Bollywood always dictates what India wears. At weddings, colleges or casual mall outings, it is all about channelling our favourite characters or taking notes to turn drab outfits into showstopper ones. And fashion, like cinema, evolves. Trends that once defined entire generations now sit somewhere between nostalgia and “what were we thinking?”
Welcome to Outfit Rewind, where we put iconic film looks through a very Gen Z filter, categorising them into – Still Slaps or Absolutely Not. And today, we discuss Deepika Padukone’s Naina Talwar from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.
At the outset, Naina comes across as a quintessential nerd. She is drawn to soft pastels, rarely seen without her spectacles and perfectly content spending time with her beloved books. But she also floored us with her capabilities to turn the tables with her fashion game later in the movie.
The pre-glow-up: Soft girl academia before it was a thing
Does it still work?
Yes. For a couple of reasons. The clean silhouettes don’t overwhelm while the neutral palettes are easy to restyle. Also, the focus is highly on comfort without sacrificing femininity. This is basically “soft girl academia” meets “main character energy.” The kind of wardrobe that thrives on Pinterest boards and Sunday cafe runs.
The glow-up: Subtle, not screaming
Does it still work?
Yes, it still works. The strength of Naina’s glow-up lies in tailoring that enhances her natural personality rather than distracting from it. Her outfits evolve with her, becoming more structured and refined without feeling forced. More importantly, her styling mirrors her emotional growth – subtle, confident and self-assured.
The saree moment: Cultural reset
Does it still work?
Yes, it still works and effortlessly so. The saree stands out for its lightweight drape that feels distinctly modern. It is paired with minimal accessories that allow the look to breathe. What truly elevates the saree is the effortless sensuality. It never feels over styled or try-hard. It strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease. That resonates even in 2026.
Travel fits: Practical meets pretty
Does it still work?
Yes, it still works. The layering is practical and well put together. The fabric is light and easy to move in. The outfits hold up both in real life and on camera. You’ve got influencer-core without trying too hard.
Colour story: Romance without excess
Does it still work?
Yes, as she was mostly seen in universally flattering tones. These hues are easy to mix-and-match and provides a cohesive visual identity. This is the antidote to trend fatigue. Soft colours, is equal to timeless mood.
Also Read: Photos: Alia Bhatt Glows in Dreamy Golden Hour Pictures in Chennai
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