Seven Fabulous Ways to Drape a Saree

With Indian festival season just around the corner, fashion blogger Puneet tells you how to look stylish in a saree

The Saree is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing that one can have in their wardrobe. Whether wearing it in the traditional style or draping it in a modern look, one can never fail to make heads turn in a saree. With Indian festivals just around the corner, Sassy Mama picks out few fabulous styles to rock a saree. All you need is a blouse, inner skirt/legging and many safety pins to hold the drape in place. Whether you can wrap one with your eyes closed or are a total novice enchanted by the beautiful fabrics and elegant silhouette, be sure to check out the gallery of our top picks, mama!

The traditional style known as ‘Nivi’ is famous across the globe and the most preferred one, too. This elegant style has pleats facing the left side tucked in the centre of the waist, while the end of the saree – called a ‘pallu’ – is draped over the left shoulder. The wearer as per their comfort can pin the pleated pallu on the blouse or just leave the drape open.

‘Nivi’ style can be worn with any kind of saree with an ease… be it with a silk ‘Banarasi’ saree, a gold threaded ‘Kanjeevaram’ or the modern sequinned georgette saree.

Gujarati style is named for the west Indian state of Gujarat. The pallu is given emphasis in this style, as it is draped in the front unlike other styles. So choose a saree with beautiful detail work on the pallu. The pleats facing the right side are tucked in the centre of the inner skirt. The pallu is taken from behind the waist and pinned on the right shoulder while the other end is tucked into the waist.

This style hails from the state of Bengal in the east of India where beautiful Bengali women wear hand-crafted jewels and a large bindi on their forehead with their saree. Large pleats are tucked in the centre of the waist while the pallu is taken from the front and draped over both the shoulders. Sarees best suited for this style are the Jamdani in cotton or silk. Compliment this style of saree with a puff sleeve blouse and gold jewels for a more traditional look.

‘Dhoti’ is an Indian version of pants, wrapped around the waist and legs while the pleats are tucked in the centre and back. Women in west or south India have worn similar style know as ‘Nauvari’ since ancient times, but this trend is quickly catching up fast on the runway and red carpet. Try this style with a saree in a soft flowy fabric; add leggings underneath and accessorise this look with a belt or other waist accessory.

The gown style is a hit with Indian women, especially during wedding season. One can wear this sophisticated style for a cocktail party or reception. The saree is tucked in with multiple small pleats all around like a skirt and the gathered pallu is pinned on the left shoulder. Switch the traditional blouse with a corset and add a jewelled waist belt to accentuate curves.

Bollywood actress Mumtaz has made this retro look famous: the saree is layered around the waist tightly to show off the curves and the pleated pallu is placed on the left shoulder. Best opt for a chiffon saree with a small border, add a sleeveless blouse, and voila! You are ready to groove.

The simplest way to wear a saree, yet it looks very contemporary. The saree is worn with leggings or a lycra pant underneath instead of the usual inner skirt. Team these up with stylish blouse. Pleats are tucked in the centre covering the left side of the hip while the pallu taken over the right hip and set on the left shoulder.