10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear

Here are 10 ways to stay warm and stylish in Desi ethnic wear, from layering to cosy fabrics for sarees, lehengas, and Punjabi suits.

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - F

Layering is a practical yet stylish approach to staying warm.

As temperatures drop, it’s important to remain warm without sacrificing style.

For those who love Desi ethnic wear, staying cosy and fashionable in colder months can seem tricky, but it’s completely achievable.

Whether you’re donning a Punjabi suit, lehenga, saree, sharara, or an Anarkali, there are smart ways to embrace the chill in traditional South Asian attire while keeping your look elegant.

From clever layering to selecting the right fabrics, you can effortlessly merge fashion with warmth.

Here are ten tips to help you navigate the winter months in Indian and Pakistani ethnic styles, ensuring you stay comfortable and stylish.

Choose the Right Fabric

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 1When the weather turns chilly, fabrics make all the difference.

Opt for thicker, more insulated materials like velvet, wool, or brocade.

These fabrics provide warmth and add a regal touch to your Desi look.

Traditional South Asian attire like a lehenga or Anarkali in these fabrics offers both comfort and an elegant flair, perfect for festive gatherings or weddings.

Wool-blend shawls can also be paired with Punjabi suits or shararas to enhance your ensemble and provide an extra layer of warmth.

Layer Up with Style

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 2Layering is a practical yet stylish approach to staying warm.

For a traditional look, start with thermal wear underneath your Desi clothes.

Layering an intricately embroidered jacket over a saree or a chic cape over a lehenga can provide warmth without compromising on style.

In colder months, pairing a sharara or Anarkali with a long coat made of wool or cashmere is a great way to stay cosy while remaining fashionable.

The key is to ensure that your layers complement each other in colour and texture.

Play with Outerwear

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 3 (1)Outerwear can transform your Desi look while keeping you snug.

Long ethnic jackets, embroidered coats, or even faux fur stoles add a touch of glamour while providing insulation.

For a saree look, a tailored trench coat can add modern sophistication.

With Pakistani ethnic wear, like Punjabi suits and shararas, pairing them with embellished shawls or velvet jackets will keep you warm and enhance the traditional appeal.

Always opt for outerwear that aligns with the colour scheme of your outfit to maintain a cohesive look.

Accessorise with Shawls and Dupattas

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 3A well-chosen shawl or dupatta not only adds elegance but also extra warmth.

In Indian and Pakistani culture, shawls and dupattas are essential accessories, especially in colder months.

Opt for wool or pashmina shawls with intricate embroidery to elevate your look.

Pair a pashmina shawl with a lehenga or a Punjabi suit for a stylish yet practical winter outfit.

Layering a thick, embroidered dupatta with your sharara or Anarkali will not only keep you warm but also add layers of traditional sophistication.

Invest in Warm Footwear

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 5While traditional sandals and juttis are popular with Desi attire, they might not be the warmest option in winter.

Opt for boots that complement your ethnic outfit.

Ankle or knee-length boots in neutral colours work particularly well with sarees, lehengas, and Punjabi suits.

For a sharara or Anarkali, flat boots or closed-toe shoes will keep your feet warm and cosy.

Make sure the footwear complements the South Asian outfit without overpowering it.

Add a Cosy Touch with Layers of Jewellery

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 6Layering jewellery can also keep you warm.

Heavier necklaces, earrings, and bangles in metals like gold or silver provide a bit of insulation while making a bold fashion statement.

For instance, wearing chunky statement necklaces over your Anarkali or Punjabi suit adds a sense of opulence while contributing to the warmth factor.

For Pakistani bridal looks, heavy, traditional jewellery combined with a thick dupatta makes for a fashionable yet cosy ensemble.

Embrace Full Sleeves and High Necklines

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 7Long sleeves and high necklines are an elegant way to stay warm in traditional attire.

Full-sleeved lehenga cholis, Anarkalis, and Punjabi suits are perfect for the colder months, offering coverage without compromising on style.

Opt for designs with embellished sleeves or intricate lacework to keep your look chic.

High-neck saree blouses are also a great option for Indian ethnic wear, keeping you snug and stylish.

Choose Darker Colours

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 8Darker hues like deep reds, maroons, and blacks tend to absorb heat, making them ideal for winter months.

Wearing a lehenga, saree, or Anarkali in rich, dark shades not only keeps you warm but also exudes luxury.

Pairing these colours with lighter or metallic accessories ensures a fashionable yet balanced look.

Pakistani ethnic wear, such as shararas or Punjabi suits, in darker shades adds a dramatic and elegant vibe to winter gatherings.

Go for Embroidered Boots

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 9Boots with ethnic embroidery are both fashionable and functional. They keep your feet warm while adding a unique touch to your Desi look.

These boots can complement lehengas, Punjabi suits, or even a sharara.

Choose boots with embroidery that matches the embellishments on your outfit for a cohesive look.

This combination of comfort and style ensures that you are both warm and elegant at winter weddings or festive events.

Finish with a Statement Coat

10 Tips to Stay Warm & Fashionable in Desi Ethnic Wear - 10A statement coat can be the final touch to your South Asian winter look.

Whether it’s a long embroidered coat or a velvet blazer, a fashionable coat adds an extra layer of warmth while maintaining a cosy and stylish appearance.

Opt for coats with embellishments that complement your traditional attire, such as a brocade coat over a saree or a velvet jacket over a Punjabi suit.

The right coat can take your ethnic winter wardrobe to the next level, keeping you warm and turning heads.

Staying warm in Desi ethnic wear doesn’t mean sacrificing style.

With the right fabrics, clever layering, and carefully selected accessories, you can remain both cosy and elegant throughout the colder months.

Whether you’re attending a winter wedding or a festive gathering, incorporating these tips will keep you fashionable while embracing the warmth.

From full-sleeved lehengas to embroidered boots, staying traditional and stylish is easier than ever, even in the coldest weather.

So go ahead and enjoy the winter season in your finest Indian and Pakistani attire without compromising on comfort or elegance.

Managing Editor Ravinder has a strong passion for fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. When she's not assisting the team, editing or writing, you'll find her scrolling through TikTok.

Images courtesy of Priyanka Jain, Andaaz Fashion, Hatkay, Khaadi, WeddingBazaar and WedMeGood.




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