In this article
For an Indian Christmas party abroad, wear a festive kurta set or a flowing Anarkali in a jewel tone such as royal blue, deep green or coral, with one statement piece of jewellery. Choose the dressier Anarkali for an evening dinner, and a lighter chanderi or kota doria kurta set for a relaxed lunch or potluck.
By the Bahe Kurtiz styling team, Jaipur. Every piece is stitched in our own Jaipur unit, and our block prints are printed by hand by karigars.
Quick answer
- Evening party at home or in a hall: a georgette or taffeta Anarkali in a jewel tone
- Daytime lunch or potluck: a chanderi or kota doria kurta set
- Cold outside: a long coat over the outfit, and boots for the walk in
- One statement only: heavy earrings or a rich dupatta, not both
- Ordering made-to-measure? Order at least 3–4 weeks before 25 December
What do people wear to an Indian Christmas party?
Most desi Christmas parties abroad mix two worlds. There is a tree, carols on the speaker and a turkey or a biryani on the table, and the dress code sits somewhere between "festive" and "Diwali, but cosier". Many guests wear Indian clothes, some wear Western party dresses, and almost everyone adds a little sparkle.
A full Anarkali never looks out of place, and neither does a smart kurta set with good earrings. The only real miss is something too casual, unless the host has asked for it.
If you want one safe, photo-ready choice, the royal blue georgette Anarkali with gota lace dupatta works for nearly every evening party. Deep blue sits beautifully next to Christmas lights, and georgette falls softly when you sit on a sofa or floor cushions.
Should I wear an Anarkali or a kurta set?
A hall party or formal dinner calls for more volume and shine. A cosy house party, where you might end up helping in the kitchen, calls for something easier. You can browse all our Anarkali suits if you lean towards the dressier look.
| Party type | Best outfit | Fabric | Colour ideas | |---|---|---|---| | Evening dinner in a hall or restaurant | Anarkali suit set | Georgette or taffeta silk | Royal blue, sage green, lavender | | House party with family | Embroidered kurta set | Chanderi or cotton | Coral, navy, plum | | Daytime lunch or potluck | Light kurta set or kurti | Kota doria or cotton | Navy, mint, peach | | Church service, then dinner | Kurta set with dupatta | Kota doria or chanderi | Navy, off-white, grey |
For a house party, the coral pink chanderi kurta set with hand-embroidered yoke is a lovely middle path. Chanderi has a soft sheen, so it looks dressed up, but it stays light in a heated living room for hours.
If you want to understand the fabric better, our guide on what chanderi is and how to style it explains it in simple terms.
How do I stay warm in Indian clothes at a winter party?
December in London, Toronto or New York is cold, and most Indian festive fabrics are made for warmer weather. The trick is to dress for the room, not the street.
- Wear a long wool coat or a smart puffer over your outfit for the journey
- Add thin thermal leggings under your pants if you have a long walk
- Carry flats or juttis in a tote and wear boots outside
- Keep a pashmina or shawl in your bag in case the hall is draughty
Inside, most homes are well heated. In Sydney or Dubai it is the opposite: Christmas is warm or air-conditioned, so a breathable cotton or kota doria set is smarter.
Which colours look festive without looking like a costume?
You do not need to dress head to toe in red and green. Jewel tones read as festive on their own, and they photograph well under warm fairy lights. Royal blue, deep green, plum and coral all feel celebratory without looking like a Santa outfit.
If you love the Christmas palette, use it in small doses. A bottle green kurti with gold jhumkas, or a coral set with a red lip, gives a quiet nod to the season.
For a simple, elegant look, the navy blue kota doria embroidered kurta set pairs well with silver jewellery and a dark coat. It suits a church service followed by dinner.
From our Jaipur studio: Under warm yellow fairy lights, gota and thread embroidery take on a soft glow rather than a harsh flash. If photos matter to you, choose a mid or deep shade. Very pale outfits can look washed out in indoor evening light.
How far ahead should I order for a Christmas party?
If you want your outfit stitched to your measurements, order early. Made-to-measure pieces take 5–7 working days to make, and delivery takes about 5–10 business days after that. Plan for at least 3–4 weeks before 25 December so you have time to try it on.
Our free custom fit costs nothing extra. You share your bust, waist, hip and height, and we send you photos of the piece being made before it ships.
If you have not measured yourself before, follow our step-by-step measuring guide. Shipping to the USA, UK, Canada, UAE and Australia is free and tracked, with duties and taxes included, so there is nothing to pay at the door.
Our pick for you
Evening party: the royal blue georgette Anarkali. Family house party: the coral chanderi set. Daytime lunch or church-then-dinner: the navy kota doria set.
Still deciding between silhouettes? Our comparison of lehenga vs Anarkali vs sharara can help you choose.
One small etiquette note: follow the host's level of dressiness, and if in doubt, simply ask what everyone is wearing.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to wear Indian clothes to a Christmas party? Yes. At a desi Christmas party, Indian clothes are very welcome, and many hosts love it when guests dress up. At a mixed or office party, a kurti with smart trousers works well too.
What should I wear to a Christmas party at an Indian friend's house? A smart kurta set in a jewel tone, with one statement jewellery piece, is the safest choice. Choose an Anarkali if the invite says dinner or the party starts in the evening.
Can I wear a kurta set in winter? Yes. Wear a long coat over it outside, thin thermals underneath if needed, and closed shoes for the walk. Indoors, light fabrics like chanderi and kota doria are comfortable in a heated room.
Will my outfit arrive in time for Christmas? Ready sizes ship in 2–4 working days and made-to-measure pieces in 5–7 working days, with delivery taking about 5–10 business days. Order at least 3–4 weeks before 25 December to be safe.
Need help choosing a colour or size for your party? WhatsApp us and we will help you pick.
