Wedding wear goes subtle with nude & neutral hues

After pastels, soft and earthy shades that mimic natural skin tones are taking over Indian wedding fashion . From champagne lehengas to ivory sherwanis, modern Indian couples are embracing nude and neutral-toned palettes that echo quiet luxury and old-money elegance. Married celebrities like Shazahn Padamsee Kanakia, Prajakta Kohli, Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, and Karishma Tanna also wore muted, subtle and nude tones, further popularising the trend.

The shift to nude/neutral coloursCouples today are opting for a neutral palette for multiple reasons. According to Manisha Chhanang Shah, a wedding and celebrity stylist, “They want their wedding to feel intimate, and nude tones reflect that quiet elegance. Wedding-wear no longer needs to be loud.”

This trend is also part of a larger move towards quiet luxury. Fashion designer Nikhil Thampi, founder and creative director of a fashion label, says, “There’s a unique Indian interpretation of quiet luxury – it’s still opulent, but more refined. The new generation values elegance without sacrificing grandeur. Nude tones offer that perfect balance.”

Further, neutral hues also allow for deeper personal expressions. Gautam Gupta, creative director of a fashion label, notes, “Brides are now telling stories through their ensembles. This shift, thus, is also about emotional maximalism. Weaves, motifs, and subtle colours carry meaning. Nude doesn’t only mean minimal – it can be magnificently expressive with the right balance.”


I wanted a bridal look that felt timeless, elegant, minimal, and truly reflective of who I am. Choosing a nude palette was my way of redefining bridal opulence — understated, modern, yet deeply rooted in tradition
— Mridul Sharma, a digital creator, wore a nude-toned, embellished lehenga for her wedding

Tips for styling nude-toned wedding wear

• Choose nudes like beige, blush, taupe or soft browns that suit your skin tone. Avoid the ones too close to your complexion, as they can wash you out. Test nude shades in natural light to find the one that flatters your skin
• Opt for fabrics like raw silk, organza, and silk tulle. They work best with nude colours
• Choose outfits with texture or detailing for added depth. Add contrast with colourful blouses, dupattas or borders. Layer smartly using organza, embroidery and pops of threadwork
• Pair your outfit with understated sets in polki and heirloom jadau . Add emeralds or rubies for colour. For beige or white fabrics, use bright jewellery and try matching it to the secondary colour of the outfit. Stick to one colour family that complements your look. Avoid going overboard
• Keep the makeup dewy for a natural glow. This includes bronze tones, flushed rosy cheeks, full, defined brows, a subtle highlighter and a pop of colour on the lips
• Skip overly shiny fabrics that reflect light

(By Madhuri Singh & Manisha Chhanang, celebrity stylists and Gautam Gupta, creative director of a fashion label)