Fashion week is the one place where the audience gets photographed almost as much as the runway. Whether you have a pass to a show, are attending as a student volunteer, or are simply heading to the venue to soak up the street style, it helps to have a plan. Indian fashion weeks also have their own flavour: handloom next to streetwear, sarees with sneakers, and a lot of very good jewellery.
This guide covers what Indian fashion weeks are like, how to build an outfit that is comfortable for a long day, how to bring an Indian touch into street style, and a camera-ready eye look that lasts from the first show to the last.
Short on time?
- Plan for a long day: comfortable shoes, a crossbody bag and layers for cold show venues.
- One statement only: a bold silhouette, a print, a colour or a piece of jewellery. Not all four.
- Indian street style: a handloom saree with sneakers, a co-ord set, or a kurta over jeans with oxidised jewellery.
- Eyes for cameras: a defined lash line, one shimmer or graphic accent, and set everything.
- Carry blotting paper, a lip colour and a small mirror. That’s your touch-up kit.
What fashion week in India looks like
The best-known event on the calendar is Lakmé Fashion Week, held in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The Lakmé Fashion Week official site describes it as a fashion and lifestyle event running for over 25 years, with more than 100 designers, brands and industry stakeholders each season. In 2026 there have been two editions: a Mumbai edition from 19 to 22 March, listed on the FDCI website, and a New Delhi edition from 13 to 18 October, which included showcases of regional craft from Ladakh and a platform for emerging talent.
Dates, venues and entry rules change every season, so check the official websites and social handles before you plan anything. Many shows are invitation-only, and student or volunteer passes are often the most realistic way in.
Dress for the day, not just the photo
A fashion week day can mean hours on your feet, queues, walking between halls and sitting in cold, air-conditioned venues. Before you choose the “look”, think about:
- Shoes you can stand in. Block heels, platform sandals, embellished juttis, loafers or clean sneakers. Save the stilettos for an evening event.
- A crossbody or small structured bag so your hands stay free for your phone and coffee.
- A layer. Show venues are often chilly. A blazer, an oversized shirt, a shrug or a stole fixes that.
- Climate. A March day in Mumbai is warm and humid; October in Delhi is pleasant during the day and cooler at night. Breathable fabrics help.
Outfit ideas with an Indian twist
The saree with sneakers
A handloom cotton, khadi or linen saree draped simply, with a fitted tee or a crisp shirt as the blouse and white sneakers. It’s comfortable, photographs beautifully and celebrates Indian textiles.
The co-ord set
Matching kurta-and-pants or shirt-and-trouser sets in a bold print or colour look polished with almost no effort. Add statement earrings and sunglasses.
The kurta, reimagined
A short or mid-length kurta over straight jeans or a slip skirt, with oxidised silver jewellery and loafers. Easy, modern and very Indian.
The power suit
A tailored suit in an unexpected colour (lilac, rust, mint, cobalt) with a simple top underneath. Swap the shoes for sneakers between shows.
The one-statement rule
Fashion week tempts you to wear everything at once. Pick one hero: a dramatic sleeve, a printed coat, a bright colour or a big piece of jewellery, and keep the rest quiet. It photographs much better. For how to carry a bold colour, see our guide to wearing bright colours.
A fashion week eye look that lasts all day
Between show lighting, phone flashes and the heat outside, your eye makeup needs to be defined and to stay put.
- Prep. Start with a clean lid and a thin primer, so shadow doesn’t crease by afternoon.
- Base colour. Pat a shimmer eyeshadow in a mousse texture across the lid with your fingertip. A neutral like warm brown or rosewood works with any outfit.
- Define. Tight-line the upper lash line with kajal or a pencil, and smudge it slightly so it doesn’t look harsh in close-up photos.
- Add one accent. A dot of holographic eyeshadow (Makné Moon Pearl) like Moon Pearl (described by Makné as a soft pearl with an iridescent finish) in the inner corner, or a graphic wing if your outfit is minimal.
- Lashes. Curl and apply two coats of mascara.
- Set. A light setting spray helps the whole look hold.
A safety note if you’re tempted by glitter for the cameras: an ophthalmologist quoted by Hindustan Times cautions that tiny glitter particles can irritate the eyes, and advises against lining the inner waterline. Keep sparkle on the lid and remove it gently at night.
For a step-by-step on mousse textures, see how to apply a mousse shadow. If you’re going on to an after-party, our evening eye makeup guide shows how to turn up the drama.
Your touch-up kit
- Blotting papers
- Lip colour
- Compact mirror and a small powder
- Cotton buds for smudges
- Sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors between venues
- A phone power bank (you’ll take more photos than you think)
FAQ
What should I wear to fashion week in India?
Something comfortable for a long day with one statement element. Handloom sarees with sneakers, co-ord sets, modern kurtas and coloured suits all work well.
Can I attend Lakmé Fashion Week without an invitation?
Many shows are invitation-only. Entry rules change each season, so check the official Lakmé Fashion Week and FDCI websites and social pages for passes, registrations or volunteer opportunities.
What shoes are best for fashion week?
Block heels, platforms, loafers, embellished juttis or clean sneakers. You’ll be on your feet and walking between halls for hours.
How do I make eye makeup last through a long fashion day?
Use an eye primer, a blendable mousse or cream shadow, tight-lined kajal and a setting spray. Carry blotting paper and cotton buds for touch-ups.
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