Navratri is nine nights of dancing, prayer and catching up with friends, and that means nine chances to dress up. If you’re after Navratri outfit ideas for Garba and Dandiya nights, this guide covers women, men and kids. The main thing to remember is that you’ll be dancing for hours, so comfort matters just as much as looks.
Garba nights in Melbourne are often held in community halls and school gyms, which can get very warm once the music starts. Plan for that, even if it’s cold outside.
Navratri outfit ideas for women
The classic Garba look is a flared skirt with a short blouse and dupatta, often called a chaniya choli. A lehenga does the same job beautifully. Look for a skirt with plenty of flare so it spins when you twirl, but not so heavy that it drags you down after two hours.
- Lehenga: pick a lighter one with a good flare. Bright colours and mirror or thread work look great under the lights. See our lehengas.
- Kurti with a flared skirt or palazzo: easy to move in and simple to put together. Have a look at our kurtis and gowns.
- Anarkali-style gown: a long flared gown spins nicely and needs no fuss with draping.
- Ready-to-wear saree: for the puja or aarti part of the evening, a pre-stitched saree looks lovely and stays put. If you’re going to dance hard, a lehenga is usually easier.
Some families follow a colour for each day of Navratri. The colours differ between regions and calendars, so check with your community group or temple if you’d like to follow them. It’s a fun way to plan nine outfits, and you can mix and match dupattas to change a look.
What men can wear to Garba
Men have it a bit easier, but it’s still nice to make an effort. A kurta pajama is the go-to, and a bright or printed kurta fits the festive mood well.
- Choose a cotton or lighter silk kurta, since you’ll be warm once you start dancing.
- A shorter, flared kurta (similar to the Gujarati kediyu) looks great with churidar or dhoti-style pants.
- Add a printed or bandhani-style dupatta or stole for colour.
- Wear comfortable flat shoes, or go barefoot if the venue allows.
Browse our men’s kurta pajama sets. If you’d like help choosing between fabrics, our men’s kurta pajama guide explains the difference between silk, cotton and chikankari.
Garba outfits for kids
Kids love Navratri, and they run around a lot. Keep their outfits light, comfortable and easy to get on and off.
- Girls: a little lehenga or flared skirt set is perfect for twirling. Check that the skirt length is above the ankle so they don’t trip. We have plenty of girls’ outfits in store, so ask us for photos.
- Boys: a cotton kurta pajama is comfortable for dancing, while silk looks a bit dressier for the puja. Boys’ sets start from $40. See kids’ kurta pajama.
For little ones, avoid outfits with lots of loose beads or sharp trims that can scratch. Soft lining is a big plus.
Practical tips for a long night of dancing
A few small things can make a big difference on the night:
- Pin your dupatta securely across the body or tie it at the waist so it doesn’t slip.
- Wear shorts or leggings under a flared skirt for comfort.
- Choose earrings that won’t pull. Heavy jhumkas get uncomfortable after a few hours.
- Bring a light shawl or jacket for the trip home, because Melbourne nights can turn cold quickly.
- Try your outfit on and do a few spins at home before the night.
Plan your nine nights with us
Navratri is a busy time, so it pays to shop early, especially if you want matching outfits for the family. What you see online is only a small part of our range. Message us on WhatsApp (0450 649 304) and we’ll send photos of lehengas, kurtis and kids’ sets in the colours you need. You can try things on at our Aintree store, arrange a free pickup, or get delivery anywhere in Australia for $16.