Unravel the elegance of sari draping with 10 essential styles! From Nivi to Butterfly, master the art and make heads turn!
The sari, a timeless and iconic garment, drapes gracefully around the Indian woman,
whispering tales of tradition, culture, and enduring elegance. More than just a piece of cloth, it's an emotion, a heritage passed down through generations.
Understanding and mastering the art of sari draping unlocks a world of versatility, allowing you to express your personal style while paying homage to this magnificent attire. Forget the notion that sari draping is complicated!
With a little practice and these ten essential styles in your repertoire, you'll be turning heads at every function, from weddings to festive celebrations. It's time to unravel the secrets and embrace the beauty of the sari, one drape at a time!
Nivi style saree draping: popular, flattering, versatile for all body types
Let's begin with an easier style which most of the women in India know. This form of draping is called the Nivi style. This is the most popular and widely recognized style.
Originating from Andhra Pradesh, it involves tucking one end of the sari into the waistband of the petticoat, pleating the remaining fabric, and draping it over the shoulder.
The pallu, the decorative end of the sari, can be styled in various ways – left loose, pleated and pinned, or even brought around the waist. The way of showcasing the pallu defines this style.
The Nivi style accentuates the waist and creates a flattering silhouette, making it a favorite for all body types. Remember to choose a material that flows well for maximum impact. This style focuses on the pleats on the stomach which makes it elegant and convenient to wear.
The best part of this style is that it can be worn at any event.
Gujarati style draping for festive occasions with convenience and movement
Next we move on to another style of draping which focuses on convenience and movement and it is called the Gujarati style. This style is a variation of the Nivi drape, but with a distinctive twist.
The pallu is taken from the back, brought over the right shoulder, and then spread across the chest, creating a V-shape. This style is not only visually appealing but also practical, allowing for greater freedom of movement.
The Gujarati style is perfect for festive occasions like Navratri, where you need to dance the night away! Opt for vibrant colors and embellished saris to truly capture the spirit of the celebration. Ensure the pleats at the front are neatly arranged so that the aesthetic of the drape is not lost.
Accessorise it with bangles and a bindi to complete the look. The Gujarati drape is a celebration of culture and joyous festivity.
Marathi style sari: unique, comfortable, draped like dhoti, perfect for dance
Moving away from the common styles, one more style which is worn by rural women and are very useful is the Marathi style. This drape is also known as the 'Kashta' sari. This style is renowned for its comfort and practicality.
The sari is draped around the legs like a dhoti, allowing for unrestricted movement. This style is traditionally worn by women in Maharashtra and is often seen during folk dances and religious ceremonies. The key to mastering the Marathi style is precise pleating and secure tying.
Choose a sari with a border that contrasts with the body of the fabric for a striking effect. The length of the sari should be approximately nine yards, unlike the usual six yards required for other styles. This allows for the extra fabric needed to create the dhoti-like effect.
This drape offers the most comfortable experience for ladies who want to dance.
Bengali sari draping showcases elegance with large pleats, adorned pallu, and traditional jewelry
Now we focus on the Bengali style of sari draping. This drape is more focused on showcasing the beauty of the sari and the style statement. The Bengali style is characterized by its large, flowing pleats and a distinctive pallu that is draped over the left shoulder and then brought forward.
This style is often associated with Durga Puja and other Bengali festivals. The key to achieving the perfect Bengali drape is mastering the art of creating even and graceful pleats. Opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton or silk to create a soft and elegant look.
The pallu is often adorned with intricate designs and is the focal point of the drape. Accessorize with traditional Bengali jewelry, such as a large nath (nose ring) and shakha pola (conch shell bangles), to complete the look. The Bengali drape is a symbol of feminine grace and cultural heritage.
Add a big red bindi and your Bengali look is complete.
The Rajrani Style: regal, sophisticated, perfect for formal events
Coming back to a more simple style is the Rajrani Style. The Rajrani style is a regal drape that exudes sophistication and grandeur. This style involves creating multiple layers of pleats and draping the pallu in an elaborate manner, often with the help of pins and embellishments.
The Rajrani style is perfect for weddings and other formal occasions where you want to make a statement. Choose rich fabrics like silk or brocade and accessorize with statement jewelry to complete the look. The key to achieving the Rajrani style is attention to detail and a steady hand.
Ensure that the pleats are neatly arranged and securely pinned to create a polished and elegant finish. This style requires practice and patience but the end result is worth the effort. This style can be easily adorned with heavy jewelry sets.
Modern Butterfly Style: Trendy draping with thin pleats and secure shoulder pin for parties
The last style we discuss is the butterfly style, which is modern and trending these days. The Butterfly Style is a modern and chic drape that is perfect for parties and events. This style involves creating thin pleats and securing them at the shoulder with a pin, creating a butterfly-like effect.
The Butterfly Style is youthful and playful, and it's a great way to showcase your personal style. Choose lightweight fabrics like chiffon or georgette and accessorize with minimal jewelry to create a contemporary look.
The key to achieving the Butterfly Style is creating neat and even pleats that are securely pinned in place. Experiment with different colors and patterns to create a unique and eye-catching look. This style is perfect for those who want to make a statement without being too traditional.
Pairing this with a fancy blouse can enhance the look.
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