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Fashion

Iconic On-Screen Looks That Made Fashion Headlines: From DDLJ to ZNMD

From train platforms to Spanish sunsets: bollywood’s most stylish plot twists

| Chiara Dutta
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From mustard fields to Mediterranean sunsets, Bollywood has always been more than just a storytelling powerhouse, it’s been a runway in motion. Long before Instagram trends and Pinterest boards dictated what we wore, it was the silver screen that quietly shaped our wardrobes. From Kajol’s effortlessly cool European layers in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Hrithik Roshan’s sun-kissed resortwear in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, cinema has consistently influenced how India dressed, dreamed, and expressed itself. These iconic looks didn’t just complement the characters, they sparked trends, defined decades, and made fashion headlines across the country. Here’s a nostalgic yet now journey through the outfits that made us fall in love with Bollywood fashion, one scene at a time.

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The 90s Bollywood Fashion Era That Changed Everything

The 1990s marked a seismic shift in Bollywood fashion, when cinematic wardrobes stopped being just costumes and started dictating the way India dressed. It was the era of bold experimentation, with chiffon sarees paired with chunky accessories, crisp crop tops with high-waisted jeans, oversized denim jackets, and statement belts becoming staples both on screen and off. Stars like Madhuri Dixit, Karisma Kapoor, and Kajol turned their looks in films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and more into nationwide style moments, shaping what an entire generation aspired to wear.

This may contain: a woman is walking down the street with a handbag in her other hand and wearing a brown leather jacket

Fast forward to 2026, and the influence of that decade is everywhere. Runways, street style, and social media are embracing the playful confidence of the 90s once again. Denim in every wash, oversized silhouettes, retro logo tees, scrunchies, chokers, and bold colour palettes are making a strong comeback. What was once considered nostalgic is now being reimagined for a new generation, blended with cleaner cuts, sustainable fabrics, and modern styling.

Today’s fashion lovers are borrowing from the past but wearing it with a fresh sense of individuality. The carefree spirit that once belonged to song sequences and college campus scenes is now visible in everyday wardrobes, from brunch looks to airport style. The 90s did not just change Bollywood fashion once. It continues to inspire how India dresses today, proving that truly iconic style never fades. It simply finds new ways to shine.

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DDLJ: The Movie That Made Yellow Chiffon a Wedding Essential

This may contain: a woman with a yellow scarf around her neck smiling at the camera and then looking into the camera

When Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge released in 1995, Kajol’s iconic yellow chiffon saree instantly became a symbol of effortless romance and modern Indian elegance. The breezy drape, minimal styling, and sunlit setting made chiffon feel aspirational, turning it into a favourite for weddings, mehendi functions, and festive occasions.

Decades later, the influence still holds strong. From pastel chiffons to contemporary pre-stitched styles, designers continue to revisit the look, proving that this cinematic moment didn’t just define an era, it created a timeless wedding classic.

K3G: When Bollywood Made Luxury Fashion Aspirational

This may contain: a man and woman dressed in costumes posing for the camera with their arms around each other

When Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham hit screens, it ushered in a new era of cinematic glamour where designer labels, grand sets, and high-shine styling became part of everyday fashion dreams. From Kareena Kapoor’s iconic crop tops and statement accessories to Kajol’s elegant sarees and Anjali’s glow-up wardrobe, the film blurred the line between reel-life fantasy and real-life aspiration.

For many viewers, K3G was their first introduction to luxury as a lifestyle. Coordinated family outfits, plush silhouettes, and polished aesthetics suddenly felt desirable and attainable. Even today, its influence lives on in wedding looks, festive wear, and Bollywood-inspired wardrobes, proving that the film didn’t just showcase luxury, it taught India how to dream in couture.

ZNMD Changed Resort Wear Forever (And We're Not Mad About It)

This may contain: a group of people standing on the side of a road pointing at something with their hands

With Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Bollywood discovered a new kind of luxury: relaxed, sun-soaked, and effortlessly cool. From breezy linen shirts and tailored shorts to oversized sunglasses and resort-ready dresses, the film made vacation dressing look aspirational without feeling overstyled. Suddenly, travel wardrobes were no longer about flashy outfits but about comfort, confidence, and quiet elegance.

ZNMD turned Mediterranean-inspired resort wear into a mood, influencing everything from honeymoon packing lists to airport style. Even today, its impact is visible in coordinated co-ord sets, neutral palettes, and minimalist holiday looks, proving that sometimes, less really is more.

The 90s Retro Revival That Keeps Coming Back

From scrunchies and slip dresses to oversized denim and bold accessories, the spirit of 90s Bollywood fashion continues to cycle back into our wardrobes with every new generation. What once defined an era of fearless experimentation now feels refreshingly relevant in a world that celebrates individuality and self-expression. Inspired by films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, today’s revival is less about copying the past and more about reinterpreting it with a modern lens.

As designers, stylists, and fashion lovers continue to mine nostalgia for inspiration, the 90s proves its staying power time and again. It reminds us that great style is not bound by decades or trends. It evolves, adapts, and returns stronger each time. In the end, the retro revival is not just about looking back. It is about carrying forward the confidence, creativity, and cinematic flair that made Bollywood fashion unforgettable.

 

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Her Story, Her Lens: 10 Bollywood Films Where Women Call The Shots

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