Mumbai: Bollywood has had a profound influence on Indian fashion, shaping trends in clothing, makeup, hairstyles, and accessories. Iconic saree styles have emerged from the industry, with Mumtaz popularising orange sarees in the 1970s and Alia Bhatt setting the trend for pastel-coloured sarees today.
The introduction of saree belts, ranging from simple chains to elaborate waistbands made from materials like silk, velvet, and brocade, also traces back to Bollywood.
Makeup trends such as winged eyeliner have been embraced thanks to Bollywood’s influence. Bold colours and prints, such as polka dots, owe their popularity to Bollywood as well. Fusion fashion, blending traditional and contemporary elements, has been another hallmark, and Bollywood has also left its mark on popular jewellery trends, making it a driving force in Indian fashion.
Iconic Bollywood trends that influenced fashion over the years
Here are iconic Bollywood trends that have influenced fashion over the years:
Mumtaz Saree
Mumtaz Saree (Pinterest)
The Mumtaz Saree remains one of the most iconic outfits in Bollywood, and its vintage appeal makes it a favourite among women for themed dress-ups. Who can forget the timeless song, ‘Aaj Kal Tere Mere Pyar Ke Charche Har Zuban Par’ from the 1968 movie Brahmachari, where Mumtaz popularised this look? The saree, designed by Bhanu Athaiyaa, is draped in three layers around the lower body and accentuates the feminine curves beautifully. This orange, form-fitting saree revolutionised how women wore sarees. It wasn’t just a trend in the 1960s—women still wear this style today to exude timeless elegance and sophistication.
The Mumtaz Saree’s influence endured, with Madhuri Dixit’s purple embroidered saree in Hum Aapke Hain Koun standing out as another memorable moment in Bollywood fashion.
Anarkali
Anarkali (Pinterest)
Another timeless Bollywood trend is the Anarkali suit, named after the legendary dancer from Mughal Emperor Akbar’s court. This trend took off after the success of the 1960 film Mughal-e-Azam, in which Madhubala’s portrayal of Anarkali became iconic. Today, Anarkali suits are worn at special occasions like weddings and festivals, appreciated for their elegance and unique style.
Polka Dot Dressing
Polka Dot Dressing (Pinterest)
The polka dot look from Bobby (1973), where Dimple Kapadia donned a tied-at-the-bust blouse and short skirt, became an instant trend. Decades later, this ‘Bobby print’ was reprised by actors like Prachi Desai in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and Kareena Kapoor in Heroine.
Chiffon Sarees
Chiffon Sarees (Pinterest)
Sridevi left an indelible mark on fashion with her unforgettable sarees. Her white chiffon saree from the 1989 film Chandni remains an iconic look that has been imitated countless times. In the 1987 film Mr India, she captivated audiences with a sensual blue chiffon saree in the song Kate Nahin Kat Te, a style remembered for its elegance and allure.
More recently, Alia Bhatt’s breathtaking chiffon sarees in Rocky and Rani Ki Prem Kahaani have made a significant fashion impact, with women across India embracing similar styles.
Athleisure Fashion
Athleisure Fashion (Pinterest)
Athleisure gained popularity in India with Dil To Pagal Hai in 1997. Featuring Karisma Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit, this film introduced fitted cycling shorts, sports bras, and kurtas, setting off a wave of athleisure fashion across the country.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998 introduced the sporty chic look to India, featuring international brands like DKNY and Tommy Hilfiger and sporty headbands which transformed the way college students dressed.
Casual long T-shirts with Patialas (Jab We Met)
Casual long T-shirts with Patialas (Pinterest)
Kareena Kapoor’s casual long T-shirts with Patialas or harem pants in Jab We Met became a massive trend among the youth, solidifying Bollywood’s hold on fashion trends.
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In Rangeela released in 1995, Urmila Matondkar’s fashion choices, like her cropped blue shirt and brown pants, redefined on-screen style, while her relaxed mini dresses sparked fresh trends.
In the 1970s, Amitabh Bachchan’s long-collared shirts and bell-bottom trousers became iconic, inspiring men across India to adopt this style.
Luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès made their way into Bollywood’s fashion narrative with films like Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. These films elevated fashion aspirations and changed how high-end brands were perceived in India.
Bollywood’s Fashion Legacy
While modern fashion trends are increasingly shaped by what celebrities wear in their day-to-day lives—whether it’s airport looks, gym wear, or casual street style—Bollywood’s iconic on-screen styles still hold a special place in India’s fashion history. These iconic looks from classic films are not just remembered for their cinematic value but for the cultural impact, they had on how people dressed during that time.
From Mumtaz’s figure-hugging orange saree in the 1970s to Sridevi’s ethereal white chiffon saree in Chandni, these memorable outfits created waves that extended beyond the screen and into real-life fashion choices. These styles continue to be revisited and recreated, symbolising elegance, sophistication, and a timeless connection to India’s cinematic golden moments.
Bollywood’s influence has given rise to enduring trends. These iconic looks have become more than just fashion statements; they are symbols of nostalgia, representing an era and continuing to inspire generations of designers and fashion enthusiasts.
Even in an era where social media allows people to emulate their favourite stars’ off-screen fashion, Bollywood’s on-screen costumes remain a rich source of inspiration. These iconic styles represent the perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making them timeless and irreplaceable in India’s fashion landscape.
Bollywood has significantly influenced Indian fashion, creating timeless trends like the Mumtaz saree, bold makeup looks, and the rise of athleisure. These iconic styles continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. Fashion Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
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