Fashion forward: Which desi fusion look should you go for this festive season?

Pair crop tops with midis for a new-age lehenga-choli effect, try a cami top with leggings for your next card party, or throw a slit skirt over a churidar for an edgy look.

The festive season is here, with Ganesh Chaturthi around the corner, to be followed by Dussehra and then, of course, Diwali. If you’re tired of the same-looking lehengas, salwars and saris, try something different to stand out from the crowd this year. Three enterprising fashion designers and stylists — Jaya Tahilraman, Arpita Mehta and Swati Vijaivargie — show how you can upcycle what’s in your closet into outfits fit for the finest occasions.

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Maxi dress with leheriya stole

(Sketches courtesy Jaya Tahilraman, Arpita Mehta and Swati Vijaivargie)

Pair a bright, flowy maxi dress with a bandhani or leheriya stole, or a scarf. Accessorise with chunky kundan and pearl bangles, and golden jhumkas. Complete the look with kolhapuri chappals, a potli bag, bindi and a side braid.

Skirt and tank top

(Sketches courtesy Jaya Tahilraman, Arpita Mehta and Swati Vijaivargie)

Use the gold brocade border from one of your older saris on the waistline or slit of a bright-coloured long, flowy, skirt that sits on the waist or hips. Pair it with a lace or a stretch denim tank top of a contrasting colour. Complete the look with a neck piece inspired by temple jewellery, chand baalis and mojaris. Tie your hair in a loose bun.

Cami top with leggings

(Sketches courtesy Jaya Tahilraman, Arpita Mehta and Swati Vijaivargie)

Wear a nude camisole-style top with black leggings. Add a long printed jacket. Wear a layered necklace and long earrings. Tie a loose plait. Go for a pair of double-strapped sandals.

Palazzo pants with kurta

(Sketches courtesy Jaya Tahilraman, Arpita Mehta and Swati Vijaivargie)

Pair palazzo pants with a long georgette kurta and shape with a shiny or sequinned belt. Wear an emerald-beaded necklace and earrings, and a matching pair of mojaris.

High-slit skirt with crop top, churidar

(Sketches courtesy Jaya Tahilraman, Arpita Mehta and Swati Vijaivargie)

Give your crop top and side-slit skirt a classy twist. Wear a churidar or leggings under a traditional high-slit skirt. Move the slit to the front, revealing the churidar or leggings. Add a long embroidered cape over the skirt, if you like, for an office party. The layering is what turns the casual into the festive.

Dress with silk/brocade jacket

(Sketches courtesy Jaya Tahilraman, Arpita Mehta and Swati Vijaivargie)

Pair a silk or brocade jacket with your T-shirt and denims, or a dress. A bandhni jacket is apt for those who wish to steer clear of the usual circus of embellishments and sequins. Complete the look with a statement neckpiece and a clutch.

Watch: How to drape a sari with a twist