Oct 13: Navratri dressing has its signatures for a reason: Bandhani, Leheriya, mirror work, silver jewellery, colour that refuses to be ignored. But in 2026, the fun is less about leaving those favourites behind and more about wearing them in ways that feel different.
Think Bandhani on a strappy maxi instead of the expected silhouette. An embroidered jacket does the heavy lifting. Mirror work moves from the outfit to the hair. A beaded bag becomes the unexpected plus-one. The references are familiar; the styling is anything but.
This year, Nykaa Fashion gives the Navratri wardrobe a refresh, keeping the pieces we love, while making room for a few new rules.
1. Bandhani Has Entered Its Cool-Girl Era
Bandhani isn't going anywhere but it certainly doesn't have to arrive the same way every year.
The Globus Women Black Strappy Shoulder Bandhani Print Fit Dress Maxi Dress takes the familiar print into a black strappy maxi, while the Gillori Purple Harini Bandhani Printed Long Inner Dress With Jacket plays with layering instead. Both keep the craft recognisable without making the entire look feel predictable.
2. The Lehenga Is Staying. The Styling Rules Aren’t.
There are some things we simply don't want Navratri without, and a skirt that looks good mid-twirl is one of them.
The Rashika Sharma Kaya Blouse and Lehenga Set of 2 keeps the classic lehenga moment in the mix, while the Ragavi Pachranga Leheriya Floral Printed Chiffon Top With Skirt and Dupatta Set of 3 brings colour, print and movement together.
The difference this year is in what happens next: jewellery doesn't have to perfectly match, accessories can introduce another colour, and the entire look doesn't need to belong to one perfectly coordinated set.
3. Your Third Piece Might Be the Best Part
The easiest way to make festive dressing feel different? Add something unexpected.
The Nyaro Women Black Viscose Embroidered and Beads Work Jacket makes the case for the statement layer—throw it over something simpler and suddenly the outfit has an entirely different personality. The Rain & Rainbow Women Ethnic Motifs Pure Cotton Fit & Flare Midi Dress With Jacket Set of 2 takes the same idea into a ready-made pairing.
Consider 2026 the year the festive jacket earns a place next to the lehenga and dupatta.
4. The Accessories Are Not an Afterthought
This might be where the Navratri wardrobe is having the most fun.
Instead of piling every festive detail onto the clothes, let the accessories take some of the attention. The Choko White Shell Mirror Work Alligator Hair Clip for Traditional Hair Accessory takes mirror work somewhere unexpected, while the FIDA Ethnic Silver Plated Oxidised Black Beaded Peacock Jewellery Set for Women brings back the oxidised silver that simply belongs on a garba night.
Then add the Teejh Miraaya Stacked Bracelet Set of 3 for a little more wrist action, because if there's ever a time to stack, layer and add one more thing, it's Navratri.
5. Your Bag Is Allowed to Join the Party
The tiny practical bag you reluctantly carry with festive wear? Retire her.
The ARTKLIM Multicolour Floral Beaded Handbag With Detachable Strap turns the bag into part of the look, with colour and beadwork that don't disappear next to an already expressive outfit.
And perhaps that's the real Navratri update for 2026: nothing has to match perfectly, traditions don't need to be worn exactly as expected, and the smallest detail can completely change the mood.
Keep the Bandhani. Twirl in the lehenga. Stack the bracelets. Put mirror work in your hair. Carry the colourful bag.
The Navratri wardrobe isn't being rewritten, it's just getting a lot more fun.
Discover this year's Navratri wardrobe, only at Nykaa Fashion!
