From skirts to dhoti pants: 5 underrated ethnic styles you need this festive season

They say your 20s are the best time to experiment. If you don’t do it now, you may never will. So, take this short guide as your cue to play around with your ethnic styling this festive season and truly amp up your traditional look. After all, aren’t you bored of draping the same saree in a classic style or slipping into yet another flared anarkali with a dupatta? If yes, it’s time to try these 5 underrated traditional ensembles that carry a modern touch while staying rooted in timeless charm.

This combo was a total hit in the mid-2000s, when Bollywood actresses rocked flared Banarasi or quirky printed ethnic skirts with a crisp white collared shirt and rolled-up sleeves. It became every girl’s fashion anthem before quietly fading out. But in 2025, this look is ready for a comeback. Elevate it with a bold necklace, stacked bangles, or heavy statement earrings, and watch how this set transforms into a showstopper.

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The short kurti with a voluminous sharara is not only comfortable but also incredibly flattering. It’s a playful spin on the classic long kurta and sharara combo, which Bollywood fashion icons reimagined by experimenting with shorter lengths. Though the trend was fleeting, stars like Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, and Kiara Advani are bringing it back to the limelight. Perfect for showing off those toned arms while keeping the vibe festive.
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Remember the early 2000s when Kareena Kapoor Khan, Rani Mukerji, and nearly every Bollywood diva danced their way through films in chic short kurtas paired with palazzos and slim dupattas? That iconic silhouette is begging for a revival. It hugs the curves in just the right way while adding a nostalgic dose of Y2K Bollywood glam. Consider this an official petition to bring this style back on the festive scene.
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These jacket-style kurtis, often paired with churidars or palazzos, were everywhere in the 2000s. From Katrina Kaif to Deepika Padukone, many actresses flaunted them at award nights and TV appearances. They didn’t even need a dupatta, the kurta itself was a statement piece. With a subtle nod to sherwanis, this style is perfect if you’re looking to make a bold yet elegant festive statement in 2025.
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Dhoti pants or balloon-style bottoms were once a rage in the mid-2000s, worn with everything from modern tops to short kurtas. Over time, the trend faded, but their charm remains unmatched. This festive season, revive the look by pairing dhoti-style bottoms with an embroidered kurta or a structured short jacket-kurta in the same shade. The result is a contemporary outfit that blends quirk with tradition seamlessly.
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