The art of accessorising traditional attire for Ganesh Chaturthi

The spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi has taken over India. Whether it is the joyous processions or crowded markets, the spirit of the ongoing celebrations and the vibrant energy is palpable. With devotion and abundant joy, devotees will be clad in traditional outfits to indulge in the festivities. Beyond the elegance of the clothing, carefully chosen accessories can elevate your look. From exquisite jewellery to complementary footwear, fashion experts will share tips on pairing accessories with your traditional attire for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Popular jewellery trends for Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festive occasion to adorn oneself in traditional attire and complement it with stunning jewellery. As trends evolve, so do the popular jewellery choices for this auspicious occasion. "There's a natural inclination to dress in traditional attire, complemented by jewellery that reflects cultural heritage and modern sophistication," says Aditya Modak, CFO and COO of P N Gadgil and Sons. Below, Modak shares five jewellery trends that can embellish your Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Temple jewellery: A tribute to tradition
With its intricate designs and rich history, temple jewellery is a timeless choice for Ganesh Chaturthi. The architecture of South Indian temples often inspires this type of jewellery, which typically features motifs like deities, flowers, and peacocks. Pair a heavy temple necklace with a simple silk saree or a Kanjeevaram to let the jewellery take centre stage. Add matching jhumkas and bangles for a cohesive look. For those who prefer a more understated style, a pair of temple earrings with a delicate gold chain can beautifully complement an Anarkali or lehenga.

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Coloured stones: Adding a pop of vibrancy
Urban customers who seek a contemporary twist on traditional jewellery will love the trend of incorporating coloured stones. Choose a statement piece like a necklace or chandelier earrings with coloured stones and pair it with a monotone outfit to let the colours pop. For example, a red or green stone choker can add a fresh and lively vibe to a classic white or beige saree while also reflecting the auspicious colours associated with Ganesh Chaturthi.

Layered jewellery: Elegance with a modern twist
Layering is a trend that has taken the fashion world by storm, and it's no different when it comes to jewellery. Layer multiple lengths of gold chains over a simple kurta or saree blouse for an elegant yet modern look. If you're wearing a saree, consider draping it to show off the layered necklaces. You can also stack bangles or kadas to enhance the layered effect, giving your outfit a rich and sophisticated finish.

Mixing metals: Fusion of styles
Don't be afraid to mix gold with rose gold or white gold pieces to create a unique and personalised look. For instance, you can pair a rose gold necklace with gold bangles or a white gold ring, adding depth and dimension to your outfit. This fusion of styles works particularly well with modern silhouettes like Indo-western outfits or lehengas, giving them a contemporary edge while still honouring traditional roots.

Minimalist diamond jewellery: Understated luxury
A delicate diamond necklace or a pair of diamond studs can be the perfect finishing touch to a simple saree or salwar suit. For an evening puja or gathering, opt for a single statement piece like a diamond bangle or ring paired with minimal accessories. This approach ensures that the focus remains on the diamonds, adding a touch of luxury to your festive attire without overpowering it.

How to pair contemporary everyday jewellery
"The key to pairing contemporary jewellery with traditional clothing is to find a balance that suits your style and the occasion," poses Gauri Tandon, co-founder, Isharya. Below, Tandon shares tips to help you experiment with different combinations, so you can create stunning and modern looks for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Create your jewellery signatures
To complement your traditional attire, consider incorporating contemporary Indian jewellery designs. This fusion of old and new can add a unique and stylish element to your overall look.

Matte gold finish for ethnic wear
Matte gold jewellery, with its understated elegance, is a versatile accessory that complements a wide range of ethnic outfits. Its subdued sheen provides a sophisticated contrast to vibrant fabrics and intricate patterns.

Boho chic with oxidised silver
You can try oxidised silver pieces if your festive look leans towards a boho aesthetic as silver pieces look better than gold with outfits featuring tie-dyed styles with bandhani or leheriya work.

Vibrant gemstones for traditional outfits
Nothing screams festive like jewellery in gemstones like ruby, sapphire, amethyst and emerald. These colours usually pair well with traditional Indian outfits worn during festivities.

Pair modern with traditional pieces
The best way to style jewellery this festive season is to pick pieces that are modern iterations of traditional styles like modern chandbalis or chokers and make them your own by layering them with your fine jewellery or heirloom pieces.

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Step up your Ganesh Chaturthi looks with these footwear styling tips
To complete your Ganesh Chaturthi look, choosing the right footwear is essential. The perfect pair of shoes can enhance your overall style and comfort. "Accessorising and colour coordination is dependent on what style you want to achieve. While several people opt for a resplendent style, some like to keep it understated and minimal," says Laksheeta Govil, founder of Fizzy Goblet. She lists five essential tips you need to remember while pairing your outfits this festive season.

Coordinating heels with rich sarees
When you're donning a rich red or green saree, you can complement it with matching heels in the same colour or perhaps add a contrast with the gold. You can opt for a gold tower heels style with vibrant sarees.

Pastel and neutral
With pastel-toned sarees in powdered blues or soft cream or blush pink, you can go for ivory-toned heels or juttis, if that's your preferred choice.
Minimalist done right

If your outfit is more on the minimal side then you can accentuate your style with traditional mirror-work adorned or jewellery-embellished kolhas or classic laser-cut pairs.

Floral for festive
Florals can also have their distinctive charm when it comes to dressing for Ganesh Chaturthi and other festive occasions. You can play match-up with florals by styling your outfit with floral footwear or teaming up a pastel outfit with floral juttis or heels can also do the trick.

Balancing with monotone styles
If your style is towards the elaborate side then a simple style of footwear can help you from looking overdone. While people tend to overlook the monotone styles, they are a must-have and help in balancing out any look.

How to layer and accessorise traditional outfits for men
With the resurgence of men's jewellery and a wider range of fashionable options, men can now elevate their Ganesh Chaturthi looks with stylish accessories. "Layering traditional outfits with accessories can seem stylish, however, it requires careful consideration to choose just the right piece that will complement your overall attire," says Mr. Ravi Gupta, creative director of Gargee Designers. From the fitting of your clothing to the alignment of your outfits, Gupta shares easy-to-follow sartorial tips below:

Well-fitted clothing
Make sure the clothing is well-fitted and appropriate for the specific occasion. For instance, a traditional Nehru jacket blends historical design features with contemporary fashion. This jacket, named after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, stands out for its Mandarin collar and fitted design. It is a versatile layering piece that effortlessly raises any attire's style.

Balancing your accessories
One has to make sure that the accessories or embellishments are in perfect balance to the entire outfit. For instance, the width of a tie should match the lapels of a jacket, and the size of a belt should fit comfortably with the waistline of the trousers.

Align colour palette
Matching the accessories with the outfit's colour palette enhances or complements the entire look. Unless the event demands a more vibrant look, do not opt for bright colours or patterns. Opt for accessories that fit with the tone of the base attire. For a kurta consider going for a matching waistcoat or a classy brooch. While layering balance is the key, with a suit a well-chosen tie can add a layer of grace without being too loud.

Elegant accessories for festivals
When selecting accessories for traditional men's attire, consider the specific occasion and cultural context. For this Ganesh Chaturthi, regal and elegant jewellery such as pearl malas or brooches can complement your outfit beautifully. If you prefer a more casual look, expressive accessories like a fez can add a unique touch.

Experiment with a touch of fusion
Carrying a fusion style with a touch or look of modernity is something that makes anyone look different. For instance, wearing jodhpuri suits or pants can enhance your sense of style. These tapered pants look great with embroidered jackets or kurtas and are the perfect balance of comfort and style.

Invest in personal style
While adhering to traditional cultures or norms, incorporate some elements of personal choices to make the outfit look classy yet unique as well. For instance, a unique pocket square or a customised watch or bracelet can elevate the look of the entire outfit. Good quality accessories enhance the overall appearance, so to ensure one should invest in well-crafted or handmade jewels or items that come out positively and are durable.