Before planning any costume ideas you have to make sure you follow some of the cultural norms and issues, now Indian culture is very different and generally accepts most of the changes in wardrobe with ease, and in the case of Bollywood, the outfits they are many and varied, from jeans with a Choli top to a Sari or an extravagant Lehenga ensemble.
In this article I will explain how you can dress up for a Bollywood party with little effort and still look gorgeous. Saree, the prominent wardrobe choice for most Indian women. There are several ways to wear a 5-6 meter saree and it could be a disaster if you don’t wrap it properly. Watch the instructional video on how to wear a saree. practice a few times at home before your final presentation. In India, most women wear a petticoat under their sari, but a simple short skirt is just as effective.
Lehenga Choli, basically a three piece outfit that includes a top, a skirt or Ghagra and a veil or orni. In most Bollywood movies, you see an actress or the leading lady wearing Lehenga at a wedding party or other family gatherings. In general, the Lehenga Choli is not a traditional dress for Indian women except in North India, but popularized by Bollywood and many younger Indians who want to wear it to parties and weddings. Lehenga can be beaded or just silk fabric, it depends on how much you want to spend and if you can find one that fits your body perfectly.
Kurta -Churidar – A long tunic or shirt and tight fitting or loose fitting trousers with dupatta or veil. This is the most viewed dress for ladies in India. You can buy them at any Indian store or view our collections on our online collection.
Skirt and Choli – This is probably the easiest way to dress up for your Bollywood party, a ruffled skirt or patio skirt and choli top, a veil to cover your body or just wear it to cover your head and shoulders. There are other variations of Bollywood suits, Harem and Choli pants, or Indian Kurta Payjama, Churidar, etc.
Watch some Bollywood movies to get an idea of what might be suitable for the party you are going to.
Accessories for Bollywood can range from large beaded necklaces and earrings with tikli (chain and pendant to wear on the forehead) to a simple chain with matching pendant and earrings. It is common to see an actress wearing contrasting colors in Bollywood movies, so she experiments with different colors and patterns.
For men there are plenty of options from the Executive 4 Piece Sherwani to a simple kurta/shirt to wear with jeans or pants, again it depends on your preference, our suggestion for a comfortable but Bollywood standard outfit for men that will suit any party would be the Indian kurta or men’s shirt with embroidery, trousers / jeans and a unisex Bollywood scarf as an accessory.
For Bollywood dance classes Choli Blouse and Harem Pants, Saree or Churidar skirt are easy to wear and comfortable for practicing or performing.