, so it tracks that I would feel a connection with the star sign, even if their noncommittal nature is at odds with my intense Scorpio Sun and stability-craving Virgo Rising. As for the aloof Aquarius: When paired with a Scorpio, the two form a harsh, tense square—the astrological term for a 90-degree angle, associated with conflict and challenge—which equates to both interpersonal tension and sexual tension.

For many years, my dating life followed a similar astrological pattern. After Mike, there was Chris, the sweet Aquarius photographer who introduced me to his friends on our second date and eventually stopped making time for me one-on-one. Stephen, a decade my senior, was next; he read all the same books as me but his hot-and-cold dating style outpaced our intellectual connection. One week he wanted to see me four days in a row, then not at all the next. He was an Aquarius too. My first date with David, a friend of a friend and another Sagittarius, lasted for hours, going from dive bar to dive bar and then to his friend’s picnic to my friend’s birthday party. We didn’t want the day together to end. But as the months went by, I realised I still wasn’t quite over that last Aquarius, and for once it was me who couldn’t commit. When, in my late twenties, I changed my dating app settings from “men” to “everyone,” I thought it would end my unlucky streak of falling for the wrong zodiac signs. But then came along Amanda, a Sagittarius who took me to her favourite spot by the waterfront and ghosted me after we hooked up.