The festive season is upon us and if you want to shine like the fireworks, here are the looks you should be channeling!

With Navratri behind us (click here to see the wardrobe designers recommended for the festival) and Diwali coming up, it's the time of year for celebrations, religious festivities and good cheer.

Such occasions see social calendars peak and there's a party or puja to attend every other night or day.

So come October, it's hardly surprising that the fashion industry gets geared up with festive fashions galore for consumers who go on a spending spree -- they're spoilt for choice.

To make things easier, therefore, we bring you the best of the best off the runway this year. Want to make a great impression? Here are the hottest looks to take your cue from this season!

Cocktail chic

Young fashionistas don't believe in decking up like Christmas trees anymore -- chic, sophisticated cocktail couture is reigning at the moment. Elaborate, heavily-embroidered ghagara cholis are being passed up for simple but striking drapes and bright, citrus colours with just a hint of bling are where it's at.

Make sure the outfit is not over-the-top. Festive colours like red, pink and vermillion are always popular, but then ensure your ensemble is a little toned down or it'll be more bridal and less party-style. Note how this skirt stops short of the ankles and churidaar pants serve to downplay the rich colour and embroidery.

Some folks prefer to give brights a miss entirely, in favour of ivories and pastels. Many such designs are appropriate for both pujas and nights of revelry, plus you'll stand out in the crowd for your classic choice.

Well it isn't for everyone, but if it's for you or if there's a particularly fancy affair you have to attend, you may look into making a grand entrance in an elaborate number like this lehenga and corset -- you'll be the cynosure of all eyes.

Don't go with the flow -- if you're adventurous stylewise, dare to be different. Opt for an ethnic number that is unique, like this kalidar kurta and its rich mix of fabric, colour and tasteful embroidery.

Sheer, see-through designs are making waves this season and you can jump on the bandwagon too, with a sparkling netted or lace affair.

It's a good idea to invest in one or two corsets to pair with pretty much any lehenga or voluminous skirt -- metallics like gold and silver will go with anything. Plus they flatter the figure no end!

If ethnicwear or formals are really not for you, go for a fusion outfit that's fun and still fits in with the spirit of things. Dhoti pants in bright tones or a funky draping skirt should do the trick.

Separates in a mix of metallics and neutrals can come together to create stunning looks -- teaming this beaded corset and white dhoti pants, for instance, creates an urbane, sexy ensemble.

In the casual-fusion scheme of things, you could also opt for a kaftan blouse and miniskirt or shorts -- particularly if you're going to be dancing all night, or bursting firecrackers and loose clothes are a hazard. No fuss and a little hotness quotient added in!

If you're unleashing all you've got in the style stakes, reign things in somewhere. Rich fabric plus rich embroidery plus dramatic silhouette equals overkill; balance it out well, like this anarkali, which has the fabric and embroidery quotients but a demure, simple cut. If the same elements were used on a ghagara choli, you'd look like you were headed to the altar!

Any fashionista worth her salt this festive season will be sure to show off a striking jacket -- whether over a sari, lehenga or pants is your call. But it is the 'it' item for 2011!

Shades of nude are also trending at the moment -- a simple, elegant ethnic pattern in any one that suits your complexion is sure to make for a showstopper.

And finally, we wind down with one final tip -- keep an eye out for designs that incorporate cutwork and colourblocking like this beautiful twirling kalidaar number. Both elements are big in ethnicwear for now and sure to garner the right kind of attention.