7 Diwali looks inspired by singer-rapper Lilly Singh

That bringest time of the year is here!

Diwali, the festival of lights and its triumph over everything dark and evil, isn’t just an occasion to worship the force of nature that divinity is, appreciate and aim to enhance the inner goodness. Diwali is also about celebrating the light with loved ones, with diyas, rangoli, sweets – in our best dolled up selves!

But here’s the thing: Diwali fashion is the best when it is an amalgamation of comfort and style, when effortless chic goes hand in hand with uncompromised convenience!

And when it comes to dressing up in chic and comfort-wear and being effortlessly fashionable, there’s no one better than Lilly Singh, also known as ‘Superwoman’, to take inspiration from! The Indian-origin singer/rapper/talk-show-host/YouTube star brings her A-game to the fashion fest: she blends the traditional with the modern, the feminine with the masculine, and always keeps it authentic. Taking inspiration for Diwali looks from her is not about following fixed rules – it's about breaking them, mixing them, and making them your own.

From sherwanis to dhotis, blends of Western tailoring, and androgynous statements, Lilly has shown us that festive dressing can be liberating, fun, and expressive. Whether you want something glitzy for a big party or comfortable yet elevated for intimate celebrations, her style gives lots of cues.

So, if you’re wondering how to stand out at this Diwali party season, look no further. Here, we put together seven Diwali-coded looks inspired by Lilly Singh – each with what makes it special, styling tips, and what to consider if you want to recreate the look yourself. Whether you love bold drama or subtle elegance, there’s something here to spark your creative fire.

What Lilly did: At her “Love & Light” Diwali Bash, Lilly wore a custom three-piece ensemble: a peach blazer, waistcoat, pre-draped dhoti, and a dramatic tulle cape – the whole outfit custom-made by Falguni & Shane Peacock. The outfit was adorned with silver chrome appliqué, sequins, and crystals. Jewelry and accessories were layered – diamond necklaces, earrings – and her hair in a long braid with crystal adornments.

Why it works: It brings royal, festive opulence, but with fusion. The dhoti and blazer blend, and the cape adds drama. Perfect for a big party.

How to recreate it: Choose one statement piece (cape or jacket) and comfy bottoms like dhoti, palazzos, or loose trousers. Use accessories (necklaces, hair adornments) to elevate to look.

What Lilly did: She wore a black bandh gala sherwani with embroidery – especially embracing the menswear silhouette, mixing masculine tailoring with traditionally festive craft. Jewelry added color. Minimal makeup, with standout eyeliner or bindi. Hair loosely tied.

Why it works: It feels strong, elegant, and comfortable. There’s no need for lehengas or sarees if that isn't your preference.

How to recreate: Get a well-fitted sherwani or bandh gala in dark or jewel tones. Pair with slim trousers or churidars. Keep the accessories bold but minimal. Focus the makeup on one element – eyes or lips.

What Lilly did: She paired an embroidered off-white sherwani jacket with straight trousers and a grey or light turtleneck top. Accessories like gold jewelry, a fishtail braid, silver hair embellishments, clean makeup – bronze smoky eye, and nude lips.

Why it works: This look is a lighter, more versatile one. Off-white and neutral tones make it wearable, even for less formal gatherings.

How to recreate: Use neutral base tones: cream, beige, off-white. Add texture with embroidery, layer under with a fitted top for warmth or modesty. Accessorize with traditional jewelry or silver or gold tones to ace the look.

What Lilly did: In a semi-casual / expressive look, she mixed a “men’s sherwarni” or a jacket with bell bottoms (soft pink tone), a blouse (even one she had worn for video calls!), heels, a nose ring, and jhumkis.

Why it works: This is fusion, playful, and comfortable. It lets you mix pieces from your wardrobe with traditional flair without fully committing to heavy ethnic wear.

How to recreate: Pair a long jacket or structured waistcoat with flared trousers or bell-bottoms. A light blouse or top underneath. Play up with accessories: jhumkis, statement earrings, nose ring, if you like. Finish the look with a pair of comfortable footwear but with flair (block heels, embellished flats).

What Lilly did: A more classic festive silhouette for this one. The red sherwani is heavily embroidered with gold, paired with a red bottom (palazzo or equivalent), with a subtle blouse or tank underneath. The jewels are minimal but impactful, topped off with warm makeup.

Why it works: Red and gold are timeless for Diwali. The bold base makes less need for too much layering. It exudes tradition, along with celebration.

How to recreate: Pick a gorgeous sherwani with intricate embroidery. Wear it over a basic and comfortable tank top. Add in some bling with some jewelry. Think statement necklaces, layered pieces, big earrings. Ace the look by using hair accessories or braids.

What Lilly does: In many of Lilly’s looks, pastel shades (peach, cream) with silver or lighter embroidery dominate, paired with subtle gloss lips, nude makeup, light smoky eyes, but with bold jewelry or hair embellishments.

Why it works: Pastels offer elegance, especially if you want something softer or for daytime. Silver embellishment catches the light.

How to recreate: Go for a pastel kurta or shirt and bottoms. Pick silver embroidery or jewelry. Keep the makeup glowing, add soft highlight, nude or cool tones. Bring the bling with a pair of metallic footwear or a bag to add shine.

What Lilly does: Across her Diwali looks, her hair plays a big role. She keeps it sleekly done, flaunting the length. She moves swiftly between strong masculine outfits, layering them with unique feminine touches – a sequinned dupatta, a bindi, or a long braid decorated with crystals or parandis. Jewelry layers (earrings, chokers, rings), sometimes traditional ones (jhumkis, etc.), sometimes modern/fusion. Makeup often accentuates either eyes (smoky or winged liner) or lips (glossy or matching tone).

Why it works: Even with simple layering, the fusion takes over, elevating the festive look.

How to recreate: Pick the outfit, keeping the contrast in mind. Go for chunky accessories to bring in the bling.