Last Updated on 4 months by Maya Jayaram
Want some ideas on Onam dress for women?
The Onam season is soon approaching, so here are some amazing style ideas and useful tips and tricks to creating stylish and fashionable outfits that you can sport, not just for Onam or Vishu but for any traditional or ethnic festivities.
We have also done a similar post for men- Onam Dress Code for Men (5 Easy to wear Onam Styles).
So, we couldn’t resist giving our beautiful women folks a simple and evergreen Onam fashion guide.
The new age Onam fashion
Onam is all about fun, food and festivities and now fashion too! How often have we wondered and struggled to find the right outfit to wear to an Onam celebration at college, office or with friends and family? And most of the time, we end up wearing the traditional Kerala saree or the Set Mundu (women) or a shirt & Mundu (men). Or at least that was the case till a couple of years ago!
How are women taking up the Onam fashion game?
Today, we see our usual and authentic attires taking a fashionable and stylish streak. When it comes to women’s Onam ethnic wear, you have so many different choices available- Kerala sarees now come with intricate thread work, embellished patterns or even embroidery. And designer blouses are trending like anything! Apart from sarees, we also have beautifully designed kurtas, skirts and even crop tops that keep up with the Onam or the Kerala theme that you can easily style to create the perfect Onam attire.
Thanks to designer boutiques and fashion stylists, even the most traditional Kerala saree has evolved impeccably to suit the tastes of the modern young women. With intricate gold thread work, tassels, colorful borders and other similar patterns, combined with the beauty of designer and fancy blouses, kasavu sarees are now an all time favorite. And if you are someone who is not a saree enthusiast, worry not, because you have a lot of other options like lehengas, dhawanis, salwars, anarkalis, dresses and even gowns in ivory and gold to keep with the kerala saree theme. Its not just the gold kasavu thats in the forefront, silver kara or silver kasavu in kerala saree or set mundu are equally garnering the attention of women. It adds a rustic charm and is the epitome of simplicity.
Some of the best options for the fashionable divas out there:
Skirts & Tops
No sarees or salwars for you? Want to wear something more youthful and trendy?
Embellished tops and skirts to resemble authentic kerala pattu pavada is a great choice. In contrasting shades, you could customize the top and skirt depending on your choice and have simple embellishments to make it look more ethnic and unique.
Salwars
Salwars with kasavu are yet another great option for those who aren’t very keen on draping a kerala saree but still wants to try something ethnic. Kasavu salwars can be customized as per your choice, you can choose between golden or silver kasavu and further add a uniqueness to it. You could try a adding simple mirror works, floral patterns, embroidery or even Ikkat prints on the yoke part of the salwars.
Dhawani- Kerala Saree with a twist
Dhawanis or half sarees were a popular trend among young women in the yester years. And just like most vintage styles making a reappearance, dhawanis too are back with a bang but this time with a kerala saree twist. Ideal for those who want the best of both worlds, this one is a combination of a saree and long skirt. And to sport for Onam or Vishu, pair a bright log skirt (in pop colors) with a kasavu mundu (kerala Set mundu) and you would be the ultimate fashion diva, at any ethnic occasion!
Floral Kerala Saree
Floral is the latest trending design, be it in sarees, salwars, skirts or dresses. So boring kerala sarees can now take backseat with floral patterns strewn over the simplest of kerala sarees to create a subtle yet elegant Onam attire.
Lehenga style Outfit
Who said lehengas have to be ornate and embellished and can be worn only for grander occasions? Upcoming actress Kalyani Priyadarshan sported a crème and gold lehenga style outfit that fits the bill for any authentic Kerala themed occasion, especially an Onam celebration.
Our picks for this Onam – Lehenga and crop top
| Dress image | Name | Details | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Faux Silk Semi-stitched Lehenga Choli | ✓ Rich look with the great colour combo ✓ Intricate thread works in lehenga choli ✓ A grandly designed dupatta highlights the attire |
Check Price |
 |
Satin Digital Printed Work Semi-Stitched Grey Lehenga choli | ✓ Affordable price ✓ Beautiful floral pattern all over the flared skirt ✓ Lightweight art poly silk fabric ✓ Trendy crop-top |
Check Price |
 |
Womens’ Gold Maxi skirt | ✓ Lightweight soft cotton fabric ✓ simple but elegant design with contrast colour combo |
Check Price |
 |
Raw Silk Flared Lehenga Choli Sets (Coral) | ✓Silk fabric with foil print gives a party look ✓ Contrasting colour combinations with golden borders ✓ Plain cream crop top highlights the skirt design |
Check Price |
 |
Women’s Jacquard Semi-Stitched Lehenga choli | ✓ Great colour combination ✓ The tiny embellishment on the blouse highlights the flared skirt ✓ Grant floral pattern as border serves any occasions |
Check Price |
 |
White Poly Silk Lehenga Choli With Dupatta | ✓ Affordable price ✓ High contrast colour combo, perfect for a sangeet ✓ Soft muslin fabric for dupatta |
Check Price |
 |
Organza Floral Semi-Stitched Lehenga | ✓ High quality organza ✓ Beautiful floral pattern throughout the dress ✓ Matching dupatta to high light the outfit |
Check Price |
 |
Women’s Organza Floral White Lehenga Choli | ✓ Royal colour combination with white and beige ✓ Lightweight art satin fabric ✓ Intricate golden floral embroidery throughout the border |
Check Price |
Evergreen Onam Styles to sport for on any Ethnic festivals
Here are a few evergreen styles that you can get inspired from and recreate for an Onam celebration or any similar ethnic festivities.
Parvathy’s bold vogue statement
This Onam re-write your fashion statement with the new bold and rich Onam look with Parvathy. Just like her choices of movies, her outfit stands out as a shout out for a new change. Collared white kurta with subtle white embroidery around the neck line and white bottom is a simple yet strong ensemble that is sure to give you confidence and elegance.
Mamitha Baiju’s simple elegance
Just like her smile the ‘”‘Premalu’ lead Mamitha Baiju always bring ‘The simple’ into spotlight. Her subtly designed white churidar flaunts the feminine glory the fullest along with her charm.
Aishu’s with Onam Blast
The mallu’s ‘aishu’ adorned the contrasted outfit as a reminder of Onam and the ray of hope and colours it brings to us. Deep yellow bordered white saree paired with royal blue embroidered blouse is one of the kind. And she still holds on to the timeless plain kasavu saree We still love.
The Mollywood actress Aishwarya Lakshmi showcased the art of keeping it simple yet elegant in her Floral Anarkali that radiates a subtle beauty along with the Onam attire in her stark sleeveless white blouse for a casually draped kasavu saree, which never goes out of trend from mallus.
Samyuktha Menon’s Onam style
No matter how the world changes, the kasavu saree is still our favourite for Onam. As samyukta drapes the 6 yards of traditional kasavu saree with golden prints, she radiates the beauty, elegance and hope each onam brings us.
Let us break the old fashion conventions, as Samyuktha Menon pulled off her another Onam look and brought in the new jaw-dropping half- saree trend into our tradition. The plain kasavu dupatta flashes the subtle floral design all over the flared long skirt and the matching blouse. She has once again been the classy chic by matching the handwoven kasavu saree with a trendy dark green tie-back blouse.
Meera Jasmine’s Onam treat
When simplicity meets Elegance , it becomes difficult to take our eyes off the beauty. Meera Jasmine flaunts her Onam look in Golden Kasavu saree with thick border and intricate designs all over. Styling with a pearl necklace set, she brought the Onam style Live for us.
Namitha Pramod’s Onam look
The south Indian Charming actress Namitha Pramod has always loved darker shades of blue to match with her kasavu. Creating versatile trend with same colour combo is a real game changer. The deep violet Lehenga skirt with heavy border work and subtle dupatta paired with golden crop top highlights the Onam feel more than ever. On contrary, pairing the good old gold-bordered Kerala saree with a heavily embellished yet suave blouse in a contrasting shade is a perfect ethnic look.The golden border and sequin work in the sleeves highlights the overall outfit just like her smile.
Bhavana’s Onam Ethnicity
The stunning actress Bhavana has proved that, no matter how much fashion world evolves, the simple traditional kasavu saree will always be on the hit list. The off white plain tissue saree with golden border all along is sure to keep you awestrucked, this Onam.
Anaswara Rajan’s contemporary Onam look
The Ladki- Answara is known for the new trend she brings in her characters. And this time she has brought a new fashion idea to spread the onam fragrance. The subtle floral patterns on white lehenga skirt matched with lavender hued crop top is definitely a visual treat for this year’s Onam.
Saniya Iyappan’s Onam style
Let us go for Saniya Iyappan’s new kasavu- lehenga trend this year. The circular flared lehenga skirt customised half-blouse and dupatta in our classic ‘Kasavu’ are certain to steal the show. Thin intricate golden thread work over the skirt and rich thread danglings on the dupatta will never go unnoticed.
Priya Varrier’s Onam bash
The young actress has kept Onam style simple yet charming with her Anarkali model off-white chudidhar.
Pairing white ankle length leggings has given the attire a modern touch while the tiny golden dots all over keeps the Onam- vibe still on.
Our picks for 2024 Onam – Saree
| Dress image | Name | Details | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Bengali tant Handloom Cotton Branded Saree | ✓ High-quality handloom cotton ✓ Hand weaved design ✓ Multi designed borders with contrast shades |
Check Price |
 |
Kanjivaram Art Silk Saree | ✓ Affordable price ✓ Vibrant Red borders ✓ Golden embellishment throughout Pallu border |
Check Price |
 |
Kerala Kasavu Pure Cotton Saree | ✓ Affordable price ✓ High-quality cotton fabric ✓ Simple and elegant rangoli design |
Check Price |
 |
Cotton Kerala kasavu saree | ✓ Affordable price ✓ High-quality assam cotton blend fabric ✓ Beautiful intricate floral designs with golden zari border |
Check Price |
 |
Women’s Cotton Saree with blouse piece | ✓ Affordable price ✓ Simple traditional design ✓ High quality cotton |
Check Price |
 |
Off White Color Art Silk Kasavu Saree | ✓Golden patterns all over the saree ✓ Lightweight art silk fabric ✓ Intricate kerala designs give a royal look |
Check Price |
 |
Kerala cotton kasavu saree | ✓Simple and elegant saree ✓ Lightweight tissue cotton fabric ✓ Intricate peacock designs give a royal look |
Check Price |
 |
Womens Kuthampully Flora Tissue Saree with Fancy Border and Tassels | ✓ Plain saree with thick border in highlighting colour ✓ Soft tissue fabric with tassels ✓ Light and narrow golden border in pallu highlights the design |
Check Price |
Nyla Usha’s Onam look
Nyla Usha, popular RJ, anchor and actress, has always managed to charm her fans and listeners with her acting, anchoring and more so often with her impeccable fashion sense. A true diva, she has always been able to carry off her modern and ethnic outfits with the same elan. And hence we thought, her recent ethnic outfits will surely be an inspiration for those of you who want to look trendy while staying true to the Onam spirit.
The looks featured here are simple yet stylish and beautiful.
Want a sassy look? Go for this minimalist yet trendy look sported by Nyla Usha, sporting a bottle green sleeveless blouse with her kerala saree. With just a bright bindhi sans any accessories, she has managed to embolden the whole ethnic outfit game.
Prints and floral motifs are quite in trend these days, especially on kerala sarees. Nyla looks every bit the ‘Malayali Manga’ in this exquisite gold and crème saree with a hint of red. And she has accessorised it just right with gold jewellery to go with the outfit.
Every reason her outfits are a great inspiration, you will see why in this picture. She truly demonstrates how a subtle kerala saree (with minimal golden border) paired with the star of the look, the mustard yellow blouse, can create such an amazing look. Yet again paired well with golden accessories.
Poornima’s Onam Saree Look
Want to go for an uber chic look in an ethnic outfit this Onam? Donning a kerala saree with subtle green mirror work and pairing it with matching sleeveless blouse, actress and stylist Poornima Indrajith has definitely paved a trendy path to an ethnic destination.
Jacqueline & Mridula Murali’s Dhawani Style (Half & Half)
Want to break away from Sarees? Try the dhawani style like Jacqueline and Mridula Murali (above).
While Jacqueline has opted for an elaborate look with full on accessories and intricately embellished skirt and dhawani, Mridula has chosen to keep it simple and minimal.
Isha’s Assymetrical Outfit in Kerala Kasavu
Who knew you could whip up a Kasavu outfit so stylishly? Perfect for women who do not want to drape a kerala saree for Onam, this look can be chosen for weddings or any othet ethnic or special occasions as well. The asymmetric flares of the top gives it an extra charm.
Our picks for 2024 Onam – Anarkali and Kurtas
| Dress image | Name | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Women’s Silk Embroidered Anarkali Kurta | ✓Elegant and simple design ✓ Calf length Anarkali Kurta ✓High-quality lightweight silk fabric |
Check Price |
 |
Women’s Cotton A-Line Kurti | ✓ Soft cotton fabric ✓A-Line cut suits the majority ✓ Boat neck suitable for broader shoulders ✓ Vibrant printed and dotted patterns with red contrasted design |
Check Price |
 |
Chanderi Cotton Anarkali Kurti | ✓ Soft chanderi cotton fabric ✓ Thin golden lace border ✓ Unique neck pattern |
Check Price |
 |
Trendy Embroidered Work Cotton Blend Straight Kurta | ✓ Affordable price ✓ Kasavu-Golden hued Top ✓ Embroidered Neck line ✓ Contrasted dupatta |
Check Price |
 |
Women Jaipur Kurti | ✓ Affordable price ✓ Beautiful red colour kurti with elegant and simple golden pattern around neck ✓ Net dupatta with golden pattern is a highlight ✓ Straight fit suitable for all sizes |
Check Price |
Samantha’s Stylish Kerala Saree
A very recent look, Samantha has given us fashion goals by sporting this Kerala saree so stylishly. Paired with simple mirror work, the blouse is quite catchy and the contemporary style earrings complete the look!
And more Styles
Here are a few more styles that are worth recreating and some tips to whip up some great Onam outfits.
Crop tops in ivory shades to match with the skirts, embroidered patterns on the yoke etc are some simple and minimalist yet fashionable ways of styling your Onam ethnic wear.
Women today are more keen on creating a contemporary look, combining both ethnic and modern elements in their everyday fashion.
So for this Onam, try some amazing and unique blouse styles to match your Kerala saree and up your style quotient.
Jhumkas and neckpieces in gold and silver are some great way to accessorize and complete the look!
Now you realise that the Onam fashion is getting as rich as our culture!
So hope you take these style tips and inspirations to whip up some amazing Onam outfits.
You can let us know your thoughts and share your views on Onam fashion in our comments section below. And if you have managed to get some inspiration from some of the tips and styles we have mentioned in this blog, do share your pics on Facebook or Instagram and tag us!
Disclaimer: We do not own or sell any of these outfits or images shown in this blog, and are purely for illustration purposes only. All image sources have been mentioned and duly credited below.
Image Source:
Pinterest
Pranaah
www.prokerala.com/news/photos/super-dancer-chapter-2-shilpa-shetty-kundra-330223.html
threads.werindia.com/fashion/this-onam-wear-kerela-sarees-like-bollywood/
https://www.instagram.com/misspinkshoes26/
https://www.instagram.com/zalhaas/
https://www.instagram.com/sajna_bridal_wear_designer/
https://www.instagram.com/nyla_usha/
https://www.instagram.com/poornimaindrajith/
https://vedhika.in/
In the banner – Aswathy Pillai
I saw crop ivory top & cream skirt for Onam out fit. How I can order .
Thanks
Sheena
Hello Sheena.
Unfortunately we couldn’t find the product links you found in the pictures.
Something similar would be –
Top – https://clnk.in/jipk
Skirt – https://clnk.in/jipp
Hope this helps
Onam is just a few days later and I am worried I have nothing to wear. these celebrities are giving real fashion goals to meet this Onam. I really liked these outfits.
https://fashionsuggest.in/wp-content/uploads/Floral-Salwar.jpg…this is beautiful how can I purchase this??
Can you give small quantities for export. What is MOQ ? This is for Irish Indian brand.
Thank you for sharing your expertise and providing such valuable insights. Your post is a must-read for everyone. If you want to learn more, click here.