Fashion designer Shehla Khan has shared the occasion-wear trends she believes women should look out for this season, highlighting lace saris, embellished corsets, florals and versatile silhouettes that can be styled for multiple occasions. Inspired by the Japanese concept of Ukiyo, or the “floating world”, her latest collection, Ukiyo Bloom, combines florals, lace, corsetry, fluid drapes and intricate embellishments. Khan said the appeal of these elements comes not only from the designs themselves but also from how they are styled, with traditional Indian silhouettes being paired with sharper contemporary pieces.

Khan described florals as a timeless element rather than a passing trend, saying their versatility allows them to be interpreted through embroidery, woven fabrics, prints, lace, textures and other techniques. She believes the styling determines whether floral fashion feels fresh or predictable. Among the trends she expects to have a strong influence this season, she also highlighted lace and corsetry. According to the designer, lace continues to appear across global collections, while corsets remain a classic that can work with both Indian and Western occasion-wear.

The designer suggested balancing romantic details such as lace, florals and embellishments with more structured pieces to create a sharper look. Structured blazers, tailored trousers and even denim or masculine-style trousers can give traditionally feminine elements a more relaxed or slightly androgynous character. For Indian occasions, she considers the sari one of the most timeless ways to incorporate these details. Khan also recommended styling corsets with saris for a classic wedding look, while panelled skirts, lehengas and shararas can create more elaborate Indo-Western or festive outfits.

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When shopping for occasion-wear, Khan advised women to prioritise pieces that can be reused and styled in different ways instead of buying outfits for a single event. A classic silhouette or statement separate that works with existing wardrobe pieces can have greater longevity, she said. For heavily embellished outfits, she recommended keeping the rest of the styling relatively effortless. A messy ponytail or bun, minimal makeup and a pair of juttis can help maintain a sense of ease while allowing the outfit to remain the focus.

For colours beyond traditional wedding shades such as reds, pinks and pastels, Khan singled out black and ivory. She said ivory works particularly well with Indian occasion-wear because embroidery, embellishment and texture stand out against the lighter shade, while the colour itself has a timeless quality. Black, meanwhile, can give an outfit a sharper and more contemporary feel without losing its classic appeal. For women who prefer understated dressing, Khan suggested a lace sari, an embellished corset paired with a simple pre-stitched chiffon sari, or a lace lehenga that can be styled differently over time.

Khan also cautioned against putting too many statement elements together in a single outfit. When clothing is already heavily embellished, elaborate jewellery, accessories, hair and makeup may make the overall look feel excessive. She said occasion-wear is often more effective when one or two elements are allowed to take centre stage. Her three key shopping recommendations for the season are an embellished corset, a lace pre-stitched sari and a versatile long dress that can be dressed up or down. The designer believes such pieces can become long-term wardrobe staples rather than outfits worn only once.

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