Style guide · Diwali 2026
What to wear for Diwali: 5 men's looks that aren't a kurta
Diwali 2026 is on Sunday, 8 November. Every year the same question comes up: kurta again? A kurta is great, but it is not the only way to look festive. Here are 5 men's Diwali outfits from RIVAK that feel just as festive, without a kurta. Each look uses pieces you can order today.
1. The festive shirt and motif trouser
Best for: Diwali puja at home, family lunch
This is the simplest swap for a kurta. Take a light, festive shirt and pair it with a trouser that has an Indian motif. The Bel Shirt (₹999) is cream with an olive and beige floral bel, so it already feels festive. Tuck it into the Mor Bel Trouser (₹2,399), a navy pinstripe with a peacock-feather vine down the side.
Why it works: one motif on the shirt, one on the trouser, and both stay in soft colours, so the look is festive but not loud. Elders will like it, and you will be comfortable through the puja and the lunch after.
2. The knit polo look
Best for: Diwali dinner with friends or relatives
A knit polo sits right between a tee and a kurta. The Buta Polo (₹1,299) is a cream knit with an open collar and a cascade of paisley. Pair it with the Haveli Garden Trouser (₹2,899), a rich brown barrel-leg trouser with a jharokha arch in gold-tan thread. Add the Bagh Sneaker (₹2,799).
Why it works: cream and brown are classic festive colours, and the relaxed shapes keep you easy all evening, even after the third plate of mithai.
3. The Indo-western jacket
Best for: Diwali party, card night, date night
Want one strong piece instead of a full ethnic set? Wear a statement jacket over something simple. The Jharokha Leather Jacket (₹3,999) is a tan-brown leather jacket with a big jharokha arch on the back. Wear it over a plain tee like the T-shirt (₹799), with the black Jaali Bel Trouser (₹2,599). Add the Taara Ring (₹499) from Gehna.
Why it works: the jacket does the festive part, so everything else can stay plain. When it gets warm inside, take the jacket off and you still look put together.
4. The light day look
Best for: Morning puja, visiting relatives, Bhai Dooj
Diwali week has a lot of day plans, and dark colours can feel heavy in the sun. Try the mint Leher Shirt (₹899) with its Kantha-inspired running-stitch waves, the light grey Neela Bagh Trouser (₹2,499) with blue and white florals, and the ivory Leher Sneaker (₹2,699).
Why it works: light colours look fresh in photos, and sneakers keep you comfortable on a day full of visits.
5. The Drop 002 party look
Best for: Diwali card party, cocktail night
If you want to be the best-dressed person at the party, go bold. The Dragon Camp Shirt (₹1,999) from Drop 002 is black with a dragon, waves and blossoms embroidered across it. Wear it untucked with the black Taaron ka Raasta Trouser (₹2,299), add the Dragon Wave Sneaker (₹2,899) and the gold-tone Dragon Kada (₹1,499).
Drop 002 is open for pre-order. These are design previews, and the final product may vary slightly. If you want a Drop 002 piece for Diwali, pre-order early.
Quick Diwali styling tips
- Pick one hero. Let one piece carry the motif, a trouser, a jacket or a shirt, and keep the rest plain.
- Festive colours: cream, ivory, maroon, brown, olive and navy always work for Diwali. Gold-tone and silver-tone jewellery adds shine without changing the outfit.
- Be careful around diyas. Loose stoles and long dupattas can catch a flame. Fitted sleeves and a jacket you can take off are the safer choice on a night full of diyas and phuljhadis.
- Shoes matter. Sneakers with Indian embroidery or a clean loafer finish a fusion look better than formal shoes.
- Gifting? The Buta Wallet, Bagh Stole and Gehna jewellery make easy Diwali and Bhai Dooj gifts.
When should I order for Diwali?
Drop 001 and Drop 002 are pre-order: pieces are made and dispatched in batches, and we confirm your dispatch date on Instagram DM or WhatsApp after your order. If you need a piece by a certain date, ask us on DM before you order. COD and UPI are both available across India. Wrong size? We do a 7-day size exchange.
Not sure about your size? DM us your height and usual size on Instagram and we will help you pick.