With the onset of winter, wedding season is officially about to begin and so is the mad rush to get the best ensembles. From churidars and Dhaka pajamas to lehnga cholis, anarkalis and saris, fashion aficionados will search every designer store or local shop to get their hands on a perfect outfit.
Let’s admit that the process is tiring so instead of wasting time, energy and sometimes exorbitant sums of money on these clothes, why not opt for chic and cool ways to drape a sari? Moreover, it’s always refreshing to not mimic the rest of the clan and look flattering in an unconventional ensemble.
Here’s a rundown of some alternative sari styles donned by our favourite celebs who have breathed a new life into this traditional drape.
Graceful yet in control
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This might just be the easiest yet atypical trick in the style book; instead of carrying your pallu to your left shoulder, you casually carry it from the back of your right shoulder or around your neck. While the real Gujrati style spreads the pleats, it is optional to do so which makes a big sartorial difference.
Our very own Nausheen Shah paired her colourful Sindhi traditionally patterned sari with a chic white Generation blouse on Deepak Perwani’s Diwali bash. Ideal for a sangeet or an evening soiree, the style is hassle-free if you are tired of holding your pallu and gives a bohemian, free-spirited vibe at the same time.
Dare to wear the trench look
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What if your dream sari isn’t one with conventional embroideries and heavy banarasi borders? Perhaps some of us are more inclined towards wearing a sari with faux fur, tassels and pom-poms.
Actress Sonya Hussyn also like these edgier details as she was seen sporting a neon yellow sari with fur trappings. What makes her stand out is when she paired the drape with a denim jacket. Although we are not a fan of this particular colour combination, the style of layering up traditional and modern gets our thumbs up.
We suggest never play by the rules; mix up delicate pieces with cool accessories and let the compliments roll in.
Symmetry is boring
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Undoubtedly Shilpa Shetty is a pro at experimenting with sari styles. The former actress has always upped her ante with every sari she wears, be it time-honoured pieces or modern silhouettes. The yummy mommy was seen wearing a bespoke new-age sari by Amit Aggarwal at her Diwali party. The asymmetrical ivory piece had intricate pearl and bugle-bead hand embellishments with signature polymer details.
Making your sari flattering yet non-basic is an art form. It all depends on how you drape the fabric in a way that has never been seen before but also is practical to walk into. With ruffles instead of pleats and a tight cinch at the waist, this style of sari is hard to pull off. We would recommend you to avoid sheer fabrics and opt for a similar figure hugging blouse.
Waist definition
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Wear your sari the normal way and just add a statement belt that cinches your pallu at the waist. You might be surprised how effortlessly a belt accentuates the rest of your ethnic outfit. There are various other options such as a kamarbandh for a more customary look, or a funky over-sized bow belt for an added perk. An off-shoulder blouse would definitely add some zing to your outfit.
Karisma Kapoor donned a chrome yellow Sabyasachi floral sari with a plain ivory belt over the pallu which defined her fall perfectly.
You can also channel retro vibes through a Mumtaz style sari or go for the most functional fashion option i.e. a pant style sari, try the offbeat dhoti style or wear a dupatta over it for a more modest option; the alternative ways are way too many and not too complicated.
