At the 2026 ET Startup Awards in India, the event’s dress code captured a growing trend of mixing traditional and tech-savvy styles. Founders and VCs replaced formal blazers with puffer vests and sneakers, adorned with fitness trackers and smart rings, signaling a new era of personalized, data-driven fashion in the startup community.
- Silicon Valley-inspired casual wear dominates
- Wearables become key fashion statements
- Indian cultural styles integrated with tech trends
What happened
The 2026 ET Startup Awards in India embraced a dress code inspired by Silicon Valley’s casual approach, where conventional suits and blazers gave way to puffer vests, sneakers, and comfortable yet stylish attire. Founders, venture capitalists, and industry leaders showcased a balance of boardroom polish combined with founder-casual ease, reflecting broader changes in startup culture.
Attendees accessorized with high-tech wearables such as smart rings, Whoop fitness bands, and even temple-mounted devices, merging fashion with technology. The event highlighted the interplay between personal style and data-driven lifestyle tools, with Indian cultural elements like silk saris creatively paired with fitness trackers, demonstrating a unique fusion of tradition and future-forward innovation.
Why it matters
This sartorial shift signifies more than just a dress code change; it reflects evolving startup culture values that prioritize comfort, individuality, and the integration of technology into everyday life. The prominence of wearables as accessories underscores how founders and tech leaders now wear their health, performance, and productivity data visibly, embracing transparency and wellness.
For India’s emerging tech ecosystem, blending traditional attire with modern, tech-driven accessories illustrates an increasing confidence in local identity while staying connected to global innovation hubs like Silicon Valley. This trend could influence broader fashion and lifestyle trends within the entrepreneurial community, highlighting India’s unique approach to modernization and cultural pride.
What to watch next
As the Indian startup community continues to grow, future award events and industry gatherings may see even stronger expressions of regional identity while adopting global tech-inspired styles. The suggestion from attendees for themes that celebrate local hubs like Bangalore instead of Silicon Valley points to an emerging desire to highlight India’s own innovation landscape through fashion.
Wearable tech is also likely to become a more integral part of the personal and professional lives of founders and investors, possibly influencing product developments within the startup ecosystem. Observers should watch for evolving trends in how technology and traditional aesthetics combine, potentially shaping both industry culture and consumer markets.