Melbourne.

Melbourne's festive season sits in October, when the city is still pulling out of winter. Velvet earns its keep — a velvet jacket over a lehenga is the Melbourne uniform. The Federation Square Diwali is the big public event; the South Yarra and Toorak private gatherings are more festive in dress, closer to a Delhi reception in cut. A black velvet kurta set with gold lace reads correctly across both: warm enough for the evening walk to the venue, polished enough for the dinner. Silks layered under wool shawls if you skip velvet. Avoid bare arms unless the room is heated.