It does not matter how much one likes the sundresses and trouser pants, Indian women ethnic wear has and will always rule our hearts. There is something so magical about that embroidery-heavy lehenga in a wedding that screams class and tradition. No Indian woman’s wardrobe is complete without some desi tadka of saris, kurtis, salwar kameez, and a couple of Patiala pants. Our love for these desi dresses is so much that we have successfully injected them into western wear like turning shirts into Kurtis.

If you are someone who prefers a malmal ki kurti over fancy formal shirts, you are in luck. A look at the recent trends in the Indian fashion industry showcases some great designs according to Kreeva.

Latest Runway Trends for Indian Women’s Ethnic Wear

From Falguni Shane to Manish Malhotra, Indian fashion designers are on fire with the latest trends they have put forth on the runway. The so-called outdated styles are now making a classy comeback. You can expect a lot more bling, feathers, and comfort in Indian fashion this year. So without further ado, here are the 8 latest ethnic wear trends for women in 2020:

Feathery lehengas

Feathers are no longer tacky! On the contrary, they are ruling on runways, international and domestic, alike. From the lehenga dupattas to the edges of the skirt, feathers are added to the outfit to accentuate the glam factor.

Predominantly a European trend, the Indian fashion industry has seen its share of feathers over the ears through earrings and accessories. However, this time designers like Falguni Shane are using them to make the edges edgier.

So this year, weddings will most likely be a feathery affair with fashionistas rocking this look with pastel shades and minimal jewelry, accessories, and makeup.

Belted Indian dresses

Indian ladies ethnic wear like sarees, lehengas, and Anarkali have seen the belts since a few years ago. From belting the saree to keeping the annoying dupattas in check with a belt when wearing an anarkali, belted Indian dresses are still in vogue.

One of the biggest reasons for the resilience of belts in Indian fashion is how they accentuate the natural curves we are gifted with. Not only they cinch your waist, but they also add to the fashion quotient of the outfit.

One of the best ways to wear belts in 2020 is to pair metallic ones with loose kurtas accompanied with a matching robe. Alternatively, you can also go for an embellished one for your lehenga or anarkali. However, be sure to choose belts that suit your body type the best. For instance, petite women would do well to select thin belts, whereas broad straps are better for tall women.

Layered gowns and lehengas

One of the latest fashion trends in India is adding tiers or layers to lehengas and floor-length anarkali gowns. Designers like Manish Malhotra and Amit Agarwal have added their twist to the layers. The new trend will make brides look like the princesses they wish to be on their special day.

The best thing about layered lehengas and gowns is its versatility. They can either be gaudy with heavy embroidery work or simplistic with minimal work. Moreover, styling them is not very hard, for you can go with less makeup and accessories with this style.

The sequin-y touch

Sequins are not a thing of the past! They are making a comeback on every Indian dress you imagine, from sarees to lehengas. Get ready for some blingy and sequin-y dresses in your next social function, for they are in vogue.

The best part? You can wear sequins from head to toe, and you will not look odd. One of the best ways to get the look right is to wear contrasting colors or mixing up different shades in an outfit. For instance, you can pair a silver sequined blouse with a pale yellow or pink saree with sequins. In the case of lehengas, you can go for patterned skirts with sequins of different colors and pair them with either sequined blouse or sheer one.

Quirky, bold blouses

From ruffled sleeves to going off-shoulder, blouses are getting bolder and quirkier in Indian fashion dresses this year. We have seen flouncy sleeves in western wear, but in 2020, cholis and saree blouses are getting an upgrade with poofy sleeves.

Moreover, backless and off-shoulder blouses are back in business for Indian women to rock this year. However, when flouncy styling sleeves, be sure to belt your saree to cinch your waist to avoid looking bloated or puffy. When it comes to lehenga, it is best to escape dupattas with puffy sleeves to show-off the pure elegance of the sleeves.

Fashion on the fringes

Fringes on Indian dresses are not in the periphery anymore. In 2020, we will see more fringy costumes on the runway and red carpet. From the off-shoulder blouses to edges of kurti, ruffles are everywhere, ruling the Indian fashion.

Fringes give a luxurious look to a costume without revealing too much skin, a perfect combination for Indian women. Moreover, they are suitable for any body type and shape and can give you a classy and stylish overall look.

Going dupatta-less

Going dupatta-less is one of the latest trends in Indian fashion that is a blessing for all ethnic wear lovers. Anyone who wears a lehenga or salwar kameez and kurti will know the pain of an unruly dupatta.

With this latest trend, that problem now has a solution–in-build or pre-drape dupattas. We are seeing so many kurtis, cholis, gowns, and sarees with pre-draped dupattas that fall like a cape, giving an Elsa-vibe to the outfit. This trend is chic, elegant, and delightfully Indo-western and perfect for those wanting to look and feel like a princess.

Sharara Sharara

Are you bored of wearing lehengas or sarees to weddings? Sharara pants are here to save the day! Palazzo Kurtis will take a backseat as Sharara rules the runway in 2020. Easy to move in and a more relaxed style, these pants are the best substitute for lehenga skirts and sarees.

You can pair the airy, breezy pants with short or long kurtis with side slits in contrasting or matching colors. Alternatively, you can also wear them with lengthy anarkalis for a stylish look. However, if you have killer abs to show off, then wearing a blouse with sharara pants with or without a dupatta will ensure all heads turn as you waltz in a social function.

The best part about sharara pants is that you can either go casual with simple got work or rock a party with heavy embellishments. Moreover, it is a great excuse to wear that old kameez or kurti in an innovative and new way.

Bottom Line

Any outfit can never replace Indian women’s ethnic wear. The magic of saree pallus flying around in the breeze and sheer beauty of a bride in bridal lehengas are things we can never forget about Indian dresses. With several new trends coming up every year, transforming the traditional outfits into something more, something better, ethnic wear is here to stay and rule our hearts.

So, are you ready to reinvent your wardrobe this year?