The deserts of the world are inspiring the brand new, earthy and neutral secrets of 2025 – picture ochre tinges, rust sunsets, and sandy quietude.
Are all those noisy colours saturating your closet? Worry not, the biggest style shift for 2025 is here, and it feels like a profound, calming breath. Let go of loud prints and neon shocks – the real mood is drifting in from the dunes. We are talking about rust, ochre, terracotta, and sandstone vibes – the quintessential earthy, minimal neutrals inspired straight from the dessert’s palette. What's even more fun is watching our favourite celebs rock these looks. Let's dive in.
You know a trend is really rocking when our favourite stars embrace it.
Dauntless, bold and drop-dead gorgeous are some of the words we think of when we talk about “Fashion” actress Kangana Ranaut. In 2023, at Delhi's Lav Kush Ramleela, the “Gangster” girl stunned in a rust-coloured Banarasi Silk saree by Jayanti Reddy. The ensemble screamed regal opulence – embellished with rich gold zari motifs shimmering across a warm terracotta base, in addition to the broad, intricate border that lent structure and grandeur to the drape.
(@kanganaranaut/Instagram
The effortlessly regal and neutral virtuoso Bollywood glam Deepika Padukone has often been spotted rocking earthy tones. At a photoshoot campaign for Sabyasachi’s Nilaya wallpaper collection by Asian Paints in 2021, Deepika draped a warm ochre‑yellow Benarasi silk saree – the classic six-yard with intricate weaving – featuring an effulgent sheen and meticulous gold zari work on the borders, exhibiting ritzy elegance. She contrasted the tone of the saree with a sage-green blouse to countervail the warmth of the ochre, creating a visually balanced palette.
(@sabyasachiofficial/Instagram
In a seamless blend of classic grace and modern edge, actress Mouni Roy sported a delicately bold look draped in a semi-diaphanous, sandstone‑beige hued saree featuring toned down, self-patterned detailing and a subtle scalloped border. The soft, warm, and sublime shade played marvellously with light – resulting in a dream-like photoshoot. The “Naagin” star's understated elegant look was complemented by bold, contemporary cuts.
(@imouniroy/Instagram)
Tamannaah exudes effortless and ethereal glam in this iconic look from “Leela: The Divine Illusion of Love” campaign by designer Karan Torani, shot just ahead of Janmashtami 2024 at a ghat location in Uttar Pradesh. The muted, peach-sandy tone of the saree boasts a soft, sun-warmed and earthy grace, leaning more pastel than vivid. The lightweight organza/ raw silk saree features delicate sequin work and intricate border detailings, evoking a sense of subtle blush of early dawn. The look's not gaudy at all. On-screen the look screams creamy apricot – rustic yet fresh, enough to reflect the ghat’s warm sunlight.
(@toraniofficial/Instagram
Janhvi Kapoor is seen portraying a gorgeously understated yet power-packet style statement in this rich and warm earthy brown toned saree – which instantly reminds us of clay or damp earth just after rain hits the earth. The monochrome serves as a canvas, playing up the structure and silhouette rather than ostentatious contrast, giving it a soft, sophisticated restraint. The saree features a muted, modest hue that still feels very plush.
(@janhvikapoor/Instagram
Do you know what the best part is? These hues are made just for us. They complement a wide range of Indian skin tones remarkably. Here’s how you can rock the trend:
Instead of always going for your basic whites and blacks, opt for a sandstone shirt or a rust-coloured kurta. Guess what? You got an instant upgrade.
Mix and match, play and experiment with other lighter and earthy shades. For instance, pair your ochre linen shirt with cream trousers, or a terracotta skirt with a neutral pop.
Go for natural fabrics like cotton, khadi, linen, silk, handloom weaves. This trend perfectly sits well with these fabrics. Opt for breezy dresses, relaxed kurtas, tailored pants, and flowy dupattas in these earthy tones.
Look for minimal accessorization, for instance a single statement jewellery piece in brass, clay or wood in terracotta, amber or brown tones. A woven jute back would just be the right companion with leather-tanned sandals.
The trend of earthy tones and neutral shades isn't just about colours – it is deeply related to how these tints are made. Moreover, this artisanal connection adds a layer of soul and story to your attire, transforming that minimalist linen dress or flowy kurta into a special, humble experience. It's subdued fashion at its most beautiful. So, bunk the stress and welcome the quietness of rust, ochre and sandstone. Trust us, it's fashion that screams comfort, elegance and narrates a beautiful story rooted in Earth. Go on, paint your wardrobe in desert hues. Happy styling.
