The saree, a symbol of elegance and beauty, holds a special place in traditional Indian attire and cherished worldwide. It represents a legacy affectionately handed down from one generation to the next, from grandmothers to mothers and from mothers to daughters and daughters-in-law. Its true essence largely hinges on the manner in which it is draped. Draping a saree is an art form in itself, capable of altering one’s overall appearance and silhouette. Today, we know of hundreds of draping styles, each offering a unique look. Remarkably, by changing the drape and pairing it with different accessories, you can wear the same saree on multiple occasions without anyone realizing – such is the magic of saree draping. With this in mind, Zari Jaipur brings you sophisticated and contemporary draping styles, adding a fresh twist to this timeless piece, perfect for enhancing your traditional attire during the upcoming festive season.
Latest Saree Draping Styles for Weddings, Festivals, and Parties
Saree with a Cape Style Pallu
The cape style has recently gained all the attention of saree lovers. It is an elegant way to drape a saree with a heavy pallu. In this draping style, the pallu of the saree is wrapped from shoulder to shoulder, resembling a cape or a butterfly. With a sleeveless blouse and complementing belt, you can create a curvy silhouette—broad shoulders and a well-defined waistline.
Saree with Palazzo Pants
Palazzo sarees are trending among the Genz crowd, who find it difficult to wear the traditional piece for hours. This variation fits every body shape and simplifies the draping process. To wear it, first put on the Palazzo pants, then drape the pallu over your shoulder to the length you prefer. Begin pleating the saree on your left side, continuing to the end. Secure the pleats with a pin and tuck them in on your left side. Next, adjust the pallu to your liking. In this example, the edge of the loosely pleated pallu of Zari Jaipur’s organza silver saree is pinned to the wrist to deliver a statement look.
Saree with Jackets
Ideal for winter events, jacket can effortlessly elevate the look of your saree with little to no effort. The image shows a cream and golden pure silk saree with a hand-embroidered velvet long jacket. Drape your saree in the traditional manner, allowing the pallu to hang loosely in the front, enabling the pleats to cascade beneath the coat, creating a waterfall effect. The jacket can be styled either under the pallu, as shown in the image, or over it to enhance the outfit's elegance further.
You can style the silk saree with an embroidered jacket and a contrasting-colored sleeveless blouse, as shown in the figure. Instead of pinning the pallu over the shoulder, tuck it next to the center pleats to create a unique effect.
Scarf Style Saree with Belt
Instead of letting your pallu fall over your shoulder, wear it like a scarf and secure the small pleats with a matching belt. This draping style looks best on lightweight fabrics, like chiffon and georgette sarees, and offers an Indo-Western touch to the traditional silhouette.
Saree with a Dhoti Drape
The dhoti-style saree drape is a stunning traditional Maharashtrian drape, typically done with a 9-yard saree. The pants help improve style as well as comfort for this generation’s wearers.
Start by arranging and pinning the pallu to your preferred length. Keep two-thirds of the saree, including the pallu, on your right side and one-third on your left for balanced coverage. Tie a knot at the center. Begin with the left portion, passing it under and over your left leg, then pleat and tuck it at the middle of your back. Next, take the right side (with the pallu), pass it under your right leg, and drape the pallu over your shoulder.
Saree with a Shrug
To take your saree draping style to the next level, consider buying or personalizing a saree shrug by selecting fabrics and threadwork that complement your saree design. Incorporating fringes into your shrug adds a refined flair, creating a blended style ideal for celebrations and weddings.
Saree with a Flower Pallu
The flower drape looks best on sarees with character, like silk, tussar, organza, cotton, and linen. It is becoming immensely popular among those who love chic fashion. Take the pallu longer than usual and pin it. At the palm’s distance from the pinned portion, lift the saree from the center and tie it with a rubber band. Spread the tied portion flat, giving it an oval shape, and tie the center with another rubber band to provide it with a bud and flower shape.
Sarees with Skirt / Lehenga
Wearing a saree with a crushed skirt or lehenga is the new fashion lingo. It is a combination of a lehenga choli and a traditional saree.
All you need is a ruffled skirt or a lehenga that you have stopped wearing and a beautiful saree. Just like how you drape a saree on a palazzo pant, you can create your own lehenga saree drape with a skirt for an instant fashion upgrade.
It’s a beautiful way to reuse your lehenga for a different day. This draping style works well with a variety of sarees, including organza, chiffon, silk, and georgette.
Celebrate the Diversity of Sarees with Unique Draping Styles
Sarees are timeless, but draping can be changed to match the current fashion language. With these traditional and Indo-western saree draping styles, you can recreate your look for different events, functions, and celebrations. Depending upon the saree and the accessories you choose, these saree draping styles can be used by brides, bridesmaids, office goes, and even parents. All you need is a good saree, and Zari Jaipur has one of the prettiest and most versatile collections of sarees in various shades, fabrics, designs, and patterns, representing the diverse Indian culture.