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Alia Bhatt delivers a masterclass in feminine authority for magazine shoot in chic outfit and brand-new haircut

Alia Bhatt was the cover star for Esquire India's anniversary edition, where her outfit commanded quiet gravity while highlighting her soft, feminine side.

Published on: Jan 31, 2026 1:24 PM IST
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Alia Bhatt graced the cover of Esquire India’s anniversary edition and, on January 30, took to Instagram to offer a striking glimpse into the photoshoot - sharing a series of stunning images that capture her understated power and refined elegance. The cover story set out to evoke “gravitas, evolution, and quiet authority” - and Alia embodied all three with remarkable ease.

Let's break down Alia's ensemble! (Instagram)
Let's break down Alia's ensemble! (Instagram)

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The 32-year-old Jigra actor’s formidable standing in the industry was highlighted through a sharply structured power coat that channelled authority through its exaggerated shoulders and precise, clean-cut tailoring, allowing volume to speak louder than embellishment.

In contrast, the muted colour palette and the lace-trimmed nude dress layered beneath introduced a note of softness, subtly revealing her feminine, introspective side and creating a striking balance between strength and vulnerability.

Let’s take a detailed look at her ensemble!

A riot of muted, contrasting hues

For her Esquire India cover, Alia Bhatt leaned into quiet power dressing with an effortlessly subversive edge. She donned a sculpted, slate-blue wool coat that commanded attention through volume rather than excess, its oversized silhouette softened by a plush, sky-blue shearling collar that framed the neckline with tactile drama.

The coat’s structured, protruding shoulders and clean tailoring contrasted beautifully with the fluidity beneath - a delicate, nude-toned lace dress that peeked through, adding a whisper of sensuality to the otherwise formidable outerwear.

Styled minimally by Vijendra Bhardwaj, the look lets texture do the talking. A sleek, ivory clutch tucked close to the body reinforced the pared-back luxury of the ensemble, while the muted palette - cool blues against warm beige - created a visual tension that feels both modern and timeless.

The actor also debuted a new hairdo during the shoot. Her hair was worn in a softly undone bob, windswept and unfussy, echoing the outfit's mood: elegant but unpolished, strong yet intimate.

The result was a masterclass in understated fashion authority - a cover look that rejects loud glamour in favour of restraint, confidence, and quiet authority, perfectly in tune with Alia’s subtle but commanding presence.

  • Eshana Saha
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Eshana Saha

    Eshana Saha is a fresh face in lifestyle and cultural journalism, bringing a refined, multidisciplinary perspective to the intersection of entertainment, fashion and holistic wellbeing. With less than a year of professional experience, she has quickly adapted to high-pressure editorial environments and currently works full-time with HT Media. Prior to this, she interned for nearly six months with Hindustan Times’ entertainment and lifestyle vertical, where she gained hands-on experience in digital reporting, trend analysis and editorial storytelling. Based in New Delhi, Eshana specialises in comprehensive coverage of major cultural moments — from international film press tours to the curated aesthetics of global fashion showcases, award shows and music-centred events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Delhi, equipping her with a strong academic foundation and a keen ability to deconstruct complex cultural trends into clear, high-impact narratives. Beyond the red carpet, Eshana has developed a growing focus on health and wellbeing reporting. She bridges the gap between celebrity-driven trends and practical, evidence-informed lifestyle advice, ensuring her work remains both aspirational and grounded in editorial rigour. She has extensively covered the health implications of Delhi’s air pollution crisis, while also playing a key role in amplifying expert-led insights on women’s health and mental wellbeing, helping translate complex medical perspectives into informed, impactful public awareness. An artist at heart, she explores multiple creative forms — from visual arts and music to culinary experiments — and brings a creative’s eye for nuance, texture and detail to every story. Whether analysing runway dynamics or examining emerging wellness movements, she remains committed to accuracy and the highest standards of contemporary journalistic ethics.Read More

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