Designer Spotlight: Anju Modi’s wedding style secrets; colour-pairing, layering and timeless Indian Couture
Celebrated designer Anju Modi, a name synonymous with craftsmanship, heritage textiles and royal Indian aesthetics, brings over three decades of experience in shaping India’s couture landscape. The creative force behind iconic film costumes for Bajirao Mastani and Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, she is widely regarded as a custodian of traditional crafts and culture.
Fresh from her latest collaboration Jaypore × Anju Modi, which blends artisanal techniques with modern festive silhouettes, she sits down for an exclusive conversation with HT Shop Now to talk about everything related to festive and wedding fashion. From colour pairing to layering, fabric choices and quick last-minute styling formulas, she breaks down how to look elegant without going overboard.
Why layering matters in wedding wear:
Q: What’s one simple way to make a festive or wedding outfit look elegant without over-accessorising?
Anju Modi: I believe elegance comes from the outfit itself rather than excess jewellery. I personally love layering. When you layer thoughtfully with a jacket, a dress, and a dupatta, you create depth and visual interest without needing heavy accessories. My colour stories are always mixed uniquely and beautifully to balance the overall look. Layered garments make an outfit eye-catching but never loud, and that’s the key. Focus on structure and layering rather than piling on jewellery.
Anju Modi’s colour-pairing formula:
Q: How can someone mix colours like gold or maroon into their wardrobe if they usually prefer subtle tones?
Anju Modi: The trick is pairing bold with subtle. For example, maroon with black can look very loud, but maroon with gold becomes refined and soft. Turmeric yellow looks gorgeous when combined with beige or chandan, and emerald green becomes gentle when paired with pale sage. You can even go monochromatic, which keeps things elegant and understated. The idea is to use festive colours but balance them so the look stays subtle rather than overpowering.
Versatile pieces every guest should invest in:
Q: For wedding guests attending multiple functions, what are three versatile pieces worth investing in this season?
Anju Modi: A beautiful maroon or purple jacket is the most versatile piece you can own right now. You can style it with a sari, a lehenga, a dress or even trousers, and it completely transforms each look. I designed one like this for Jaypore in a rich maroon shade with pockets, and it works wonderfully for mix-and-match styling. One strong hero jacket can give you multiple outfits without buying something new every event.
Fabric choices for comfort and style across seasons:
Q: When it comes to fabrics like silk, organza or cotton; which works best for long wedding days or festive gatherings where comfort matters?
Anju Modi: Comfort is the most important luxury. It also depends on the season. For winter ceremonies, silks and velvets are perfect because they feel rich and keep you warm. In summer, cotton and organza work beautifully because they are lightweight and breathable. Your fabric choice should always be weather-centric and practical, not just decorative.
Styling mistakes to avoid:
Q: What’s one styling mistake people often make with festive wear, and how can they avoid it?
Anju Modi: People tend to overdo accessories in the hope of appearing stylish or noticeable. That’s where things go wrong. Always edit your look before stepping out. Stand in front of a mirror and view yourself as an outsider, if something feels too much, remove it. If you’re wearing heavy jewellery, skip earrings or opt for a lighter shoe. Subtlety is powerful. Editing is the real style secret.
Q: If someone wants to re-wear their festive outfit later, what are a few easy ways to restyle it differently?
Anju Modi: A sari can be draped differently with many pleats and worn like a dupatta over a lehenga. Jackets can be used creatively over saris to modernise the silhouette. Be imaginative and mix pieces unexpectedly. And if unsure, visit a designer and ask for styling help. You don’t need a new outfit every time to create a new look.
Q: With fashion trends changing every year and season, what are some timeless styles or silhouettes that never go out of style?
Anju Modi: Saris will always be timeless. They make every woman look elegant and powerful. You can style a sari traditionally, or wear it with a shirt-collar blouse, a long jacket, or structured shoulders. The beauty of a sari is that it can change character depending on occasion and personality. It is forever relevant.
Q: You’ve been in the fashion industry for three decades. What is one retro trend you’ve seen making a comeback?
Anju Modi: The dhoti salwar is returning in a big way. I remember Babita and Karisma Kapoor once popularised them with short kurtis, and now they’re back: fresh and modern.
Q: Finally, what’s your quick formula for a last-minute wedding look when you don’t have time for elaborate styling?
Anju Modi: Wear your most comfortable outfit, add a beautiful dupatta, and drape it stylishly. And most importantly, wear your brightest smile. You don’t need anything else.
With decades of shaping Indian couture, Anju Modi’s philosophy remains grounded in authenticity and emotion. Her approach celebrates craftsmanship, personality-driven dressing and the power of thoughtful styling, an evergreen reminder that fashion is never about noise, but presence.
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Anju Modi wedding fashion tips: FAQs
- What are trending wedding guest outfit ideas in India for 2025?
2025 wedding trends are leaning towards minimal glam—think modern shararas, structured anarkali sets, chiffon or organza sarees with embroidered blouses, and fusion lehenga–cape combos. For men, pastel bandhgalas and embroidered Nehru jackets are big.
- What accessories work best to elevate a wedding guest look without overdoing it?
Pick one hero piece—statement earrings, a choker, or stacked bangles—rather than wearing everything together. Add a sleek potli or metallic clutch and comfortable embellished juttis or heels to finish the look.
- What are some elegant colour combinations for Indian wedding outfits?
Classic but trending pairings include wine & gold, emerald & blush pink, navy & antique silver, rani pink & orange, lavender & rose gold, and saffron & ivory. Metallic accents make any combo festive-ready.
- How can I layer a jacket over a sari for an Indian wedding?
Choose a cropped or mid-length jacket that complements the drape and blouse. Drape the pallu neatly over the shoulder first, then wear the jacket on top so the pleats stay in place. You can also belt it to define the waist and create a structured look.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
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