It is not necessary for you to spend a large amount for that exquisite outfit. With the tips given below, you can successfully bridge the gap between traditionalism and modernity and develop a unique style which is sophisticated, in both the eastern and the western sense.

* Lehengas and chaniya cholis are not only the most popular but also serve the purpose for a festive sequence of events. Lace, sequins and pearl embroidery add a dash of elegance and an aura of romanticism to your ensembles.

* You can even get your cholis and dupattas hand painted which makes the outfit stand apart and gives an interesting touch.

* A double coloured lehenga with a sleeveless tank top or an off-shouldered or off one-shouldered top gives the perfect international touch to a traditional outfit. If desired, elbow length gloves can also be worn.

* A chiffon or georgette jacket or long cape with delicate thread embroidery and accompanied with a bustier can be worn with pants, hipsters or a salwar.

* With the good old sari, be it a jacquard crepe, a jamdani, a baluchari, a patola or a banarsi, try a beaded or sequinned polo neck top or a short choli in boat neck. Drape the sari in a sarong style, knotted in the front.

Throw a matching dupatta over both the shoulders.

* Combine a bandhani tunic with high slits with an ankle-length skirt. Add a matching stole for a vibrant outpouring.

* A shirt in organza, crinkled tissue or sheer silk combined with an ankle length skirt in tusser will make a contemporary statement and also earn you a lot of admiring glances.

* If you want to break the conventional, try a turtleneck top or bodysuit and a long silk scarf with the lehenga.

* Team a short, embossed velvet shirt with a Mandarin or Chinese collar along with your lehenga.* With your churidar you can have a halter neck, low back kurta.

* Combine a bustier or short tank top with cigarette pants or an ankle-length skirt. Throw in a long jacket with embroidery and a dupatta.

* If you want to be a trend-setter, go for a short, fitted kurta with a multi-pleated patiala salwar or a churidar. Instead of the kurta, you can also have a tailored, sherwani style of jacket. Don't forget to take a bright scarf.

For that different look, go for accessories in terracotta, bamboo, glass and bone. Ceramic and shell jewellery also give an enduring touch to any outfit.

And last but not the least, your individual style, intuition and an eye for aesthetics will contribute generously in developing an innovative combination for the festivals and rituals in the coming months.