Having been born into a world of Ranis and Kareenas, our standards for everything ever has always been one thing: Bollywood. The perfect relationship: Kajol and SRK from DDLJ, duh; the perfect bahu: Tabu from Hum Saath Saath Hai; the perfect brother: Hrithik Roshan from K3G; and so on. The grass is always greener in Bollywood. So, it’s only natural that we look to Bollywood for the perfect outfits.
One one hand there are the more celebrated costumes every girl knows about – Kareena’s red outfit from You Are My Sonia, Deepika’s loaded Ghoomar lehenga, Rani Mukherjee’s rainbow saree from Bunty Aur Babli… the list is never-ending. But what about the costumes that went unnoticed, and are just as stylish if not more? Scroll on to take a peek at our favourite Bollywood outfits, through the years, we wish were in our closets IRL:
1. Dr. Milli Chakravarty (Khoobsurat)
Her OTT costumes from the movie got all the spotlight when the movie came out, for good reason. But what we’re eyeing is something that’s wearable yet on-point – her scallop print top, with a bold yellow skirt from Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai.
POPxo recommends: South Cotton Dobby Blouse With Back-Tie by Indie Picks
2. Sonia Saxena (Karan Arjun)
Despite being caught in a whirlpool of love and war, Sonia aka Kajol pulled off some impressive outfits in Karan Arjun. We need this all-red statement look, from when she’s hanging with dreamboat Arjun (SRK) at the family stables. Statement balloon sleeves, printed corset vest, cropped high-waisted pants = love.
POPxo recommends: Red Foil Print Jacket by Mint Blush
3. Alia Arora (Shaandaar)
We’d never taken Alia for the dapper three-piece checked suit type. The Bollywood actress looked *shaandaar* in Gulaabo and this suit is the reason why. Masterji, make ditto same, ok?
POPxo recommends: Checked Linen Blazer by Zara
4. Sapna (Dulhan Hum Le Jaayenge)
Despite being an orphan with 4 uncles breathing down her neck, Sapna (Karisma) packed quite a wardrobe for her emergency international escape to Europe. Exhibit A, this denim on denim on denim co-ord outfit. Don’t miss the matrix sunglasses! She really was on trend back in the nineties.
POPxo recommends: Love On The Shoulders Cropped Cami Top by Lulu & Sky
5. Mehrunissa (Padmavat)
Deepika was brilliant, there’s no denying. However, Mehrunissa’s (Aditi Rao Hydari) authentic Iranian wardrobe was even higher on our wishlist. We’re all about the oversized silhouettes, the print-on-print action and the extraordinary accessories. ‘Nayab’ as Alauddin would say.
POPxo recommends: Flared Kurta With Mandarin Collar by Avaasa Mix ‘N Match
6. Jasbir/Janice (Hare Rama Hare Krishna)
Zeenat Aman rocked a 70s saffron hippie look in the movie, complete with tinted round glasses. Also, a long rudraksh mala and a floral garland. Do you blame me for wanting, no-needing, this Bollywood look in my closet?
POPxo recommends: Embroidery Detail Ruffle Trim Babydoll Blouse by Romwe
7. Mastani (Bajirao Mastani)
Were you tired of all the reds and pinks we see in Bollywood? But this olive green costume from Bajirao Mastani woke me up, and how. I’d take this whole look to go, please… complete with that lovely hat and the banjo, thanks.
POPxo recommends: Green Printed Kurta Churidar Suit by Ritu Kumar
8. Preeti Singh (Soldier)
I want this look IRL and I want it now. Preeti aka Preity knows how to bring those boys to the yard – with a killer outfit, of course. Especially loving the patent lace-up boots, and all the faux fur on that cardigan.
POPxo recommends: White Denim Mini A-Line Skirt by Forever21
9. Michelle (Black)
Sabyasachi’s first time costume designing for a Bollywood movie, the outfits in Black were simple but high fashion. Look at this genius combination Rani is wearing – printed shirt layered with a sweater, and checks to contrast. Need this IRL and I know you do too.
POPxo recommends: Viscose Shirt by H&M
10. Simran (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge)
You know that feeling when your dad is conservative AF so you gotta do salwar-kameez at home but on holiday your wardrobe is European to the T? Yep, Simran from DDLJ killed it in this red pencil skirt, power shoulder overcoat and crochet beret. Gimme.
POPxo recommends: High Waist Sheath Skirt by Shein
11. Chameli (Chameli)
Everything about this outfit is screaming ‘take me home’ to me. This Bollywood look would nail it as your next sangeet outfit, trust me. Vibrant print? Check. Ruffles? Check. Brilliant colours? Check. What more do you need, girl?
POPxo recommends: Kalamkari Print Cotton Blouse With Flounce Sleeves by Ajio
