5 Real Women Share Their Go-To, Stylish Mehendi Look

MAIA SETHNA

Content Creator & Entrepreneur

“I am wearing a lehenga from SVA By Sonam & Paras Modi’s Galeecha collection, which featured prints from ancient Persian carpets. This lehenga comes with an embroidered cape, but I chose a lighter dupatta to go with it instead. This collection, in particular, really speaks to me, as my personal style resonates with its bohemian-luxe feel. In the past, I styled this outfit with low-key jewellery and flowers in my hair. I love dressing up for mehendi functions, as you get to experiment with pastel and pop colours, prints, and fun silhouettes. I usually wear flowy silhouettes in pastel shades—and always throw in comfortable shoes, like wedges or block heels Also, I always try on an outfit a few days before the function, to ensure it fits perfectly.”

ANISHA JAIN

Celebrity Stylist

“I am wearing a bright pant-suit by Drishti & Zahabia, which I absolutely adore. Trousers to a mehendi function allow ease of movement and comfort, and I absolutely love how fuss-free the look is. The last time I wore this outfit was to a friend’s wedding, and I had teamed it with a silver choker instead of the one you see me wearing here. I believe weddings are meant to be enjoyed—and danced at—which is why comfort is so critical. Once that requirement has been ticked, I look for pieces that are simple yet statement-y. I’ve never been a big fan of heavy embroidery, but I do enjoy the idea of wearing solid colours.”

SHIVANI BAFNA

Founder, BFN Agency

“For my mehendi look, I am wearing a long kurta, paired with a belt, high heels, and diamond studs. There is special story behind this outfit—I purchased it as a gift to myself, after I achieved a big dream... interviewing Madhuri Dixit! I vividly remember strolling through a crowded exhibition in Mumbai, spotting this piece, and video-calling my mom to get her seal of approval. It fit so well that I took it home without a single alteration! When dressing up for an Indian function, I care less about how trendy a garment is, and more about how it makes me feel—it is important that I am able to dance and move freely in the outfit. And I never leave home without a pair of sunglasses and a waist cinching belt, which add polish to any look.”

ZOA MORANI

Model & Actress

“I am wearing a lehenga created by my sister’s friend, Ushma Vaidya. I had visited her workshop with my sister, and instantly fell in love with another lehenga that I spotted there. I requested the designer to create the same piece in shocking pink, so I could wear it to a daytime function (I wore it to my sister’s haldi ceremony in the Maldives last month, with minimal make-up and massive earrings). I enjoy wearing lehengas to wedding functions, and I believe they work well for my body type. That said, I wore my late grandmother’s navy-blue sari to a function recently, and it was a beautiful experience—we felt like dadi’s energy was present with us, and that added a magical touch to the day.”

TINA KAKKAD DHANAK

Luxury Lifestyle Digital Creator

“My look is from Gulabo by Abu Sandeep—a wrap, cropped top teamed with a skirt featuring gota patti that is synonymous with their designs. I love that the fabric is cottonlinen and yet so festive and easy to style. I last wore this outfit to a destination mehendi function, and teamed it with emerald-and-gold danglers from Blue Turban. Lehengaskirts are my favourite; I love how gorgeous they make you feel, and this one is both festive and timeless. For mehendi functions, I tend to wear drapes, kaftans, and crop  tops. I enjoy mixing and matching traditional elements with contemporary pieces like skirts, shirts, and wrap tops. For a wedding function, however, you’ll find me in a sari (I have inherited some beautiful, traditional pieces in chikankari, benarasi, and bandhani). Usually, I style saris with layered polki jewellery, my hair worn up, and smokey eyes for some drama.”