Navratri is as much a celebration of Indian culture and fashion as it is of music, dance and festivities. As Garba nights return in 2026, colourful lehengas, elegant sarees, flowing anarkalis and statement jewellery are once again ideal choices for festive dressing.
If you are looking for inspiration beyond the traditional chaniya choli, celebrity wardrobes offer plenty of ideas to adapt. From Janhvi Kapoor’s vibrant saree styling to Sharvari’s soft pastel lehenga and Alia Bhatt’s colourful Bandhani ensemble, these looks demonstrate how to balance festive glamour with personal style.
Here are seven celebrity-inspired ethnic looks to consider for Navratri 2026.
Janhvi Kapoor: Make a vibrant saree the centrepiece
Nothing captures the spirit of Indian festivities quite like a bright, ornate saree. For a Janhvi Kapoor-inspired Navratri look, choose a vibrant handloom saree and pair it with a simple matching blouse.
Keeping the blouse relatively understated allows the colour, weave and detailing of the saree to stand out. Add statement jewellery for a festive finish, but keep the makeup relatively minimal.
This combination works particularly well if you want your Navratri outfit to feel traditional without appearing overly heavy.
Sharvari: Go soft and pastel
If pastel shades are more your style, Sharvari’s baby pink lehenga offers a softer approach to Garba dressing.
A contrasting dupatta can add dimension to an otherwise delicate colour palette. Keep the beauty look fresh with dewy makeup and glossy lips, then add a pair of traditional chaandbaali earrings for a statement touch.
The result is a romantic festive look that feels contemporary while retaining its ethnic character.
Yami Gautam: Choose an elegant anarkali
For those who prioritise comfort without compromising on elegance, an anarkali is an easy Navratri choice.
Take inspiration from Yami Gautam’s white anarkali featuring elaborate golden embroidery. The combination of a clean base colour and intricate metallic detailing creates a refined festive appearance.
Wear your long hair open and finish the look with statement earrings. The flowing silhouette also makes an anarkali a practical option when you want freedom of movement during a long evening.
Alia Bhatt: Let Bandhani bring the colour
Navratri is the ideal occasion to embrace colour, and Alia Bhatt’s vibrant multicoloured Bandhani-inspired lehenga provides plenty of inspiration.
Pair a colourful lehenga with a stylish choli and allow the traditional textile-inspired pattern to become the focal point of the outfit. Since the ensemble already makes a strong statement, accessories can be kept to a minimum.
This is especially useful if you plan to spend the evening dancing. Fewer accessories mean less to manage while allowing the colourful outfit to take centre stage.
Kiara Advani: Add a touch of evening glamour
For a more glamorous Garba-night aesthetic, take inspiration from Kiara Advani’s sleek sari-inspired sequinned ensemble.
The look combines the fluidity of a sari with the contemporary appeal of a corset-style velvet bralette. The combination creates a polished evening silhouette while keeping the outfit firmly rooted in festive dressing.
A statement diamond choker adds another layer of glamour. Complete the look with freshly blow-dried hair for a sleek finish.
If you are recreating this style for a dance event, consider choosing lightweight sequins and securing the outfit carefully for greater comfort.
Aditi Rao Hydari: Embrace monochrome gold
Monochrome dressing can be just as striking as a multicoloured festive outfit. Aditi Rao Hydari’s golden ensemble demonstrates how a single shade can create a sophisticated statement.
An off-shoulder, peplum-style golden choli paired with a matching lehenga creates a coordinated silhouette, while the shimmering finish supplies the festive drama.
There is little need for excessive accessories with a look like this. Keep the jewellery and beauty styling restrained and let the metallic outfit remain the focus.
Sonam Kapoor: Keep festive dressing graceful and comfortable
For expectant mothers looking for festive fashion inspiration, Sonam Kapoor’s graceful kurta-set styling offers a practical option.
A comfortable kurta set paired with a delicate dupatta can look polished without requiring the structured silhouette of a lehenga or saree. Statement juttis can add a traditional touch, while a chic potli or small purse provides both style and functionality.
A few carefully selected accessories can complete the outfit without making it feel overly elaborate.
For pregnancy dressing, comfort and fit should take priority, with silhouettes and footwear chosen according to individual needs.
How to choose your Navratri 2026 look
The best Garba outfit is not necessarily the most heavily embellished one. Consider where you are going, how much movement the evening will involve and how comfortable you want to feel after several hours.
A saree works beautifully for a classic look, while a lehenga delivers traditional Garba appeal. Anarkalis and kurta sets can offer greater ease of movement, while contemporary sari-inspired outfits are suited to those looking for a more fashion-forward finish.
Jewellery can also transform a relatively simple outfit. Statement earrings, chaandbalis, bangles or a choker can each become the defining accessory without requiring an overloaded look.
Navratri 2026 fashion takeaway
From vibrant Bandhani colours and handloom sarees to pastel lehengas, embroidered anarkalis and monochrome gold ensembles, there is no single formula for Garba dressing.
Janhvi Kapoor, Sharvari, Yami Gautam, Alia Bhatt, Kiara Advani, Aditi Rao Hydari and Sonam Kapoor offer different styling directions that can be adapted to suit individual wardrobes.
The key is to choose an outfit that reflects your personal style while allowing enough comfort and movement to enjoy the festivities.
