Mumbai, Nov 3 (IANS) Diwali has always been the time to flaunt bright ethnic chic, but this time don't be surprised to find women in kurtis with tights; suits with western cuts and men in styled kurtas and jeans not necessarily in bright colours.

"People are looking for more Indo-western stuff, which is stylish at the same time. Kurtas and kurti that can be paired up with leggings are quite in demand. Fusion wear is what is selling the most," designer Abhishek Dutta told IANS.

Desginers keep the cuts and styles contemporary, while the basic outfit remains the same. People are avoiding lehenga cholis and are buying simple kurtas made with contemporary designs or teaming half shirt or half kurta with long skirts or wear salwar-kameez with western cuts.

Men too are experimenting - instead of normal kurta-pyjama, they are opting for bandh galas with jodhpurs or teaming stylised kurtas with jeans.

Kunal Rawal, who designed clothes for the male cast in the movie "Aisha" and specializes in designing male wardrobes, revealed that even men are more keen on Indian clothes with a contemporary touch.

"What's hot this season are contemporary designs without too much embellishments. Linens, cottons, silks are really in because people are going in for more simpler fabrics and very little embellishments. Kurtas, which are trendy with pockets and stylised as well as long shirts are quite famous," he said.

Experts have noticed a trend towards shift in colour - instead of dark, bright shades, lighter hues are hot.

"For the festive season, we are using lots of pastels," designer Anjalee Kapoor said.

Added Dutta: "The colour palette has also changed a little bit. It's more of light pastels rather than bright hues now. Colours like an ivory or a beige are more preferred now."

Even men have opted for more subtle and subdued range of colours now.

"Vanila, rust and dull forest green are really liked by men. As Indians we like a little sheen on our clothes. These colours add that to the outfits. Also preferred are smart subtle details and nicely cut out silhouettes," said Rawal.

However, there are still few who believe that Diwali should be colourful and dealt with a splash of colours.

"Even though trends are changing, but when it's about Diwali, people like colour and luxury. They opt for bright shades and rich fabrics. I have sold a lot of clothes in shades of purple, indigo blue and greens," revealed designer Sabina Singh.