Bhai Dooj brings with it another opportunity to dress up, gather around the family, exchange gifts and carry the festive spirit into one more celebration. Whether the occasion calls for a traditional puja at home, an elaborate family lunch or an intimate get-together, choosing an outfit that feels celebratory without being overly formal is part of the excitement. This year, celebrity festive fashion offers plenty of inspiration, with Indian silhouettes, statement accessories, intricate embroidery and contemporary styling finding their place in the festive wardrobe.
Celebrity wardrobes have increasingly demonstrated how ethnic wear can be adapted to different occasions. While some looks lean towards the timeless appeal of sarees and lehengas, others embrace the ease of kurta sets, fluid co-ord ensembles and statement dupattas. Bhai Dooj 2026 is an opportunity to borrow these styling cues and create an outfit that balances tradition with individual expression.

A saree remains one of the most versatile choices for Bhai Dooj, particularly when the celebrations involve a traditional family gathering. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan offered a lesson in classic festive dressing at Manish Malhotra’s Diwali celebration, wearing a red saree with a golden zari border and a sequinned pallu. Her choice of traditional jewellery and red lipstick completed the look without taking attention away from the drape.

Those looking for a similar aesthetic can experiment with Banarasi, Kanjeevaram or silk sarees, pairing them with a contrasting blouse and traditional gold or kundan jewellery. Kangana Ranaut’s Bandhani saree appearance during Diwali celebrations also makes a case for bringing Indian textile traditions into contemporary festive wardrobes.

A family celebration does not necessarily call for a heavily embellished wedding lehenga, but a lighter version can make an elegant festive choice. Alia Bhatt’s pistachio-green lehenga by Rajasthan-based label Aangiwali showcased gota patti detailing, Chanderi silk and a traditional Rajasthani-inspired blouse. The addition of a lightweight jacket and dupatta gave the ensemble an interesting layered finish.
Janhvi Kapoor’s black-and-gold lehenga at Manish Malhotra’s Diwali party presented a more glamorous interpretation of the silhouette. Both looks offer inspiration for those considering festive fashion trends in 2026, whether through traditional craftsmanship or contemporary embellishment.

Not every festive occasion requires a saree or lehenga. Kurta sets, shararas and coordinated ethnic ensembles offer a comfortable alternative, especially for those spending the day moving between family visits and celebrations.
Kriti Sanon’s embellished sharara set at Manish Malhotra‘s Diwali gathering is an example of how a traditional silhouette can be styled with a contemporary sensibility. Her embellished halterneck kurta, flared brocade trousers and matching dupatta created a festive combination without relying on a conventional lehenga.

For a more understated approach, Raveena Tandon’s golden-peach embroidered kurta set demonstrates the appeal of rich colours and subtle detailing. A pair of statement earrings, embellished juttis and a coordinated potli bag can complete such Bhai Dooj outfit ideas.

Contemporary ethnic dressing is also making room for silhouettes that prioritise comfort without compromising on occasion wear. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s silver kaftan, styled with a traditional 200-year-old kalgi during Diwali, brought an unexpected royal element to a relaxed silhouette. Her look demonstrates how an unconventional accessory can transform an otherwise contemporary outfit.
Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Wears A 200-Year-Old Royal Heirloom For Diwali With A Saif Ali Khan Connection
Priyanka Chopra Jonas offered another interpretation of fusion dressing in a column silhouette by Karan Torani, incorporating Indian embroidery techniques, pearls, mirror work and traditional design references.
These celebrity-inspired outfits for Bhai Dooj 2026 offer ideas for those who prefer experimenting with traditional dressing while retaining a sense of occasion. A fluid kaftan, an embroidered jacket over a skirt or a contemporary draped ensemble can work particularly well for an informal celebration.

Accessories can transform even the simplest festive ensemble, and Sonam Kapoor’s Diwali 2026 appearance offers a lesson in heirloom-inspired styling. The actor wore a custom ivory Anavila ensemble, styled with her mother Sunita Kapoor’s multi-strand pearl necklace, ornate gold chandbalis with emerald accents and traditional juttis. A statement neckpiece brought an element of personal history to her contemporary outfit, while a pop of colour through her potli added contrast.
Her look makes a case for incorporating heirloom jewellery into festive dressing. Layered pearl necklaces, kundan earrings, emerald-studded chandbalis and traditional bangles can add character to ethnic silhouettes. A carefully chosen potli, embellished footwear or fresh flowers in the hair can further complete the ensemble without making it appear overdone.
Also Read: Karwa Chauth 2026: What Priyanka Chopra, Anshula Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty and Other Celebrities Wore
Bhai Dooj dressing need not be limited to elaborate occasion wear. A beautifully draped saree, a colourful sharara or a contemporary kurta set can each make the celebration special. Celebrity festive outfits offer a starting point, but the most memorable looks are those that reflect individual style. After all, the festivities may last a day, but a well-chosen ensemble deserves another outing long after the diyas have been put away.