Velvet sarees are having a major fashion renaissance in 2025—an unapologetic return to opulence that blends vintage allure with modern sophistication. This season, Bollywood’s style icons are rewriting the rules of regal dressing, turning the velvet saree into the ultimate statement of luxe indulgence. From wedding soirées to glittering red carpets, these sumptuous drapes are making waves for their rich textures, sculpted silhouettes, and couture-level craftsmanship. Here’s a curated edit of the most talked-about celebrity velvet saree moments—each one a masterclass in how tradition meets trend, and how glamour, when done right, feels timeless.
1. Aditi Rao Hydari’s Two-Toned Velvet Sharara Saree
Aditi Rao Hydari’s velvet look is a masterclass in royal handcraft. Her two-toned velvet sharara sari, featured on Vogue India, mesmerized with its 200 hours of intricate handwork. The ensemble comprises deep jewel-toned velvet, merging modern construction with vintage luxury. Gilded with metallic accents, it effortlessly blurs the line between a classic saree and a regal sharara, making it perfect for someone who loves a statement and values couture-level detailing.
Styling Details:
- Rich, layered jewelry for authentic regal vibes.
- Soft, dewy makeup to balance the drama of the saree.
- Understated hair, enhancing the head-turning effect of the deep velvet color and gold detailing.
Why It Stands Out:
Aditi’s look is ideal for winter weddings and high-profile cocktail parties—its hand-embellished artistry is a serious crowd-puller.
2. Shilpa Shetty’s Burgundy Velvet Floral Saree
Shilpa Shetty brought a new dimension to velvet saree elegance in 2025 with her striking burgundy velvet saree, adorned with bold floral motifs and shimmering, embellished borders. The deep maroon hue and painterly rose patterns set a romantic tone, while plush velvet fabric gave the look regal substance and vintage glamour. She paired the saree with a matching full-sleeve blouse and carried an ornate embroidered potli bag for a touch of festivity.
Styling Details:
- Full-sleeve matching velvet blouse for cohesive sophistication.
- Gold statement necklace and a jeweled potli bag to amp up the luxe vibe.
- Hair styled in soft waves and makeup kept understated, allowing the richness of the saree and floral embroidery to stand out.
Why It Stands Out:
Shilpa’s look is a brilliant blend of classic opulence and modern artistry, perfect for receptions, festive evenings, and anyone looking to make a memorable statement at high-profile events. The floral velvet saree spotlighted how romantic prints and sumptuous textures can effortlessly redefine ethnic luxury for the contemporary woman.
3. Alia Bhatt’s Custom Olive Velvet Saree by Manish Malhotra
Bollywood’s style icon Alia Bhatt dazzled at the Zee Cine Awards 2024 in a custom-made olive-green velvet saree by Manish Malhotra. The saree featured antique scalloped work, intricate gold patti, and sequin embroidery. Alia’s look was completed with a blouse detailed in taar embroidery and a deep back, instantly catching the eye of fashion enthusiasts and critics alike.
Styling Details:
- Russian emerald earrings for a pop of sparkle.
- Understated makeup: feathered brows, kohl-lined eyes, gold smokey eyeshadow, and a nude pink lip.
- Slick low bun for clean sophistication.
Why It Stands Out:
This look is perfect for bridesmaids and wedding guests, offering an effortless way to bring drama to your occasion wear while keeping it refined and dignified.
4. Alia Bhatt’s Black Sabyasachi Velvet Saree: London Event
Alia Bhatt made waves internationally during the ‘Poacher’ premiere in London, donning a black Sabyasachi Mukherjee velvet saree accentuated by gold zari borders and delicate floral motifs. The sleeveless matching blouse featured a sweetheart neckline, creating a perfect bridge between tradition and modern Bollywood.
Styling Details:
- Pearl choker necklace and matching earrings for old-world charm.
- Messy top knot and bold red lipstick to inject youthful, contemporary flair.
- Minimalist base makeup, letting the saree and lips dominate attention.
Why It Stands Out:
Alia’s black velvet sari was praised for its royal aura—ideal for evening galas, high-profile receptions, and those “statement” moments that demand absolute confidence.
5. Kiara Advani’s Contemporary Brown Velvet Saree
Kiara Advani redefined velvet saree style in 2025 with a contemporary brown velvet embellished saree paired with a bold strapless velvet tube blouse. This look blends traditional saree draping with a modern twist, featuring earthy tones rather than the usual festive jewel colors. Kiara accessorized with layered dual-shaded necklaces and opted for minimal yet impactful jewelry. Her makeup was natural, with a subtle glow to highlight the plush texture of the velvet, perfectly balancing youthful glamour with refined elegance.
Styling Details:Styling Details:
- Strapless velvet blouse for a modern silhouette.
- Layered necklaces and minimal jewelry elevate the look.
- Soft makeup with a natural glow to complement the simplicity.
Why It Stands Out:
Kiara’s style is a fresh take on velvet sarees for weddings, cocktail parties, and evening receptions that demand a blend of tradition with avant-garde fashion sense. It inspires those looking to wear velvet with contemporary confidence and understated luxury.
Celebrity Velvet Saree Styles: Table of Looks
| Celebrity | Designer/Brand | Color/Style | Key Features | Styling Advice |
| Aditi Rao Hydari | Custom Couture | Two-toned Velvet | 200 hours handwork, sharara-sari fusion | Layered jewels, minimalist hair |
| Shilpa Shetty | Designer Velvet | Burgundy Floral Velvet | Bold floral motifs, embellished border, full sleeves | Gold necklace, potli bag, soft waves |
| Alia Bhatt | Manish Malhotra | Olive Green Velvet | Antique scallop border, gold patti, deep blouse | Emerald earrings, low bun |
| Alia Bhatt | Sabyasachi | Black Velvet | Gold zari border, floral motifs, modern blouse | Pearls, bold lips, messy top knot |
| Kiara Advani | Contemporary | Brown Velvet | Strapless velvet blouse, layered necklaces | Minimal jewellery, natural makeup |
Velvet Saree Trends and Expert Styling Tips
- Focus on Fabrics: Always let the velvet be the statement—choose rich tones like emerald, ruby, or sapphire.
- Balance Allure and Modesty: A daring blouse can balance a heavy saree, or go classic with full sleeves for reserved glamour.
- Jewelry Pairing: Pair velvet sarees with regal gems like pearls or emeralds. Go minimal with accessories if the saree is heavily embellished.
- Occasion Fit: Pick deep velvets for night functions and lighter, pastel velvets for day celebrations.
- Care and Draping: Use a petticoat in a light, solid color for maximum drape and easy movement since velvet can feel heavy.
Why Velvet Sarees Are 2025’s Ultimate Fashion Hit
- Velvet sarees symbolize the return of maximalist Indian luxury.
- They’re loved across generations—millennials for their boldness, older generations for their timeless appeal.
- The fabric’s warmth also makes it perfect for winter functions, both traditional and modern.
- Celebrities love velvet for its photo-ready richness, as shown in high-profile events worldwide.
How to Get the Look
To emulate these iconic styles:
- Invest in a high-quality velvet saree in a bold jewel tone.
- Choose a blouse design that either matches in opulence or provides a striking contrast.
- Don’t forget statement earrings or a choker, and keep your makeup clean but striking—one bold element (eyes or lips) is key.
- Finish with a simple hairstyle, like a slick bun or soft waves, for that effortless celebrity aura.
Conclusion
Velvet sarees have officially reclaimed their crown as winter’s most coveted fashion statement for 2025—dripping in opulence, drape, and drama. From Aditi Rao Hydari’s exquisitely hand-crafted sharara-saree fusion to Kiara Advani’s daring spin with a sculpted contemporary blouse, Bollywood’s leading ladies are redefining velvet as the fabric of both nostalgia and new-age allure. Its plush texture, jewel-toned palette, and regal sheen have once again turned velvet into the season’s sartorial signature—gracing red carpets, wedding soirées, and every fashion-forward festive moment in between.
Whether you’re drawn to the decadence of intricate zardozi or the quiet power of minimalist styling, a velvet saree remains your passport to instant elegance. Think drapes that command attention, silhouettes that celebrate confidence, and craftsmanship that whispers couture. In 2025, velvet isn’t just back—it’s reborn, balancing royal heritage with the pulse of modern glamour. And with the fashion elite setting the tone, this timeless textile proves once again: luxury never really goes out of style—it simply returns, more refined than ever.
