A Step by Step Guide for Beginners and Fashion-lovers!

More than just six yards of fabric, Sarees are classic, adaptable, and rich in cultural diversity. Learning the correct way to wear a saree can completely change your appearance, regardless of whether you're wearing one for the first time or want to up your saree game. Everything you need to know is covered in this guide, including how to choose the perfect saree and blouse, how to drape, styling advice, and typical blunders to avoid.

1). Knowing the Fundamentals

What You Must Have Before Draping, 

Make sure you have the following before you begin:

Saree Typically measuring 5.5 to 6.5 meters in length, a traditional saree is made of cotton, silk, chiffon, georgette, and other materials. 

Inskirt petticoat This form-fitting skirt, which is typically the same color as the saree, is worn underneath it. It helps tuck the saree in and has a drawstring to tie it at the waist. 

Blouse a fitted top worn with the saree that is cropped like a choli. Blouses can be full-sleeved, backless, boat neck, or sleeveless, among other styles. 

Safety Pins essential for securing the pallu and pleats and preventing wardrobe malfunctions.

2. How to Drape a Saree

A Comprehensive Guide Step 

• Step 1: Get Started in the Correct Place Make a complete circle around your body, tucking the saree into the petticoat at the right side of your waist. This is the foundation layer. 
• Step 2: Make the Pleats in Step Two Depending on how wide the saree is and how comfortable you are, start pleating the remaining fabric five to seven times. The width of each pleat should be roughly five inches. Hold the pleats together by neatly aligning them.
• Step 3: Insert the pleats - Position the stacked pleats slightly to the left of your navel in the front of your petticoat. Secure the pleats with a safety pin to prevent them from shifting.
• Step 4: Arrange the Pallu and Wrap It Around Moving the remaining fabric from under your right arm to over your left shoulder, wrap it around your waist. The pallu is the term for this hanging end. 
• Step 5: Pallu Style To add a contemporary touch, you can drape the pallu around your neck, pleat it neatly and pin it to your shoulder, or leave it loose and flowing. 
  

3. Trendy Styles of Saree Draping 

Sarees can be worn in a variety of ways. These are a few common draping designs found throughout India

Classic South Indian Style Nivi Style 

Pleats are tucked in front in this most popular style, and the pallu hangs over the left shoulder. It is sophisticated and appropriate for practically any situation. 

Bengali fashion is distinguished by a pallu that encircles both shoulders and broad pleats. frequently seen during Durga Puja wearing red and white sarees.

Gujarati Style To display intricate pallu designs, the pallu is brought from the back, draped over the right shoulder, and then spread across the front. 

Maharashtra's Nauvari With the pallu over the shoulder, a nine-yard saree was draped like a dhoti. a powerful, traditional appearance that is frequently observed during dance or celebration performances. 

Seedha/Modern Pallu Style A modern method of wrapping the pallu around the shoulder or pinning it firmly over the shoulder.

4. Selecting the Appropriate Fabric for the Situation 

• Cotton Sarees: Perfect for the workplace, everyday wear, and summer. Carrying is simple, but careful pleating might be necessary.

• Silk sarees are perfect for formal occasions like weddings and festivals. opulent and expensive, but they can be cumbersome to wear. 

• Georgette/chiffon: lightweight and ideal for informal drapes or parties. These materials pleat easily and flow beautifully. 

• Linen Sarees: Stylish and breathable. Ideal for minimalistic or office settings. 

• Organza/Netted Sarees: a sleek and fashionable option for contemporary occasions and styles.
  

5. Blouse Pairing

Your saree ensemble can be made or broken by the blouse. 

Here are some styling pointers for blouses:

• High-neck or boat neck: Excellent for a refined style.

• Halter necks or backless styles are perfect for cocktail parties.

• Traditional and classic are elbow-length sleeves.

• Spaghetti or sleeveless straps look great with a contemporary saree.

• Contrast colors give the saree dimension and make the blouse stand out. 

Pro Tip: Purchase three or four adaptable blouses in neutral or contrast colors (gold, silver, black, or beige) that you can wear with a variety of sarees.

6. Footwear & Accessories 

Jewelry:

• Necklaces, ranging from long chains to chokers;

• Bangles or cuffs; 

• Jhumkas or studs for the ears;

• Bindis and hair accessories for final touches 

Footwear:

Depending on the occasion and saree, either heels, mojaris, or kolhapuris

Unless it's pre-stitched or customized, stay away from flats with longer sarees. 

7. Typical Errors to Steer Clear of

• The saree may appear sloppy if the petticoat is worn too low.

• Bad pleats: Untidy pleats detract from the silhouette. Spend some time aligning and pinning

.• Unpinned pallu: secure it if you're moving frequently, even though it might look glitzy!

• Mismatched blouse: Make sure the color and fabric of your blouse match those of the saree.

• Overaccessorizing: Allow the saree or the jewelry to be the focal point.

10. Concluding remarks 

A stunning fusion of art, culture, and individual style can be found when wearing a saree. Knowing how to drape a saree gives you more confidence than anything else, whether you're going to a wedding, going to work, or trying out ethnic chic. Keep in mind that you wear the saree, not the other way around. Therefore, don't be afraid to try, experiment, and determine what works best for you. You'll be gliding in six yards of elegance in no time with a little practice.