Diwali 2025 saw Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor usher in the festival of lights with understated elegance, choosing a lowkey celebration at their Mumbai residence surrounded by close family and friends. Rather than indulging in elaborate décor or over-the-top outfits, the couple opted for subtle sophistication, proving once again that minimalism can make a powerful style statement. Joining them for the intimate gathering were Alia’s sister Shaheen Bhatt and filmmaker Ayan Mukerji, making the occasion cozy yet memorable.

While Ranbir Kapoor kept his look restrained, exemplifying the philosophy of “less is more,” it was Alia Bhatt’s attire that captured the spotlight. Known for her ability to balance contemporary aesthetics with traditional Indian elements, Alia embraced a festive yet minimal outfit that was both unique and refreshingly effortless. Designed by the iconic duo Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, her ensemble blended traditional craftsmanship with a playful modern twist, making it one of the most talked-about Diwali looks of 2025.

Alia Bhatt’s Minimalist Festive Look: A Chikankari Kurta with a Twist

Alia chose a soft, pastel-pink chikankari kurta featuring a see-through silhouette, detailed with delicate white embroidery throughout. The kurta showcased a round neckline with a plunging V-slit, full-length sleeves, and a relaxed, flowing silhouette that allowed ease of movement. A high-low hemline added a contemporary flair to the traditional kurta, balancing structure with fluidity.

Underneath, Alia wore a coordinating sleeveless blouse in a similar pink shade, featuring a plunging neckline and embellished with subtle sequins along the borders. This layering not only enhanced the kurta’s translucent effect but also introduced a modern touch to a classic Indian garment, highlighting the versatility of traditional fabrics like chikankari in contemporary fashion.

The ensemble, styled by Rhea Kapoor, was paired with a chiffon saree draped innovatively as a skirt, creating an effect reminiscent of a lungi. The butter-yellow skirt featured broad patti borders adorned with intricate golden embroidery, with carefully placed pleats at the front giving the illusion of a saree while allowing the practicality of a skirt. This clever styling choice demonstrated how traditional Indian pieces can be reimagined in unexpected ways to produce a look that feels modern yet rooted in heritage.

Accessories and Hairstyling: Romantic Minimalism

Alia’s accessories were thoughtfully chosen to complement the soft pastel and gold tones of her outfit. She adorned a pearl-studded floral choker necklace, paired with a delicately designed ring, ensuring that the jewellery enhanced rather than overpowered the attire. This restrained approach to accessories allowed the kurta and draped saree to remain the central focus, aligning with Alia’s signature minimalist aesthetic.

For her hair, Alia opted for a romantic centre-parted style, with half of her locks secured using traditional gajras. This subtle addition introduced a soft, festive charm, evoking a sense of timeless femininity while keeping the look grounded in simplicity. The hairstyle also balanced the modern elements of the outfit with an homage to classical Indian bridal and festive styles.

Alia’s makeup further reinforced her understated, elegant approach. She opted for her signature minimal look: glossy pink lips, mascara-enhanced lashes, winged eyeliner, golden eyeshadow, blush-tinted cheeks, a touch of highlighter for a natural glow, and feathered brows to frame her face delicately. The overall effect was one of effortless beauty—polished yet soft, festive yet restrained.

Style Takeaways: Modern Ways to Reimagine Traditional Attire

Alia Bhatt’s Diwali 2025 look offers valuable insights for those seeking to reinterpret traditional Indian garments with a contemporary touch. The combination of a chikankari kurta with a chiffon saree styled as a skirt demonstrates the versatility of classic pieces when paired creatively. Here are some key takeaways from her ensemble:

1. Experiment with Draping Styles: Instead of adhering to the conventional saree drape, consider experimenting with alternative draping techniques. Alia’s lungi-style drape shows how the saree can be transformed into a skirt-like silhouette while retaining the elegance and embroidery of traditional fabrics.
2. Layer Smartly: Pairing a sheer or semi-transparent kurta with a well-embellished blouse adds depth to the outfit and allows for subtle detailing to shine. Sequined or embroidered borders on the inner layer can enhance the overall look without overwhelming the simplicity of the kurta.
3. Keep Accessories Minimal Yet Statement-Making: A well-chosen choker or a single statement piece of jewellery can elevate a minimal outfit. Over-accessorizing can distract from the intricate fabric work or subtle styling, so it’s important to maintain balance.
4. Play with Soft Pastels: Alia’s choice of light pink contrasted with butter-yellow exemplifies how soft pastel palettes can be festive yet understated. Pastels are increasingly becoming a popular alternative to bright traditional colours, especially for intimate celebrations or lowkey gatherings.
5. Subtle Festive Hairdos: Traditional accessories like gajras can be incorporated into modern hairstyles to infuse festive spirit while keeping the overall look elegant and effortless. Half-up, half-down styles or sleek buns are versatile options that pair well with contemporary adaptations of traditional wear.
6. Minimalist Makeup: For a look that is both fresh and festive, minimal makeup with a focus on natural glow, soft blush, and well-defined eyes works beautifully. The goal is to complement, not compete with, the outfit’s detailing.

Ranbir Kapoor’s “Less is More” Philosophy

While Alia experimented with a playful reinterpretation of traditional attire, Ranbir Kapoor adhered to a philosophy of simplicity that matched the intimate vibe of the celebration. His understated look reinforced the notion that style does not always need extravagance to make a statement. The couple’s coordinated minimalism reflected a modern, effortless approach to festive dressing, proving that both subtle elegance and innovative styling can coexist beautifully.

Conclusion: Subtlety Meets Creativity for Diwali 2025

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s Diwali 2025 celebrations highlight a key trend in contemporary Indian fashion: the blending of traditional craftsmanship with modern reinterpretations, all while maintaining an understated aesthetic. Alia’s chikankari kurta paired with a lungi-style chiffon saree exemplifies how classic garments can be creatively reimagined to suit personal style, practicality, and festival-ready glamour.

The ensemble demonstrates that minimalism, when executed thoughtfully, can be as striking and memorable as more extravagant festival looks. By balancing delicate fabrics, pastel tones, innovative draping, and carefully curated accessories, Alia has offered a blueprint for modern festive dressing that is both approachable and aspirational. Meanwhile, Ranbir’s choice of simplicity underscores the idea that understated elegance remains timeless.

For those looking to replicate this approach, the lesson is clear: tradition and creativity need not be mutually exclusive. By experimenting with drapes, layering, subtle embellishments, and minimal accessories, one can achieve a festive look that honors heritage while embracing modern sensibilities—just as Alia Bhatt did this Diwali. The couple’s Diwali style, intimate and thoughtfully curated, reminds us that elegance lies in restraint, innovation, and an eye for subtle details.