There are only a handful (or fewer) sartorial picks that can rival the sari’s versatility, timelessness and elegance. Our grandmothers (and theirs too) swore by it and we certainly don’t beg to differ. And it’s not just us desi girls who are so smitten by this six-yard one-piece wonder. Everyone from Chanel, Hermès and Marchesa, Roberto Cavalli to Emilio Pucci has praised it. But what constitutes an ideal sari wardrobe? We’ll tell you exactly what. If you’re in the process of building your sari collection, one gorgeous piece at a time, then you ought to read this guide on the types of saree every woman should own before you make your next purchase.
1. Cotton Sari
This is the most basic and quintessentially Indian sari that every woman should own! A good quality cotton sari will last for years, and it drapes itself so comfortably that you can actually wear it all day long. Most importantly, it instantly adds a touch of ‘formal’ glamour to your look — whether it’s lunch with your friends or a seminar at work — all you need to do is add a pair of drop earrings and a simple bangle. It’s the outfit that announces to the world that you’re all grown-up now!
POPxo picks: FabIndia Cotton Printed Missing Yarn Jaal Sari (Rs 2,990), and Touchstone Earrings (Rs 480) and Bracelet (Rs 699) on Shoppers Stop.
2. Handloom/Handwoven Sari
A return to tradition has become the season’s highlight. No longer is it uncool to give your heritage a nod and sport a conventional Banarasi, Paithani, Patola, Chanderi or Kanjeevaram weaves. Nothing fits the bill better for a morning wedding affair. We bet your daughter will be giving it her seal of approval some day too.
POPxo picks: Green Sari with Banarasi Border by Kalki (Rs 4,740), The Assad Flat by The Trunk Label (Rs 1,850), FabAlley Bronze Quilted Box Clutch (Rs 1,500)
3. Sequinned Sari
A no-holds-barred sequinned sari will never fail when you wish to turn the glamour quotient up a notch and feel every inch the diva. While a sari with a drizzle of gold or silver sequins is always a no-brainer, we wouldn’t rule out experimenting with colours either.
POPxo picks: RCPC Embellished Green Net Sari on Jabong (Rs 2,299), Blue Button Platform Heels on Lime Road (Rs 2,999), Ritika Sachdev Oval Filigree Flower Clutch on Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop (Rs 5,800)
4. Lehenga Sari
This one kills two birds with one stone. A lehenga sari is an ideal alternative to a full-fledged lehenga and wins extra points for comfort too. No wonder that this reconstructed silhouette is an absolute hit with the younger lot.
POPxo picks: Aakriti Cream-Coloured Embroidered Net Lehenga Partywear Sari on Myntra (Rs 2,999), Amrapali Silver Pearl Chain Earrings (Rs 3,510), The Art Jewellery Brass Jhoomar on Flipkart (Rs 3,435)
5. Sari Gown
Form-fitting and supremely practical cocktail sari gowns have become the trend du jour off late. And everyone from Sonaakshi Raaj, Monisha Jaising and Gaurav Gupta to Tarun Tahiliani, Falguni & Shane Peacock and Varun Bahl are readily indulging this rage. Get your hands on one if you have a wedding coming up soon.
POPxo picks: Soup by Sougat Paul Blue and Maroon Sari Gown on Exclusively.In (Rs 15,000), Suhani Pittie Golden Acrylic Drops Haslee (Rs 6,600), New Look Scallop Edge Sequin Clutch on Koovs (Rs 1,995)
6. Draped Sari
While the old-school pleated sari will always remain an eternal favourite, the younger fashionista’s quest for traditional wear with a difference has lead to the sari’s deconstruction and emergence of a plethora of draped renditions – be it the dhoti sari, trimmed hemlines, offbeat pallus, swimsuit sari or jumpsuit sari – take your pick!
POPxo picks: Amrita KM Latte Cream Draped Sari with Black Blouse on Exclusively.In (Rs 19,688), Eina Ahluwalia Looking Back Earrings (Rs 7,500), KOOVS Thursday Friday Clutch (Rs 2,200)
7. Designer Sari
While the designer within us (or rather our mothers) often sees running to the cloth shop and tailor to create the sari of our choice, it doesn’t hurt to invest in one statement-making designer piece either. Save up and splurge on your favourite desi couturier. Choose a classic design that will serve you well for long.
POPxo picks: Blue Gaurav Gupta Sari on Jabong (Rs 10,000), Steve Madden Clarice Heels (Rs 4,199), Aish Jewels Silver Plated Square Filigree Earrings on Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop (Rs 6,100)
8. Printed Chiffon Sari
Want to channel understated princess-like grace? A pastel-coloured printed chiffon (preferably French) sari paired with a classic string of pearls is the easiest way to do so. Turn to Maharani Gayatri Devi for reference, and you’ll instantly know why we’re rooting for this look!
POPxo picks: Cream Screen Print Sari by Satya Paul (Rs 11,995), The Trunk Label Dana Clutch (Rs 1,700), Inc 5 Black Heels on Myntra (Rs 1,390)
9. Traditional Work Sari
While fancy, new-age saris have their place, so do saris with traditional work and embellishments. After all, you can’t wear a nouveau sari for a puja, can you? Which is why a simple bandhani, leheriya or gota pati sari is a must-have too.
POPxo picks: Turi Chiffon Gota Pati Women’s Sari on Amazon (Rs 16,499), Rachna Reddy Sorbet Clutch (Rs 2,800), Prerto Chinese Pearl Hand Harness (Rs 6,100)
10. Heirloom Sari
We’re talking about those real zari, aari work or pure silk saris that are passed down from generation to generation. Such vintage pieces, with their inimitable work and unparalleled exquisiteness, are hard to come by today, making them a must-own rarity. Rest assured, everyone will be left wondering where you got your hands on it.
POPxo picks: Raiding your grandmother’s closet!
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