Raksha Bandhan dressing is becoming more about authentic expression than just occasion dressing. A key highlight this season is the rich interplay between textiles and embroidery. There’s a lot of dialogue between loom and needle, where the weave sets the foundation and the embroidery adds nuance and identity. This kind of thoughtful layering is what makes festive dressing more personal, more meaningful, and truly timeless.
Fabrics that are lightweight and yet fluid, such as chiffon, georgette, mulmul and Chanderi are gaining momentum, driven by an increased emphasis on comfort. Bold florals and bold motifs on soft pastel fabrics will be preferred over pastel florals, while asymmetrical silhouettes and clean cuts are other major trends this year, the drape looks and silhouettes can be tucked away in the trunks for this season.
As for the accessories, the embroidered and beaded jewellery is taking over the metallics and diamonds. For the uber modern women, thick cutwork lace ensembles give that contemporary edge that they like yet blends in with the traditions when teamed with festive jewellery in bold colours and sizes.
Impeccable tailoring is a must for both men and women. Less is more with hint of sass with an interesting accessory or footwear would be chic. Consider re-wearing pieces from your existing wardrobe, mixing it with other outfit pieces and adding an interesting accessory that ties the look together.
Accessories are a must—pieces that mix and match Indian crafts, as well as bracelet stacks and big size pearls are huge for 2025. With sustainability continuing to be a major buzzword for 2025, re-tailoring existing traditional sarees or outfits into more contemporary silhouettes has been catching on among fashion lovers globally. And when confused, just wear the whites and creams from your wardrobe, add bold gold accessories or footwear, add a bright pink or orange lipstick and you are festive ready.
For women, flowy anarkalis, lehenga sets with clean cuts, and kurta-sharara ensembles are in focus, offering versatility across age groups. The added element of kalamkari applique on sarees and anarkalis brings a storytelling aspect to the garments.
For men, the silhouettes remain classic — straight-cut kurtas and Nehru jackets — but what elevates them is the use of fabric textures and embroidery patterns that echo heritage weaves.
Women: A kalamkari applique anarkali with hand embroidered details or a hand embroidered jacket paired with a dhoti and a bustier.
Men: A matka silk kurta with subtle ari-tari detailing, layered under a textured nehru jacket, strikes the right balance between effort and elegance.
The standout trend is weave-meets-embroidery styling — an intentional mix of Indian textile legacies with delicate surface work to elevate the outfit for smaller, meaningful gatherings like Raksha Bandhan.
Also gaining ground are light statement pieces — outfits that carry the grandeur of tradition but are lightweight, breathable, and easy to move in. Asha Gautam’s handcrafted kalamkari applique work and fusion of handwoven and embroidery techniques capture this trend beautifully.
There’s also a clear movement towards breezy, lightweight dressing that still holds cultural value—embroidery is becoming more textural than heavy, and silhouettes are being reimagined to offer versatility.
Read the full story that first appeared in Marwar’s July-Aug 2025 issue here:
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