New Delhi, Nov. 7 -- Diwali dressing is no longer limited to traditional silhouettes, heavy embroidery or head-to-toe festive wear. There is room to experiment with quirky pieces and accessories that bring personality to the celebrations. Think of a floral applique trench coat worn over a sari or an embroidered cotton jacket that can do the work of an entire outfit. The idea is to find pieces that make an impact without requiring too much effort-particularly useful when the festive to-do list is already packed, from decorating the house to shopping for gifts.

For those who prefer a more relaxed approach, everyday separates can be given a festive update with the right styling. You could also turn to accessories to do the heavy lifting. A ...