A saree is like an old boyfriend you never really gave up on. Your mother dearly loves him, your friends always compliment on how good you look together; and at the back of your head, you know how beautiful he makes you feel. But on a day-to-day basis, you just don’t get along! The folds don’t fall together and you’re always worried it’s going to unravel. It’s a turbulent love affair, indeed!
As elegant and flattering as the nine-yards are, it’s a feat to tie a saree on a daily basis. Yes, it hugs all the right curves and gives you a feminine appearance but understanding the nuances that make it a great match is work-in-progress. Offering some relationship advice, we give the saree-wearing amateur 10 sneaky tips on how to wear your saree perfectly to make some lasting memories.
1. Pin It Right!
It’s obvious you can’t wear a saree, that too for the first time, without any pins. In order to avoid the chaos of your saree loosening and you tripping over it, it’s important that you pin your saree perfectly. Use as many pins as you may like, but make sure you conceal them inside the pleats and the pallu. A saree is an outfit that requires practice and patience. Don’t rush the draping process.
2. Select A Light Weight Fabric
Carrying off all that weight of a saree isn’t easy. So preferably, choose a fabric that’s lightweight. Georgette, chiffon and cotton will be the right fabrics to pick from. They are easy to pleat, take the form of your body and aren’t stiff or rigid at all.
3. Petticoat Diaries
A petticoat can make or break your outfit. It can either give your saree a great shape or make it lose its form instantly. Choose a petticoat wisely, and if you’re wearing one for the first time, you can actually get a tight elasticated waist belt instead of the drawstring. Opt for a slim fit or mermaid-cut as that will help you look slimmer and enhance your hips.
4. Pick The Right Footwear!
To avoid all that tripping and falling on rough surfaces, it is best to opt for comfortable footwear. Pick sandals that have minimal or no heels. If you still want to wear heels, then go for wedges or block heels as these will help you stand taller yet stay comfortable. Always remember to wear your shoes before draping your saree to avoid any length issues.
5. The Right Blouse
Don’t go wearing a halter neck the first time you’re wearing a saree. It’s going to be all uncomfortable and just not right. No matter what figure you have, it’s not a wise idea. Wear a blouse that’s stitched well, isn’t loose or hanging from any part of your body. You want to be super comfortable and not self-conscious or have to worry about peeping bra straps.
6. Think About Your Lingerie
We can’t stress enough on this point! A saree is incomplete without the right lingerie. Wearing a properly fitted bra is important to give your blouse better shape and structure. If you’re wearing a padded blouse, remember to get the right sized cups and make sure they are positioned right, otherwise it can look terribly awkward. Also wear comfortable panties and ditch the thongs!
7. Keep The Accessories Simple
Planning to wear your chiffon saree with heavy jewellery and accessories? Rethink! Spiky or poky accessories can get stuck to your pallu and pleats, which will not just make you uncomfortable but also tear your outfit. Wear simple jewellery that’s not too heavy and has smooth edges.
8. Pre-Pleat Your Saree
Pre-pleating your saree is probably the best tip we could give you! If you’re wearing a saree for the first time, there’s always that chance of the first pleat not aligning with the second. In order to avoid this, mark the spot of your pleat by measuring it around your waist. Once done, make the pleats comfortably by putting them on a table and pinning them before you wear it.
9. Drape It At The Right Place
Your saree has to be tied at the right place. It should sit neither too low on the waist nor too high. Especially if you’re draping it on your own, ensure you tie your petticoat at the right spot. Look in the mirror and check it before you actually start tying the saree.
10. Free Without Fall
We know, it takes time to get your saree to the tailor to get that fall stitched. But trust us, it’s for your benefit. A fall ensures that your saree has a proper shape and form, and doesn’t accidentally get a hole from a nail on the ground or your stilettos, for that matter.
We hope with these little tips you will carry off your saree like a total pro!
Types Of Drape:
Ever heard people say “It’s just a saree, wrap it around and you’re done!”. Oh, how we roll our eyes at such ignorance. This Instagram can easily become a flag bearer on how you can drape a saree in more ways than one!
The good people over at Border and Fall have showcased more than 25 ways to drape a saree! Inspired by the draping techniques used by women from diverse Indian states, the ‘Sari Series’ will definitely benefit the ones who love its versatility. Here are some of our favourite picks from the series…
The Boggili Posi Kattukodam Drape, Andhra Pradesh
Adivasi Drape, Kerala
Khasauta Drape, Uttar Pradesh And Uttarakhand
Dangi Drape, Gujarat
Munger Drape, Bihar
How To Style A Saree:
The beauty of the nine-yard lies in its versatility and unparalleled grandeur. A quintessential silk saree brings out the beauty, sensuousness and femininity of a woman. It is easy to drape and is super chic. Here are 6 fun and exciting ways to look hip in traditional sarees with sheer elegance. So bring out the beautiful desi girl in you! Here are some exciting ways to wear a traditional saree.
1. The Dhoti Pant
Take a cue from the elegant Karisma Kapoor’s sophisticated sense of style. Grab a beautiful saree and drape it around like a dhoti, with a pleated pallu. This look is modern, elegant and super stylish. It is perfect for occasion wear, your best friend’s sangeet or a fancy dinner party with bae.
POPxo Recommends: The Chennai Silks Classicate Magenta Woven Design Kanjeevaram Pure Soft Silk Saree (Rs 5,319) from Myntra is an absolute steal!
2. Palazzo FTW
Add a contemporary twist to your traditional attire with a chic and stylish palazzo styled with a saree. This is the perfect festive wear pick if you’re a huge fan of Indo-western ensembles and want to stand out from the crowd! This look is perfect for a fun Mehendi night, a get together with friends and other traditional festivities.
POPxo Recommends: We totally love this gorgeous INDIE PICKS Dabu Handblock Print Indigo Pure Silk Kota Saree (Rs 2.099) from Ajio!
3. A Funky Blouse
Add that extra oomph to your saree with a funky and decorative blouse just like Sonam! A ruffle cold shoulder blouse with tassel detail looks very graceful and can transform the entire look. You can also flaunt that tiny waist of yours by pleating the pallu and pinning it down to the shoulder. This look is perfect for a fancy brunch with your ladies or a fancy Diwali party.
POPxo Recommends: Pair a funky blouse with this gorgeous SHRIKALA Handloom Art Silk Saree (Rs 899) from Ajio.
4. Spread-out Pallu
Keep it simple and elegant like just like Deepika with a gorgeous saree and a gracefully falling pallu. Add a stunning pair of jhumkas and you’re ready to hit the party! This look is perfect for a family get together or your mom’s kitty.
POPxo Recommends: Get your hands on these exquisite PANASH Gold-Plated Classic Jhumkas (Rs 1,039) from Myntra!
5. A Dramatic Pallu
Make a style statement with a dramatic falling long front pallu just like Katrina’s! This look works well for a friend’s sangeet or a dinner party. Keep the jewellery minimal and make heads turn with the enhanced décolletage!
POPxo Recommends: Make heads turn in this gorgeous PRETTY WOMAN Patola-Style Brocade South Silk Saree (Rs 4,959) from Ajio.
6. A Long Ethnic Jacket
Nail uber chic as proven by Raveena Tandon’s polished sense of style. Step up your fashion game with a sexy belted silk saree paired with a long ethnic jacket. Add a statement belt to slay the look!
POPxo Recommends: Add a belt or an ethnic jacket with this elegant Rajnandini Black Printed Saree (Rs 1,085) from Jabong and be the centre of attention!
Planning To Buy Your First Saree? Here are 8 beautiful ones to suit all your needs.
Ethnic and versatile, the sari is one of the most elegant ensemble you can wear. The best part? It doesn’t discriminate and suits both petite and full figures. For those of you who are not familiar with this alluring piece of garment, it’s time you bought your first saree! Trust us, you have to wear it to believe it! Here are our eight best sarees to celebrate this milestone:
Simple Elegance
This beautiful cotton saree is simple and oh-so-chic! We love the gorgeous gold embroidery and the elegant buta designs. This saree is perfect for the upcoming festive celebrations or a grand puja at home. Pair it with ethnic jewellery and you’re sorted!
Brand: Kerala Kasavu
Product Name: Cotton Saree with Ornate Pallu and Buti
Price: Rs 1,499. Buy it here
Discounted price: Rs 1,199
Banarasi Love
Add the magic of weaves to your wardrobe with this exquisite Banarasi tissue saree in gold and pink. This is the perfect pick for traditional events and festivities or a family get-together.
Brand: Parmita
Product Name: Banarasi Tissue Saree with Contrast Border
Price: Rs 9,999. Buy it here
Discounted price: Rs 4,200
Sheer Love
This stunning sheer saree is perfect both for the day and night. We love the pretty mint colour and the detailed embroidery on net. This saree can also be worn regularly for events. Grab a stylish blouse and keep the jewellery minimal.
Brand: Mahotsav
Product Name: Green Embroidered Saree
Price: Rs 6,438. Buy it here
Discounted price: Rs 2,898
Colour Pop
We are totally crushing on this fabulous colour-block saree! Pair it with gold jewellery and black stilettos and make heads turn!
Brand: Shaily
Product Name: Multicoloured Printed Saree
Price: Rs 5,999. Buy it here
Discounted price: Rs 1,500
Glam It Up
This glamorous saree is perfect for your friend’s wedding reception. We love the striking embroidery and appealing colour. Add a chunky piece of silver jewellery and be the star of the party!
Brand: Inddus
Product Name: Peach Embellished Saree
Price: Rs 12,600. Buy it here
Discounted price: Rs 6,048
Black Beauty
This black and beige embellished saree is your perfect pick for a fancy dinner party. We love the dapper embellishments as well as a beautiful colour combination.
Brand: Chhabra 555
Product Name: Black & Beige Poly Georgette Embellished Saree
Price: Rs 2,200. Buy it here
Discounted price: Rs 880
Ethnic Charm
Look your ethnic best with this beautiful Kanjeevaram saree. The gorgeous zari work combined with traditional Kanjeevaram silk and purple and gold tones make the saree even more alluring. Get your hands on this beautiful saree ASAP and stand out from the crowd!
Brand: The Chennai Silks
Product Name: Classicate Purple & Gold-Toned Kanjeevaram Silk Traditional Saree
Price: Rs 17,899. Buy it here
Discounted price: Rs 13,424
Cotton Love
This elegant saree is perfect for everyday use and can be worn to traditional festivities. This pure cotton saree is super comfortable and easy to drape. Add some pretty danglers or jhumkas and you’re good to go!
Brand: Indie Picks
Product Name: Embossed Cotton Saree with Jacquard Pallu
Price: Rs 2,299. Buy it here
Discounted price: Rs 1,839
Happy Shopping!
Internal Images: Shutterstock
