10 unique ways to style a saree

What’s there to say about sarees? They are timeless, beautiful pieces that can be understyled with a minimal watch and overstyled with jewelry and hair accessories. The 6 yards can be so much more than just traditional wear While a saree is a common garment in India. The way it is wrapped differs from place to place. It makes it an appealing and timeless piece of clothing that’ll never fade away but be reinvented each year. The saree is a simple garment, but that doesn’t mean it has to be styled the traditional way every single time. Whether you’re attending a wedding, a party, or simply want to create a fashion-forward moment, here are 10 creative and unconventional ways to style your saree that’ll make heads turn in a crowd:

Cinching that waist, adding a belt makes any outfit look more polished. Why not add a belt (metallic, embroidered, or leather) at the waist over your pallu? By buckling it over the smallest part of your waist, it will define it and add structure to your look, which is perfect for cocktail events and modern festive looks.

To bring back the traditional look with a spin, try swapping the traditional petticoat for leggings or dhoti pants. This Indo-Western twist to a saree adds an edgy vibe, especially with crop, strappy and off-shoulder blouses.

A jacket makes everything look structured and edgy. To give your saree a defined silhouette, pair it with a blazer, cropped jacket, or even a cape. Layering over your saree is ideal for winters and creates a layered, fashion-forward look to your elegant saree.

Printed sarees are all in this summer. From Ajrakh to Kalamkari to hand-painted sarees, go hassle-free with a pre-stitched saree or drape it over cigarette pants. To give it a stylish look, add heels. Pair it with a structured blouse for a fusion wear appearance.

If you’re not comfortable in wearing a short blouse under your saree, try styling a shirt with it. Ditch the blouse to try a crisp button-down shirt instead. Knot it at the waist or tuck it in — it gives off a contemporary boss-girl aesthetic perfect for work to an event day.

If there’s one drape that puts your thin waist on display, it is the butterfly drape. Inspired by Bollywood, pleat the pallu into a thin band and pin it over your shoulder. This style enhances the midriff showing your slim waist by elongating your body and looks stunning with embellished sarees.

Is it a Lehenga or is it a saree? Confuse all your guests with this classy draping style. Instead of pleating the saree in front, drape it like a lehenga with pleats all around. Pair with a heavily embroidered blouse for a bridal function or a party.

If regal-looking sarees fascinate you, this draping style is for you. To try this, use two sarees or dupattas and drape one like a normal pallu and the other over the other shoulder like a dupatta.
This style screams royalty and drama and is ideal for grand occasions.

Wearing sarees with a regular blouse is so passé; try wearing it with a corset that lifts your curves and gives your body a toned appearance. Replace your blouse with a well-fitted corset or bustier top. See that magic as it accentuates the waistline and adds a vintage-meets-modern flair.

Who said a saree cannot be draped as a gown? It is a free-flowing, unstitched fabric that can be pinned, tied, and clutched into a body-hugging or flowy gown. Drape your saree in such a way that it resembles a gown or dress — flowy and floor-length with no visible pleats. Perfect for evening soirees and red-carpet-inspired looks.