10 India Modern Looks for NRIs & Indians Everywhere
Diwali is more than a festival; it’s a bridge between tradition and modernity. For Indians living across the globe—in New York, Singapore, London, Toronto, Sydney, or Dubai—it’s a way to connect with roots while presenting a confident, global sense of style.
This year, festive fashion is shaped by the philosophy of India Modern—an aesthetic rooted in craft but designed for contemporary, jet-setting lifestyles. Think handwoven Chanderi in coord sets, a Jamdani-inspired tunic paired with edgy jewellery, embroidered kaftans perfect for global card parties, or lehengas that feel elegant without being overwhelming.
At Ciceroni, we have curated 10 standout looks from our Diwali Edit 2025 that represent the best of this aesthetic. Each piece is festive yet versatile, crafted for Indians and NRIs who want to celebrate tradition while staying relevant in today’s cosmopolitan world.
The India Modern Aesthetic: Why It Resonates Globally
Before we dive into the looks, let’s understand why India Modern has become the style choice for NRIs:
-
Craft with Contemporary Cuts: Fabrics like Chanderi, silk, cotton, and embroidery are presented in tunics, kaftans, coord sets—easy silhouettes that travel well.
-
Colour that Captures Attention: Jewel tones, vibrant pinks, emerald greens, purples, and classic blacks—designed to shine across festive lighting setups worldwide.
-
Polished and Versatile: Outfits that can move from a puja at home to a Diwali gala dinner abroad with just a change of accessories.
-
Comfort with Elegance: Breathable fabrics, fuss-free fits, and lightweight embroidery that suit both tropical climates and colder geographies.
With that in mind, here are 10 festive looks that capture India Modern perfectly.
1. Beam Tunic
The Beam Tunic is effortless glamour. Its minimal silhouette, embellished with metallic details, gives it a festive sheen without overwhelming. Pair it with straight trousers or culottes for a chic, contemporary appeal.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: Add a bold statement necklace if you’re wearing it to a cocktail in Dubai or pair with delicate gold earrings for a work Diwali brunch in London.
Perfect for: Sundowner parties, office gatherings, or casual Diwali meet-ups.
2. Gulaal Saaz Set
A showstopper in Utsav pink, the Gulaal Saaz Set by Raga & Co is crafted from handwoven Chanderi with metallic screen-printed detailing. The sheer overlay kurta layered over a Kasav brown slip makes it both playful and sophisticated.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: Pair with metallic heels for a dinner in New York or with embroidered flats for comfort in Singapore. Add bold earrings to complete the look.
Perfect for: Diwali dinners, cocktail nights, or cultural events abroad.
3. Ragini Tala Set
A refined coord set, the Ragini Tala is elegance redefined. Its muted yet festive palette works equally well for traditional and modern settings.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: Ideal for daytime pujas in Toronto or evening celebrations in Muscat. Add a lightweight dupatta for tradition, or wear as-is for sleek modernity.
Perfect for: Family pujas, temple visits, or small gatherings.
4. Green Firefly Saree
For those who cannot imagine Diwali without a saree, the Green Firefly Saree offers a luminous, contemporary version. Lightweight, fluid, and designed for movement—it photographs beautifully and works across climates.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: In colder climates like Canada or the UK, drape with a contrasting shawl. In warmer settings like Singapore, keep jewellery minimal and let the saree shine.
Perfect for: Card parties, gala evenings, and festive family portraits.
5. Midnight Stars Set
The Midnight Stars Set is dramatic and bold, designed for evening wear. Its deep hues with starry detailing create instant glamour without needing heavy accessories.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: Perfect for rooftop Diwali parties in Los Angeles or musical evenings in Goa. Pair with silver heels and smoky eye makeup for a celestial vibe.
Perfect for: Glamorous Diwali nights.
6. Aloka Set
Rooted in tradition but crafted with a modern lens, the Aloka Set is a timeless festive kurta set. Muted tones and subtle detailing make it versatile across occasions.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: Wear to a puja in Singapore or temple celebrations in Kuala Lumpur. Style with flat sandals for ease and add heirloom jewellery for gravitas.
Perfect for: Daytime festivities and temple visits.
7. Avishi Kaftan
The Avishi Kaftan makes a strong case for the kaftan as festive wear. Embroidered detailing elevates its relaxed silhouette into occasion-ready attire.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: For Dubai card nights, style with sleek stilettos. For Sydney gatherings, pair with metallic flats. Minimal jewellery works best here.
Perfect for: Card parties, house celebrations, or travel-friendly Diwali outfits.
8. Varga Kaftan Dress in Purple
Vibrant and regal, the Varga Kaftan Dress is festive chic at its best. The purple hue embodies royalty, while the kaftan cut ensures comfort for long evenings.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: In New Jersey or Houston, wear it for house parties with statement earrings. In Singapore, opt for a sleek updo and minimalist makeup.
Perfect for: Dinner parties and casual festive evenings.
9. Rani Pink Ekra Kurta Set with Shama Odhani
The Rani Pink Ekra Kurta Set is festive exuberance in its truest form. The addition of the Shama odhani adds traditional drama, while the tailoring keeps it modern.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: Perfect for a temple puja in Toronto or festive lunches in Muscat. Add gold bangles and jhumkas for a complete look.
Perfect for: Religious rituals and family celebrations.
10. Heer Kanchadi Set – Black (Set of 3)
For those who still gravitate toward lehengas, the Heer Kanchadi Set is your answer. Elegant and dramatic in black, it redefines the lehenga for modern times.
✨ Style Tip for NRIs: Pair with diamond studs and a sleek bun for a London gala. In Delhi, go bold with traditional jewellery for a statement-making look.
Perfect for: High-society parties and gala dinners.
Styling India Modern for NRIs
Here’s how to adapt these looks across different global settings:
-
USA / Canada: Layer with shawls or jackets in colder cities; choose bold colours to stand out in evening lighting.
-
Singapore / Dubai: Light fabrics like Chanderi, cotton-silk blends, and kaftans are ideal for humid climates.
-
UK / Europe: Opt for structured coord sets and lehengas that work well indoors; style with muted metallics.
-
Australia: Breezy kaftans and tunics are great for casual celebrations and outdoor gatherings.
Why Choose Ciceroni’s Festive Edit
-
Authentic Craftsmanship: Every piece celebrates Indian artisanship.
-
Globally Relevant Design: Cuts, colours, and detailing that fit cosmopolitan wardrobes.
-
Worldwide Shipping: Celebrate Diwali in style, no matter where you are.
-
Curated Selection: Handpicked designers like Raga & Co, Nirjara, Hiranya, Bhomra, and Stoique.
Final Word
This Diwali, let your outfit embody India Modern—an aesthetic where heritage meets contemporary polish. Whether you’re in India or abroad, these 10 curated looks from Ciceroni will ensure you celebrate the festival of lights with timeless elegance and global relevance.
👉 Explore the full Diwali Sale Edit and shop your festive look today.