Samarpita Yashaswini is a Content Producer for Fashion (HT Shop Now) at Hindustan Times Digital. She has five years of experience in lifestyle writing, specialising in fashion, beauty, and trend-led commerce content. She covers everything from seasonal must-haves and wardrobe essentials to brand reviews and styling edits that make everyday dressing easier and more exciting.
Over the years, she has interned with Times Internet and Desi Martini, and worked with Pinkvilla and Schbang, building a strong foundation in digital storytelling and audience-first content. At HT Digital, she writes and creates fashion affiliate content for both the website and social media, blending trend awareness with shopping practicality. Her work sits at the intersection of style and strategy combined with equal parts aesthetic and analytics. A self-confessed fashion enthusiast, Samarpita has a sharp eye for colours, prints, silhouettes, and textures. She notices the fall of a fabric, the mood of a palette, and the difference a good cut can make. Her expertise lies in translating trends into wearable, relatable style and helping readers shop smarter, not louder. She later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Advertising and PR from MICA, Ahmedabad. Samarpita believes fashion content doesn’t need to be complicated or overly eloquent. It should be simple, fun, and genuinely helpful, guiding readers through daily style decisions with confidence and joy. Navratri is one of those occasions when dressing up is part of the celebration. From colourful chaniya cholis and mirror-work blouses to oxidised silver jewellery and embroidered dupattas, Garba nights offer plenty of opportunities to experiment with festive fashion. But when your plans involve hours of dancing, moving through a crowded venue and staying out late, the most heavily embellished outfit is not always the most practical choice. You can embrace the colours, prints and details associated with the festival without wearing a head-to-toe embellished outfit. A statement skirt with a simple blouse, a lightweight lehenga with a contrasting dupatta or even a well-styled kurta set can work beautifully for a Garba night. The idea is to choose one or two elements that make your outfit stand out and let the rest complement them. If you are looking for Navratri outfit ideas that feel festive without looking overdressed, here are some combinations worth considering. A chaniya choli is a classic choice for Garba, and you do not need an elaborate designer set to make it work. Look for a flared skirt featuring traditional prints, colourful borders, embroidery or small mirror-work details. Pair it with a fitted blouse in a complementary shade and a dupatta that does not feel too heavy. If your skirt already features colourful embroidery or mirror work, keep your jewellery relatively simple. A pair of oxidised silver jhumkas, a few bangles and comfortable footwear can complete the outfit without competing with its details. You can also experiment with a solid-coloured blouse to balance a printed skirt. This makes the outfit look more considered while allowing the skirt to remain the focal point. This combination gives you the festive appeal of traditional embellishment without making every part of the outfit compete for attention. For jewellery, choose either statement earrings or a bold necklace rather than automatically wearing both. A small bindi and a neat hairstyle can add a finishing touch without making the overall look feel overdone. When choosing a lehenga for Garba, consider how the skirt moves when you turn and take larger steps. Make sure the length does not cause you to trip and that the waistband stays secure. If the kurta has intricate embroidery, keep the dupatta relatively simple. If the outfit is mostly solid-coloured, a printed dupatta can add the visual interest you need. This is also a useful approach if you are attending a Garba event after work or have limited time to get ready. You can build on pieces already in your wardrobe rather than purchasing an entirely new festive look. If you have oily skin, consider products that you already know wear well on you. Carry blotting paper or a compact if you prefer to manage shine during the evening. Avoid experimenting with several unfamiliar products immediately before a long event, especially if your skin is sensitive.
She began her writing journey in 2020, but her love for fashion started long before that. She studied at Delhi Public School and graduated from Miranda House, University of Delhi in 2019, where she also wrote for the college magazine. For Navratri 2026, the trick is to find a balance between traditional dressing and contemporary styling.
Because you do not need elaborate jewellery to make the outfit feel complete, it also makes accessorising easier.
Try walking, sitting and moving around in the complete outfit before the event.
Jewellery can change the mood of an outfit, but more accessories do not necessarily make a look more festive. The easiest way to avoid looking overdressed is to decide which piece you want people to notice first. Oxidised silver earrings work well with colourful printed skirts and traditional outfits. Statement jhumkas can complement a simple blouse, while a choker may suit a more minimal neckline. Bangles can add movement and colour, but wearing too many may become uncomfortable during an extended dance session. Consider these simple combinations: Think about comfort as well as appearance. Heavy earrings, sharp embellishments and jewellery that catches on clothing can become distracting when you are dancing. Choose pieces you can comfortably wear for the duration of the event. Garba involves repeated steps, turns and movement, so footwear deserves as much consideration as your outfit. Embellished juttis, secure flat sandals or comfortable low heels may work, depending on your preference and the venue’s flooring. Avoid trying a completely new pair of shoes on the night of the event. Wear them around at home beforehand and check that they do not slip or rub against your feet. If you choose heels, make sure you can dance comfortably in them. For makeup, a festive look does not have to involve a heavy base, dramatic eyes and bold lips all at once. You could pair defined eyes with a neutral lip or choose a bright lip colour with simpler eye makeup. A small touch of highlighter or shimmer can add a celebratory finish without making the look feel excessive. The easiest way to create a balanced outfit is to edit it before leaving home. If your skirt has heavy mirror work, choose a simpler blouse. If you are wearing statement jewellery, keep the neckline and dupatta relatively understated. If the outfit already features several colours and prints, choose accessories that complement rather than compete with them. Comfort should also influence your decisions. Check that your blouse fits securely, your skirt allows you to move, your dupatta stays in place and your footwear feels stable. A festive outfit should let you enjoy the celebration instead of requiring constant adjustments. A printed skirt, a solid blouse, a traditional dupatta and a few well-chosen accessories can create several combinations. Rewearing and restyling pieces you already own can be just as effective as investing in a new outfit. A colourful chaniya choli, a mirror-work skirt with a plain blouse, a lightweight lehenga, a printed co-ord set or a simple kurta set can all work for Garba when styled thoughtfully. Rather than wearing every festive trend at once, choose one or two standout elements and build the rest of your look around them. Keep the fit practical, the accessories balanced, and the footwear comfortable. After all, the point of dressing up for Garba is to enjoy the music, the dancing and the celebration. Your outfit should make you feel confident without becoming the thing you have to keep adjusting all evening. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
You do not need to purchase a complete new wardrobe for Navratri 2026, either. The best Navratri 2026 outfit is one that reflects the festive spirit while allowing you to move comfortably through the night. 5 Capsule fashion investments for September 2026 that skip the microtrend noise The ‘Quiet Luxury’ secret: 5 Simple fashion hacks to look expensive on a budget 7 Handbags every woman should have in her wardrobe Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products.
Styling tip: If you are planning to dance for several hours, check the weight of the skirt and make sure the waistband allows you to move comfortably. A dramatic flare looks great, but the outfit should not restrict your steps. Mirror work is closely associated with festive Gujarati dressing, but wearing it across every element of your outfit can sometimes make the look feel too busy. A more balanced approach is to choose one mirror-work piece and keep the rest understated. For instance, pair a mirror-work skirt with a plain black, white, red or jewel-toned blouse. Alternatively, wear a simple skirt with a mirror-work choli and a lightweight dupatta. Styling tip: Match one colour from the skirt’s embroidery or border to your blouse or accessories. This creates a coordinated look without requiring every piece to be an exact match. If you prefer a more polished festive look, a lightweight lehenga set can be a practical alternative to a heavily embellished traditional outfit. Look for cotton, lightweight blends or other comfortable fabrics, paying attention to the actual construction rather than relying on the fabric label alone. Printed lehengas, colourful borders and subtle embroidery can look festive without adding too much weight. A simple blouse and a dupatta secured comfortably at the shoulder can complete the outfit. You could also choose a contrasting blouse instead of a heavily embroidered one. For example, a printed skirt paired with a solid blouse creates visual interest without adding more embellishment. Styling tip: Let the silhouette and colour combination do the work. A well-fitting lehenga with a beautiful print can look just as festive as one covered in embellishments. Not everyone wants to wear a traditional lehenga for Navratri. If you prefer a modern outfit, a coordinated ethnic set can be an easy way to dress for the occasion without looking too formal. Consider a printed flared-trouser set, a skirt-and-top co-ord or a festive kurta set featuring traditional motifs. Bandhani-inspired prints, geometric patterns, colourful borders and embroidered details can give the outfit a celebratory feel. The advantage of a co-ord set is that the pieces already work together, so you do not have to spend much time matching separates. You can also style the pieces independently after Navratri, making the outfit more versatile. For accessories, add jhumkas, a few bangles and a small crossbody bag if the venue permits it. Choose footwear that stays secure while dancing rather than a pair that looks good only when you are standing still. Styling tip: If your co-ord set has a bold print, avoid adding a heavily embellished dupatta or oversized jewellery. A cleaner finish will make the outfit feel more contemporary. A kurta set can be an excellent option if you want to participate in the festivities without buying a new lehenga or chaniya choli. A flared kurta with trousers, a straight kurta with a printed dupatta or an Anarkali-style set can all work, depending on the event’s dress code. Choose a festive colour such as fuchsia, red, green, cobalt blue or mustard, or experiment with a print that feels appropriate for the celebration. You can make a simple outfit look more occasion-ready with oxidised silver jewellery, colourful bangles and a pair of juttis or secure flat sandals. Styling tip: Pay attention to the length and fit of the kurta and trousers. You should be able to take wide steps and move freely without repeatedly adjusting the outfit. Sometimes, the easiest way to make a simple outfit look festive is to focus on the dupatta. A colourful Bandhani-inspired dupatta, an embroidered option or one with a striking border can transform a plain blouse-and-skirt combination or a basic kurta set. This approach works particularly well if you already own festive separates. Pair a solid skirt with a contrasting blouse and let the dupatta bring in the colour and texture. Alternatively, use a statement dupatta to add a traditional touch to a relatively simple outfit. The important thing is to secure the dupatta properly. Loose fabric can become uncomfortable when you are dancing, particularly in a crowded venue. Try a shoulder pin or a drape that stays in place without restricting your arm movement. Use pins carefully and make sure they do not irritate your skin or damage the fabric. Styling tip: If the dupatta has heavy borders, avoid adding an equally elaborate necklace and oversized earrings. One prominent detail is often enough.
