Formal wear in India for a female can be referred to as saree or salwar suit.

The varieties of saris for formal occasions are plenty. Silk sarees with heavy embroidery and zori, sequins work is preferred in formal occasions, The traditinal sarees are always there. There is the Banarasi, Kanjivaram silk, Patola, the Tangail sari, Chanderi sari, the Pochampali and Maheswari sarees which are essential for every woman's wardrobe for a formal party. The colourful Bandhini sari, which is a fine example of the traditional, tie and dye craft of Rajasthan and Kutch is a piece worth keeping. Today, despite stiff competition, from other formal dresses, the elegant sari has managed to retain its grace though with some changes.

Salwar kameez is another outfit gaining popularity as a formal wear. Styles of salwar kameez varies from simple to complex in respect of all material, design, durability, quality, look and feel etc. Types of fabric ranges from cotton to soft georgette, chiffon and graceful silk to chic look leather and velvet. Ladies prefer to go for silk, chiffon or georgette material with some work over it. Heavy embroidered lehengas are preferred in formal occasion such as marriage and festivals.

The gamut of formal wardrobe encompasses the six yard long graceful Sari, our all time favorite Salwar Kameez and Lehenga Choli, a dress of festivity. Popular fashion, the present 20th century, is that of Indo-western, which is a fusion of western, styling with Indian flavor in it. Indo Western style is hep and classic.