What is the most popular ethnic festive/part-wear among Indian women? The Sari, you say? Time for a reality check – while the ever-elegant sari is India’s global style ambassador, the popularity vote definitely goes to the versatile Lehenga Choli. It is stylish and at the same time comfortable. Unlike the sari, wearing a Lehenga Choli does not consume time. It comes in a variety of fabrics and styles – from traditional embellished brocade creations to contemporary net-based embroidery designs. Plus, the Lehenga Choli is acceptable to all ages and a variety of occasions.

Ghagra or Lehenga Choli have been widely popular throughout the northern Indian states for centuries. The south has a similar, yet unique ensemble called Langavoni or Pattu Pavadai for the pretty young girls. However, when it comes to Party Wear and Bridal Wear, Indian women unanimously has embraced the style and comfort of the lehenga choli. It is the perfect ensemble to show respect for one’s traditions and at the same time keeps up with the latest style.

Take a look at these Lehenga choli designs for your special occasions and events:

Bridal Wear Lehenga Choli are usually heavily embroidered/embellished ensembles that portray opulence and elegance. Intricate surface design techniques like zardozi and zari are featured on these elaborate designs to make them rich enough to compliment the bride’s special day. Brides-maids dress can coordinate with the colours and embellishments of the bridal wear and look dapper in party wear lehenga choli designs with stylish cuts and creative designs. For the wedding guest or a casual partygoer, minimally embellished yet equally stunning designs are available. Colours should be the focus for a casual event. Simple, but elegant thread embroidery would be highly complementary too.

The Maroon velvet Choli and orange net Dupattas compliment the intricately embellished net Lehenga designs with resham embroidery and patchwork border. A lightweight and easy-on-the pocket ensemble for the bride who believe in simple elegance.

For the bride who loves sophistication and uniqueness in her style, this is a zardozi heavy maroon Lehenga choli. The embellishments also include velvet patchwork embroidery, sequins and glass crystals. The hemlines feature the scallop design for ultimate elegance.

Ram-Leela Collection is the rage all around, and Deepika Padukone has recently become the ultimate style icon for traditional wear. The cream silk bridal Lehenga designs is well complimented by the traditional bridal red for the choli and dupatta. Resham and crystal work adorn the hand embroidered bold floral patterns, taking the weight of this ensemble up to 5-6 kgs – perfect for the traditional bride.

This one is for the designer savvy bride – a one-of-a-kind Ritu Kumar ensemble in burgundy colour with Zardozi embroidery. The heavily embellished Dupatta is the highlight of this glamorous Bridal Lehenga-Choli set.

This one is for the bridesmaids  who add glamour to the bridal elegance. Stay close to the bride and compliment her style in your best colours for the perfect memories (and photos!). The pink net Lehenga is embellished with stones, beads, resham, patchwork and Zari border work. The choli and dupatta is available in a contrasting blue hue