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Indian party dresses are a great way to showcase your style and culture at any occasion. Whether you are attending a wedding, a festival, a cocktail party, or a casual get-together, there is an Indian party dress that suits your personality and mood. In this blog, I will share some tips on how to choose and style Indian party dresses for different events in 2024.

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Wedding

A wedding is a grand celebration of love and tradition, and you want to look your best as a guest. Indian weddings usually have multiple ceremonies and functions, so you need to plan your outfits accordingly. Some of the popular choices for Indian party dresses for weddings are:

• Lehenga-choli: A lehenga-choli is a two-piece outfit consisting of a long, flared skirt and a cropped blouse. It is often paired with a dupatta, a long scarf that can be draped over the shoulders or the head. Lehenga-cholis come in various fabrics, colors, and designs, and can be embellished with embroidery, sequins, beads, or stones. A lehenga-choli is a versatile and elegant option for a wedding, as you can mix and match different pieces to create different looks. For example, you can wear a plain lehenga with a heavily embroidered choli for a sangeet (musical night), or a silk lehenga with a brocade choli for a reception. You can also accessorize your lehenga-choli with statement jewelry, such as a choker, a maang tikka (a forehead ornament), or a pair of jhumkas (bell-shaped earrings).

• Saree: A saree is a long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the waist and draped over the shoulder. It is worn with a blouse and a petticoat underneath. Sarees are one of the most classic and timeless Indian party dresses, as they can flatter any body type and suit any occasion. Sarees come in a variety of materials, such as silk, cotton, georgette, chiffon, or net, and can have different prints, patterns, or borders. A saree can be draped in different ways, depending on the region, the style, or the preference of the wearer. For example, you can drape a saree in a Gujarati style, where the pallu (the loose end of the saree) is brought to the front from the back and pinned on the shoulder, or in a Bengali style, where the pallu is pleated and wrapped around the waist. You can also experiment with different blouse designs, such as a halter neck, a boat neck, or a backless one. To complete your saree look, you can add some jewelry, such as a necklace, a pair of earrings, or a bangle.

• Anarkali: An anarkali is a long, fitted kurta (top) that flares out from the waist and reaches the ankles. It is worn with a churidar (tight-fitting pants) and a dupatta. An anarkali is a graceful and comfortable option for a wedding, as it can give you a royal and feminine look. An anarkalis can be made of various fabrics, such as cotton, silk, or georgette, and can have different necklines, sleeves, or slits. An anarkali can also have different types of work, such as zari, gota, or mirror work, that can add some sparkle and shine to your outfit. You can accessorize your anarkali with some jewelry, such as a pair of earrings, a ring, or a bracelet.

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Festival

A festival is a time to celebrate and enjoy with your family and friends. Indian festivals are colorful and vibrant, and you want to dress accordingly. Some of the popular choices for Indian party dresses for festivals are:

• Salwar kameez: A salwar kameez is a three-piece outfit consisting of a kurta, a salwar (loose-fitting pants), and a dupatta. A salwar kameez is a simple and comfortable option for a festival, as it can give you a casual and chic look. Salwar kameezes come in various fabrics, such as cotton, rayon, or crepe, and can have different prints, such as floral, geometric, or paisley. A salwar kameez can also have different cuts, such as a straight cut, an A-line cut, or a frock style. You can style your salwar kameez with some accessories, such as a pair of earrings, a necklace, or a scarf.

• Kurti: A kurti is a short or long top that can be worn with jeans, leggings, or palazzos. A kurti is a trendy and versatile option for a festival, as it can give you a modern and stylish look. Kurtis come in various fabrics, such as cotton, silk, or denim, and can have different designs, such as embroidery, patchwork, or applique. A kurti can also have different necklines, such as a round neck, a V-neck, or a mandarin collar. You can style your kurti with some accessories, such as a pair of sunglasses, a belt, or a hat.

• Gown: A gown is a long, flowing dress that can be worn with or without a dupatta. A gown is a glamorous and sophisticated option for a festival, as it can give you a princess-like look. Gowns come in various fabrics, such as net, satin, or velvet, and can have different embellishments, such as lace, sequins, or beads. A gown can also have different silhouettes, such as a mermaid, a ball, or a sheath. You can style your gown with some accessories, such as a pair of heels, a clutch, or a tiara.

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Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is a social event where you can mingle and have fun with your friends or colleagues. Indian cocktail parties are usually semi-formal or formal, and you want to dress accordingly. Some of the popular choices for Indian party dresses for cocktail parties are:

• Saree gown: A saree gown is a fusion of a saree and a gown, where the fabric is draped and stitched in a way that resembles a saree, but has the convenience and fit of a gown. A saree gown is a unique and stunning option for a cocktail party, as it can give you a fusion of tradition and modernity. Saree gowns come in various fabrics, such as georgette, chiffon, or satin, and can have different colors, such as black, red, or gold. A saree gown can also have different details, such as a slit, a cut-out, or a trail. You can style your saree gown with some accessories, such as a pair of earrings, a cuff, or a ring.

• Dhoti dress: A dhoti dress is a fusion of a dhoti and a dress, where the fabric is draped and stitched in a way that resembles a dhoti, but has the flair and shape of a dress. A dhoti dress is a quirky and fun option for a cocktail party, as it can give you a fusion of ethnicity and edginess. Dhoti dresses come in various fabrics, such as cotton, silk, or denim, and can have different prints, such as stripes, checks, or polka dots. A dhoti dress can also have different features, such as a one-shoulder, a cold-shoulder, or a ruffle. You can style your dhoti dress with some accessories, such as a pair of boots, a backpack, or a cap.

• Sharara suit: A sharara suit is a three-piece outfit consisting of a short or long kurta, a sharara (wide-legged pants), and a dupatta. A sharara suit is a trendy and elegant option for a cocktail party, as it can give you a fusion of flair and finesse. Sharara suits come in various fabrics, such as silk, velvet, or brocade, and can have different colors, such as navy, maroon, or green. A sharara suit can also have different work, such as zardozi, kundan, or pearl work, that can add some glamour and shine to your outfit. You can style your sharara suit with some accessories, such as a pair of juttis (flat shoes), a potli (a drawstring bag), or a maang tikka.

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