Indian weddings usually include multiple ceremonies, and trying to put together new looks for each event during wedding season can be draining on both your wallet and your daily to-do list. This time around, works smarter by investing in some ethnic staples, that can be easily mixed and matched to create a new look each time. Not sure how to go about this? Take cues from your favourite A-listers on maximising the versatility of your Indian wear wardrobe. 

Metallic blouse

A high-shine blouse makes for a sound sartorial investment especially a neutral gold that can be worn with nearly every sari but you can't deny the appeal of colour. Priyanka Chopra attended Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Mumbai reception in a traditional gold Benarasi sari, with a contrasting metallic blouse. For Diwali festivities this year, the Baywatch actor allowed elevated her floral Sabyasachi sari with a sleeveless gold blouse. Meanwhile Ananya Panday gave the ethnic staple a millennial update by wearing it with a multicoloured lehenga skirt.

Brocade pants

Brocade pants are the new brocade kurta. Hit refresh this wedding season, and take your brocade in the form of all-eyes-on-me pants. Follow Sara Ali Khan’s lead to embrace your inner maximalist with a head-to-toe brocade look, and style it with statement earrings and coordinated juttis. For the morning after, swap the coordinated kurta in favour of a textured crop top à la Anushka Sharma. The Sui Dhaaga star allowed the standout brocade pants to serve as the focal point of the look, pairing it with strappy heels, minimal makeup and a relaxed blowout.

White shirt

If you have a soft spot for unconventional fusion pairings, you’ll want to invite this work wear staple into the ethnic section of your closet. The virtues of a classic white button-down are many and varied, including the ability to serve as the perfect companion to an array of scene-stealing palazzo pants and lehenga skirts. Those in search of proof can take pointers from Karisma Kapoor. At an event in Chennai earlier this year, she styled her pleated Payal Khandwala trousers with a classic white shirt, serving the best of both worlds in one look. Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt have made a case for this pairing as well—Padukone wore a crisp, collared number with a statement Sabyasachi skirt doused in dark florals, while Bhatt paired a pastel lehenga skirt with a reimagined shirt-like blouse featuring statement sleeves. If you’re looking to amp up the look, a tailored silk shirt should help you create maximum impact.

Strappy kurta

Reminiscent of the slip dresses that gained favour in the 1920s; this strappy update to the conventional kurta comes approved by Bollywood celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor. Allow your favourite strappy piece to play double-duty by teaming it with a wide range of bottoms, from velvet skirts to palazzos and sharara pants. Cases in point: Bhatt wore her maroon, Sabyasachi number with a lush velvet skirt, while Kapoor played with proportions by teaming her gota work kurta with dhoti pants. Those looking to go hands-free for the mehandi ceremony can follow her lead and style their outfit with boxer braids and statement chaandbalis. 

Benarasi dupatta

It’s rightfully said that any ethnic wardrobe is incomplete without at least one Benarasi weave. But if you’ve only been pairing this precious weave with coordinated sets, you’ll want to join your favourite A-listers outside the comfort zone. Proving the versatility of this heirloom piece, Karisma Kapoor boldly contrasted her jewel-toned Benarasi silk dupatta with a white kurta by Ekaya. Elsewhere, her sister Kareena Kapoor Khan spun the colour wheel in search of an adventurous pairing. The winner? A sunshine yellow brocade kurta and sharara set, teamed boldly with a pink Benarasi silk dupatta from Raw Mango. If you’re looking to maximise the versatility of your dupatta, opt for standout hues that can be easily paired with neutrals and contrasting colours alike.

A classic sari 

There’s no denying that the timeless six yards are a wardrobe mainstay. Look to precious weaves such as brocades and silks for a trans-seasonal sartorial investment. Known for her love for heirloom weaves, Deepika Padukone wore a gold brocade sari, which was gifted by her mother, for her reception in Bengaluru. While she chose to pair the handwoven Kanjeevaram gold drape with a full-sleeved ivory blouse, it can be easily swapped with a metallic blouse for maximum impact. Prefer modern versions? An ephemeral floral sari or a monochrome number in tulle or organza makes for a fail-safe option for a poolside mehandi party. Plus, you can style it in different ways, double draping it with a lehenga or even pants, or elevating it with a belt, blazer or jacket a là Karisma Kapoor.