Dressing Bollywood Style means Never Having to say Sari?

eHow says: Bright, flashy Bollywood-style Indian clothing is a great way to ensure the atmosphere stays lively and true to the theme. For female guests, this means wearing traditional saris (or sarees), which are long lengths of silk or cotton fabric that Indian women drape elaborately around their bodies. While one end of the sari covers the lower half of the body, like a skirt, the other covers the head and/or shoulders. Men at the party should dress in long, draping tunics, or sherwanis which, as Indianet Zone notes, are knee-length, tight-fitting robes or coats that feature large, ornamental buttons.

 

There are numerous Indian stores on University Avenue in Berkeley, or you can find Saris on Amazon.com.  Whether you go for an authentic garment, or a less-costly (and possibly more flashy) costume is up to you.  Hey, it's Bollywood.  As Bagwan Goldwyn once said, "scratch under all the fake glitter, and you'll find real glitter."

 

Of course, you may find your own unique look anywhere.  Here is one listing of stores: http://www.thingsindian.com/apparel.htm.  An interesting online store is cbaZaar, though we have not used it.

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And for the boys?

 

Gentlemen, you shy ducks, may go for the blazer or tux.  Consider a sash that matches your date's attire as a cummerbund.  For the more authentic look, Amazon's offerings are fewer (and searching on "indian" there is a little shocking).  But fear not, Gunga Din, there are other options besides a loincloth.

You are looking for a "sherwani" or a "pyjama" or a "kurta pyjama".  We get our word "pajamas" from the loose-fitting Indian garment.  Having spent a month wandering around India, your editor can tell you that this is great warm-weather wear.  There's a pretty good assortment at cbaZaar, though we have no experience ordering from them.

 

But hey, why limit yourself.  Blazer and turban anyone?