Navratri 2021: Slay the Festive Season with these 20 Budget-friendly Looks

The festive season is round the corner and the excitement is real. Loud beats, dandiya sticks, garba nights, heaps of appetising food and trendy outfits are some of the things that make all of us look forward to the festivities. Navratri is also the time when people shop to their heart’s content, decorate their houses, and make merry with friends and family. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed things around, nothing can stop you from celebrating safely with your close family members. It’s also a good excuse to dress up in your ethnic best and give your wardrobe a colourful upgrade.

Ethnic Outfit Inspiration: Navratri 2021

Whether you’re stepping out or staying in, we have you covered with some budget-friendly looks for the upcoming festive season. Think flowy sarees, fusion outfits, heavy lehengas and the traditional ghagra choli. To make sure your style statement is captivating, we’ve also listed outfits based on the Navratri colours along with their significance. Let’s get dazzling:

1. 3-piece Suit (Orange)

Start day one of Navratri with a bright, vibrant and bold colour. Orange signifies energy and happiness. Our pick for the first day would definitely be this orange round neck set from W. It comes with a cropped top, embellished skirt and net gilet. It’s the perfect outfit for a day puja or garba night. The flattering fit and flowy texture definitely make it a wardrobe staple. It is priced at Rs. 2,499.

2. Chikankari Kurta (White)

When you’re in a fashion dilemma, opt for the classic yet stylish Chikankari kurta from Lucknow. While there are several different colours available, nothing says beauty better than a white one. We’re crushing over this White Chikankari Cotton Kurta with Mukaish from Jaypore. It is a 100% hand-embroidered product with intricate carving patterns. White signifies purity, peace and meditation. Mata Brahmacharini is also seen wearing white thereby signifying her wisdom and loyalty. The kurta is priced at Rs. 3,490.

3. Net Saree (Red)

If you’re a newly-wed bride and this is your first Navratri, don’t hesitate to go a little OTT (over the top) with your festive look. Since you’re likely to celebrate with relatives, you should be careful of what you’re wearing. Instead of experimenting with trendy outfits, opt for the classic saree. We love this Red & Gold-Toned Net Embroidered Saree from Inddus. It’s beautifully embellished and extremely delicate. It also comes with an unstitched blouse piece. On day three of Navratri, women generally wear red since Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped. It signifies bravery and grace. This statement number is priced at Rs. 1,889.

4. Anarkali Ethnic Set (Royal Blue)

Feeling the mid-Navratri blues? How about slaying with some blues? The Vark Dark Blue Anarkali Ethnic Set is perfect for anyone who loves solid colours. What we love the most about this set is the floral-patterned dupatta. It is actually the best way to turn any boring outfit into a stylish one. The ethnic cropped pants too give the outfit an elegant look. Signifying good health and prosperity, blue should definitely be your colour for day four. This set is priced at Rs. 2,599.

5. Sharara Suit (Yellow)

If you’re looking to steal the limelight at a Navratri puja, you have to bookmark this Yellow Georgette Sharara Suit from Kreeva. The three-piece set comes with a sleeveless frock-style kurti, flowy sharara and matching dupatta. It’s definitely an easy-breezy outfit for the festive season. The colour yellow is an epitome of happiness. The look can be further enhanced by pairing it with chaandbali earrings. The gorgeous outfit is priced at Rs. 1,950.  

6. Lehenga (Green)

Make them green with envy! Navratri is all about celebrating new beginnings and growth. There’s no better way to do that than wearing a solid green outfit on day six of Durga Puja. On this day, Goddess Katyayani is worshipped. Green is often worn to celebrate victory. The best outfit we could find is this Double Ghera Lehenga Skirt from Studio Shringaar. The flowy skirt can be paired with a crisp white shirt or delicate gold blouse, and finished off with chunky accessories. The lehenga skirt is available in several other colours. Bookmark this one since it’s priced at Rs. 1,198 only.

7. High-low Tunic (Grey)

As much as Navratri is about bright and vibrant colours, it is also the time when people are seen wearing subtle hues. Day seven is all about the strength of transforming. Goddess Kalaratri is believed to be the destroyer of all evil spirits and ghosts. The perfect way to slay this victorious day is by stepping out in this Grey Foil Layered High Low Double Layer Tunic from Indya. The solid navy underlayer makes it a complete outfit in itself. Pair it with delicate earrings and a statement choker. This grey number is priced at Rs. 1,700.

8. Dhoti Pants (Purple)

Day eight of Navratri is called Ashtmi or Kanjak puja. On this day, little girls who are considered the avatar of goddess Durga are celebrated. Purple is worn on this day since it signifies inner peace and intellect. Since it’s the end of Navratri, it wouldn’t harm to go a bit contemporary with your outfit choices. Thus, we’ve earmarked this trendy Dhoti Pants with Attached Pallu set from Global Desi. The deep hue makes it perfect for day or night festivities. This pocket-friendly outfit is priced at Rs. 1,000.

9. Frill Saree (Pink)

The final day of Navratri festival is called Navami. Goddess Siddhidatri is worshiped on this day, and therefore women offering the puja wear pink. It signifies hope and freshness of perspective. We’re totally obsessing over this Pink Solid Pure Georgette Ruffle Saree from Anouk. The colourful embellished border gives the saree a rich look. It is priced at Rs. 1,849.

These budget-friendly looks definitely have you covered for the nine days of Navratri. However, if you’re looking for inspiration to slay the rest of the festive season (Dussehra and Diwali), here are some more ethnic outfit ideas:

10. Multicoloured Lehenga Choli

Nothing can beat going fully traditional on Navratri. If you’re stepping out for a garba or dandiya night, an ethnic lehenga choli or chaniya choli should be your pick. It can brighten up your mood and definitely make you the centre of attraction. Back in the day, most girls would love wearing mirror-work lehengas. However, this Navratri, you can choose this All-over Printed Lehenga with Dupatta from Shubhvastra. It’s a multicoloured number made from Art Silk. The three-piece set is priced at Rs. 2,460.

11. Kaftan Dress

As much as we love looking stylish on Navratri, comfort matters. Well, the good news is that you can turn on your style quotient and be comfy at the same time. Wondering how? This Earthen Mustard Drawstring Kaftan Dress from Indya has our heart. The airy cut and delightful print make it a wardrobe must-have. It is priced at Rs. 950.

12. Layered Jumpsuit

The end of Navratri ushers in the pre-Diwali parties. If you’re going to be called for card parties and get-togethers, you obviously want to look your stylish best. Instead of choosing a 100% traditional ensemble, go Indo-west. We’re swooning over this Rose Pink Embellished Layered Jumpsuit from Indya. They’re currently running a half-price sale and hence you can shop this look at Rs. 1,250 only.

13. Asymmetrical Saree Kurta

An asymmetrical kurta is the prettiest festive staple your wardrobe must have. Though the high-low hemlines have been around for a while, they’re here to stay and slay. Instead of simply opting for a plain high-low kurta, you can always go a little OTT. This Dusky Pink Asymmetric Art Silk Saree Kurta from BIBA is a gorgeous ethnic piece. It’s a two-in-one outfit that gives you the comfort of a kurta and stylish drape of a saree. It is priced at Rs. 2,498.

14. Embroidered Denim Jacket

If you’re someone who doesn’t like dressing up, you should definitely choose the Boho chic festive look. It’s effortless and can give any outfit an ethnic twist. This Navy-Blue Washed Denim Jacket from Bhama Couture is something you must stock up on. It can be worn with a lehenga skirt, kurta or blouse. Team it up with oxidised jewellery and you’re good to go. It’s priced at Rs. 989.

15. Floral Organza Skirt

Millennials today love adding a contemporary twist to their Indian outfits and if you’re one of them, you’re going to love this Turquoise Blue & Pink Floral Printed Organza Skirt. It’s so versatile that you can pair it with a cropped top, white silk shirt or even a chic blouse. The flattering fit makes it a closet must-have. Shop this gorgeous skirt at Rs. 1,440.

16. Dhoti Pants & Ethnic Jacket Set

Turn up the heat this festive season with this beautiful Grey & Gold Crop Top with Dhoti Pants and Longline Jacket from Street 9. It’s the ideal pick for all those last-minute festivities. The cropped top has a beautiful cut and print. Since it’s a minimal outfit, you can enhance the look with real or fashion jewellery. This stunning set costs only Rs. 1,484.

17. Short Kurta and Sharara Set

We love quirky festive looks. There’s so much you can do with them. Even if you end up buying an ethnic set, you can always mix-and-match. For example, this Mustard Short Kurta and Sharara Set from Indya is the festive staple we didn’t know our wardrobe needed. Wear it as it is or pair the sharara with a cropped top and the kurta with a white palazzo, and you’re sorted. The bright hue makes it ideal for a puja. This one’s priced at Rs. 1,710.

18. Saree Style Jumpsuit

Another fusion festive look we’re obsessing over is this Printed Saree Style Jumpsuit from Vedic. It’s casual and not too dressy. It’s perfect if you’re hanging with friends in the afternoon or catching up over lunch. Team it up with a pair of hoops and you’re sorted. What do you think of it? It’s priced at Rs. 1,350 only.

19. Angrakha-style Kurta

There’s something immensely stylish about an angrakha-style kurta. It effortlessly gives the look of a kurta and an Anarkali. If you’re looking for a minimal yet stylish Angrakha this Navratri, check out this Ivory Block Printed Cotton Angrakha from Jaypore. It’s a self hand-block printed kurta. It’s priced at Rs. 3,990 but looks straight out of a designer store.


Image Source: Indya

20. Mix and Match

Our last budget-friendly look isn’t a recommendation but rather a fashion tip. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to shop for a new outfit this festive season, you can always upcycle an old outfit. Wear the dupatta around your neck, add a statement belt on it and you’re good to go. If you already have a pair of dhoti pants, pair it with a basic cropped top and accessorise it with a choker or statement necklace. There are several things you can do to up your style game this Navratri and Diwali.

Do you have any other budget-friendly ethnic outfit recommendations? Link them in the comments section below.

Until then, keep it stylish and sassy!

Note: All the images used belong to the rightful owners/brands.