Given the gender-bender that Diwali inevitably involves, how ready would the feminine face of India be prepared to raise the roof during this one of many “most important” festivals, considering how the arrangements can take a toll on the woman responsible for maintaining sanctity of hearth and home, saddled all the while with cleaning the premises, buying the right offerings, decorations, dry fruit platters and cooking in advance? This is, with no stretch of the imagination in the here and now, a lot of work that warrants a woman takes time off from office work, cooking, cleaning and readying the home for the Festival of Lights – even if all of this amounts to a mere supervisory role — to look to arranging a festive wardrobe. After all, it is important for a house-proud home minister to look the queen she is!

It&’s no secret that every morning the woman of the house finds herself in  plaintive mood before an open closet, confused about what to wear, specifically if there is no dress codes. Strange as this common malady may be, most women know that the outfit chosen also has an effect on the mood and level of self-confidence throughout the day. And then, on the festive day, she might want to switch and maybe flaunt something bright and beautiful. Of course, wearing red and blue on a special occasion is a surefire way of getting noticed, the colours signifying “Stop! Look at me, hear me out!” 

Well, every season different hues take centrestage, from fire-engine reds to tangerine to deep crimson or perhaps something in royal blue. A taxing outfit-selection  process has helped to make things a little easier with a list that Anita Dogre&’s line and Global Desi think are essentials for both festive and casual occasions all women should account for by way of their wardrobes.

Give the celebration season and the shine and brightness it deserves, a superb blend of pastel creations is just the right candidate. Wear your value with loads of style and confidence and be ready to attract some amazing comments and secret glances. 

Of course, it&’s also important that you outshine the lights and crackers this Diwali! Fuchsia pink is a great shade to wear — grand, it looks elegant in and allows you to feel pretty and beautiful. What more can you ask for? Playing with colour, you could look adorable and mesmerising in an orange dress – and you needn’t do much to make it look beautiful — wear it to experience the charisma.

If you are not the type to go traditional all the way, try an ethnic scarf with a spaghetti sleeve kameez or go for a nice flashy sharara with a long kurta in case you don’t feel like taking the plunge. Again, for an elegant yet edgy festive statement, you could go desi chic by opting for embroidered mirror work boxy crop tops, cape tunics and cropped tabards paired with pleated skirts and dhoti pants from Global Desi that fit into the ethnic look. If you’re looking for a fashionable break from the classic salwar suit styles, the contemporary three-piece suits with flowy high slit kurtas and straight cut pants, tabard style kurtas with shararas in gold foil, colorful embroidery and dangling coins will certainly make you dazzle.

The trendsetter angarakha has also been given a modern twist to resemble versatile floor-length kurtas that ensure heads turn. What&’s best is, you need not be an Angelina Jolie to pull these outfits off. Rest assured there is something for all body types and one can even opt for alterations, if required — which is completely hasslefree. 

If you’re of a mind to go with opulent outfits or a style to match the mood in a Western outfit, Dogre&’s “And” line gives you plenty to choose from this festive season — from maxi dresses, crossover long shrugs to high-slit tops in printed and vibrant hues of reds, maroons, fiery oranges, cobalt blues and pinks in comfortable and light fabrics like chiffon and georgettes. You could also choose from a wide range of pencil skirts that could be teamed with an elegant top and a bright jacket. Twist your outfit by opting to layer the look with a duster teamed with a beautiful scarf, perfect for a festive evening with family and friends.

Then there is the red sheath dress, slimming, sexy, and timeless and a must, must have. And also the fern high neck top, understated and classy and wearable night or day. Pair this with an era collar vest and henna printed culottes and leave your hair open or tie it into a casual French knot – all guaranteed to make your office days a lot more colourful. 

Winter is all about breaking free and a light jacket will not make you look tacky. Instead, a well-tailored blazer adds an air of sophistication to any look. Neutral blazers in black or white can coordinate with pretty much any dress, top, or jeans, but you shouldn’t be afraid of adding a pop of colour with maybe cobalt blue or fuscia orange — whatever speaks to you!

As importantly, an A-line skirt should be in every working woman&’s wardrobe and Dogre presents a Tori pencil skirt, Aspen and Lenore dittos and more. These spell polished, feminine and, yes, business!

With a palette of strong colours and an array of contemporary designs, Global Desi amd the Dogre creations highlight the perfect styles for this festive season. Available across all exclusive brand and multi-brand outlets at Rs.1,099 onwards.