Diwali Style Guide for Men: Beyond Boring Kurta-Pajama

The festival of lights is here, and as the world lights up with the glow of lamps, your wardrobe deserves a funky upgrade. For a very long time, the simple kurta-pajama has been the unquestionable—and often drab—uniform for men during Diwali. While a classic kurta set is timeless, 2025 is the year we embrace the revolution in men’s ethnic fashion.

This comprehensive guide is your essential blueprint for moving beyond boring. We’re taking a deep dive into the top trends, revolutionary silhouettes, essential clothing and accessories that will ensure that you don’t just attend the card party or family puja, but you easily become the style statement of the celebration.

The New Foundations: Kurta with a Contemporary Twist (650 words)

The kurta remains the foundation of festive wear, but its silhouette, fabric and details have undergone dramatic changes, pushing it far away from its original origins.

1. The Power of Asymmetry and Drapes

Forget straight-cut, predictable kurtas. The biggest trend that will dominate in 2025 is the architectural, contemporary cut.

• Asymmetrical Hemline: These kurtas feature a high-low hem or a diagonal cut, which instantly adds a high-fashion, dynamic edge. They are perfect for evening feasts and look amazing when paired with slim-fit churidars or tailored trousers. Unexpected lines create the illusion of movement and height.
• Draped and Cowl Kurtas: Borrowing from classic Indian draping techniques, these kurtas feature cowl details at the neck, shoulders or hem. It adds a texture of richness and a sense of effortless, flowing sophistication. Styling Tip: Since the top is dramatic, keep the bottom ensemble minimal — think plain white or black churidar — and opt for deep jewel tones like midnight blue or rich burgundy in a silk or velvet blend.

2. The Rise of the Short and Shirt-Style Kurta

Diwali is not just a night; It’s a range of gatherings – from cozy brunches to busy home tours. The short kurta offers the perfect blend of ethnic charm and smart-casual comfort.

• Shirt-style kurtas: These have a proper shirt collar, a button-down placket and a length that reaches at or just below the hip. They match exceptionally well with structured bottoms like chinos, tailored trousers, or even slim-fit dark wash jeans. This is your favorite choice for day time, pre-Diwali office events or casual family gatherings.
• Short Kurta with Elevated Bottoms: Skip the basic pajama. Pair a short kurta in textured linen or cotton-silk with jodhpuri trousers (a semi-formal trouser with fitted legs) or contemporary dhoti pants. This fusion look is a showstopper – traditional roots with an edgy, modern finish.

3. Color Palettes and Fabric Innovations for 2025

The colors and materials you choose are just as important as the style. 2025 is based on a sophisticated blend of rich drama and serene elegance.

• The New Neutrals (Pastels with Pop): Soft earthy tones like sage green, powder blue, lilac and blush pink are incredibly popular for daytime events and add a fresh, youthful appeal. The festive touch comes from subtle gold or silver zari accents on the collar, cuffs or buttons.
• Regal Jewel Tones: For a main Lakshmi puja or evening card party, nothing beats deep, rich jewel tones. Think emerald green, sapphire blue, amethyst purple and ruby ​​red. These colours, especially in luxurious clothes, photograph brilliantly and communicate wealth and festivity.
• Textural Luxury (Velvet and Brocade): While an all-velvet kurta may be too much, it is important to incorporate it as a layering piece or in smaller details. A silk kurta with a brocade mandarin collar or velvet panels on the shoulders elevates the entire outfit. Raw silk and dupion silk remain staple fabrics for their natural luster and structured drape.

The Layering Game: The New Age of Jackets and Suits

The secret weapon to turning a basic outfit into something extraordinary is layers. This season, the traditional Nehru jacket and sherwani are being revamped with contemporary cuts and unexpected pairings.

1. The Unbeatable Nehru Jacket Set

The Nehru jacket (or Bundi) is no longer a formal idea; This is the focal point.

• Texture Contrast: The biggest trend is to use jackets to contrast the kurta. Layer a textured velvet or embroidered brocade Nehru jacket over a plain, solid-colored silk kurta (for example, a dark black velvet jacket over a simple gold kurta).
• Longline Bundi: These jackets fall to mid-thigh, offering a more contemporary, longer silhouette that works well with slimmer bottoms. This style is especially attractive for tall men.
• Styling Indo-Western: Use a Nehru jacket as a blazer replacement. Wear it with a well-fitted solid-coloured shirt (no kurta underneath!) and tailored, slim-fit trousers. Add a pocket square that picks up a color from the jacket’s details for a sophisticated, fusion look perfect for a formal Diwali cocktail party.

2. The Indo-Western Statement: Jodhpuri & Bandhgala

These structured dresses epitomize royal Indian style, now adapted to modernity.

• Modern Jodhpuri Suit: This structured suit, characterized by its closed, high neck (bandhgala collar), is moving from heavy embroidery to subtle, tone-on-tone threadwork or geometric prints. The modern approach is all about impeccable fit and fabric.
• New Bottoms: Ditch the matching churidar for a change. Pair your jodhpuri jacket with pleated, tapered trousers (in a contrasting but complementary color like black or charcoal grey). It instantly underpins the traditional top with a western, tailored finish.
• Velvet Bandhgala: For maximum opulence, a bandhgala in a rich, non-traditional color like forest green or teal blue velvet is a definite evening look. Keep accessories to a minimum to let the fabric and stitching do the talking.

3. The Reimagined Sherwani

For the biggest, grandest Diwali celebration or wedding ceremony during the season, Sherwani has been redefined for lightness and ease.

• Asymmetrical and Draped Sherwanis: Like kurtas, sherwanis now feature draped panels or unique high-low hemlines. These provide a more fluid, less rigid appearance.
• Short length: New sherwanis are often slightly shorter, falling just above the knees, making them easier to wear and pair with modern bottoms such as tailored trousers.

The Final Flourish: The Art of Accessorizing (350 words)

Any outfit is incomplete without the right accessories. In 2025, men’s festive accessories are bold, intentional, and often serve as essential embellishments.

1. Footwear: Grounding Your Look

The right shoe can make or break your ethnic outfit.

• Juttis and Mojaris (Classic): Invest in high-quality, comfortable and lightweight embroidered shoes. Look for solid leather pieces with delicate gold thread or beading. They work best with churidars and traditional pajamas.
• Fusion Footwear: For Indo-Western outfits (Nehru jacket with trousers, short kurta with chinos), contemporary footwear rules. Smooth, dark leather loafers or well-made, clean white/black low-profile sneakers can add a stunning and trendy look to a bandhgala or short kurta set.

2. Statement Jewellery and Brooches

Jewelery in men’s fashion should be minimal but impactful.

• Brooke (Lapel Pin): This is the most important accessory of this season. A statement brooch in an intricate design, featuring pearls, semi-precious stones, or bold metal details – should be pinned to the lapel of your Nehru jacket, bandhgala, or even a simple kurta. It adds a focal point and a touch of effortless luxury.
• Minimal Neckpiece (Mala/Kantha): If your kurta or jacket has a plain collar, a subtle beaded mala or a modern, tight-fitting necklace (kantha) is a great way to add color and texture without resorting to heavy jewellery. Key rule: Only one statement piece – either a brooch or a neckpiece.

3. The Power of the Pocket Square and Stole

• Pocket Square: A vibrant, printed silk or brocade pocket square is non-negotiable in a Nehru jacket or Jodhpuri suit. Choose a color that matches the jacket but matches the kurta (for example, a mustard yellow pocket square in a navy blue jacket worn over an ivory kurta).
• Luxe Stole: For a truly regal look, especially with a long sherwani or bandhgala, a heavily embroidered or knitted shawl (stole) over one shoulder adds a powerful, regal layer. This is best reserved for the most formal events.

Outfit Ideas for Every Diwali Occasion (200 words)

Different events call for different levels of formality. Here are three go-to formulas for 2025:

This Diwali, break the mold of fashion. Embrace asymmetry, enjoy the rich textures of velvet and silk, and let a single, powerful accessory become your signature. By thoughtfully blending tradition with contemporary cuts, you’ll ensure that your style is as bright and festive as the festival itself.