How to wear a saree? Here are easy tips and tricks for saree draping

Sarees are perennial and centric to Indian traditions Moreover they have recently gained immense popularity thanks to Bollywood celebrities like Vidya Balan Deepika Padukone Katrina Kaif and Janhvi Kapoor who have brought on new and unique styles Alia Bhatt has especially got young women to wear sarees with her gorgeous looks in her recent release Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani The actress not only wore sarees in the film but also during the promotions Now with Durga Puja just around the corner donning this traditional wear will not just make you stand out but also help you dress in accordance with the trend If you have been looking for saree options and tips to wear them differently look no further We speak to fashion experts who share trending sarees perfect for the festival and tips to style them Trending sarees you can opt forSpeaking on whatrsquos trending in the saree world Gautam Gupta coowner of the label Asha Gautam and Founder of GG by Asha Gautam says ldquoThis year there is a noticeable preference for Paithani sarees which is unquestionably one of the top choices for the festivalrdquo For Gupta Paithani sarees are his personal favourites particularly because of their enchanting motifs like peacocks parrots and floral designs ldquoThe vibrant and lively feel of these sarees is utterly irresistible and makes them a perfect choice for Navratrirdquo Further according to Gupta Banarasi sarees particularly those in vibrant hues are also immensely popular With their numerous weaving variants like Shikargha and Kadhwa they are a perfect fit for the festive ambience of NavratriWhen we think of festive occasions like Navratri Bandhani sarees are impossible to overlook Their captivating tiedye patterns combined with intricate zari borders featuring meenakari motifs make them an ideal selection for the festivitiesAdditionally embroidered sarees like Gota Patti exude radiance and are exceptionally wellsuited for this festival They are not only visually appealing but also easy to carry enhancing the festive spiritThe timeless Patola saree too effortlessly harmonises with the essence and energy of Navratri Its auspicious colour palette intricate patterns and symbolic motifs enhance the festive ambience establishing it as a perennial favourite for the occasion Sharing more such saree trends Pawan Gupta cofounder and CEO Fashinza says ldquoBeyond aesthetics sarees offer practicality for energetic and rhythmic dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas allowing women to move gracefully while exuding beauty and tradition Besides with newer forms of sarees and their unique ways of draping this wear has become a more preferred choice for womenrdquo 1 Ruffle sareesThe ruffle sarees come in a lot of variety and can make anyone look instantly gorgeous Celebs are now opting for these sarees as they are easy to carry and look trendy 2 Georgette sareesThese sarees add spice to your festive look As they are lightweight they are also easy and comfortable to carry Georgette sarees which resemble chiffon in texture highlight their attractiveness while their embroidery and fine thread work give it a modern look3 Organza sareesOrganza sarees look just like silk but are less shiny lighter and easier to carry They offer a mattelike finish that definitely looks ultrasophisticated Depend on this saree design for festive weddings or even classy office dinners 4 Sequins sareesThese glamorous sequin sarees are another excellent example of a resurgence in the saree era Sequin sarees have made a dramatic entrance into the Bollywood scene and the divas have already established themselves as trendsettersHere is an easy stepbystep guide to draping a saree as shared by Gautam Gupta1 In order to drape the saree make sure you have plenty of safety pins of all sizes handy2 Prepare the petticoat or shapewearWear a wellfitting petticoat that matches the colour of your saree Ensure that it sits comfortably at your waist3 BlousecholiPut on your blouse or choli Make sure its the right size and style for your saree Fasten the hooks or ties at the back4 Start by tucking the sareeTuck the plain end of the saree into the petticoat at your right side towards the edge Make sure its secure and snug5 Wrap around Begin draping the saree around your body in an anticlockwise direction keeping the lower edge of the saree slightly above the floor Keep tucking the saree into the petticoat as you goAlso Read Navratri 2023 Your ultimate Dandiya and Garba night guide in Mumbai6 Pleat the sareeOnce you have wrapped the saree around your body and reached the front start making pleats Gather the fabric in front of you and make five to seven evenly folded pleats Ensure that the pleats are neat and facing to the left7 Tuck the pleatsTuck the pleats into the petticoat slightly to the left of your navel Make sure they are even and wellaligned8 Drape the palluThe pallu is the loose end of the saree Take the remaining fabric and drape it over your left shoulder allowing it to fall gracefully behind you You can adjust the length of the pallu based on your preference allowing it to trail on the floor or be shorter9 Secure with safety pinsUse safety pins to secure the pleats at the waist and the pallu on your shoulder to prevent any slipping or unravelling10 Final adjustmentsAdjust the pleats pallu and overall look of your saree to ensure its comfortable and looks elegant Check the mirror to ensure that your saree draping is neat and wellbalanced Make any necessary adjustmentsAlso Read Durga Puja 2023 The oldest Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai that you must visit this yearStyle them the right wayBoth fashion experts hail traditional handwoven sarees as the best choice for Indian festivals For styling a Paithani saree Gautam Gupta says ldquoThese sarees often feature broad borders and pallus with prominent zari work To complement this traditional elegance consider accessorising with vintage earrings and bracelets such as temple jewellery or polkis For a touch of drama opt for a blouse with short puff sleeves Those aiming for a more festive look can explore Zardosi work on the blouse Some might even experiment with embroidered belts especially if they prefer draping the saree with pins Given the vibrancy of the saree I recommend keeping your makeup understated with a nude palette As for your hair a neat bun or a braid can beautifully accentuate the overall lookrdquo Sharding additional styling ideas you can experiment with Pawan Gupta says ldquoNavratri is the perfect occasion to experiment and showcase your personal style while celebrating tradition in a modern wayrdquo 1 Use a beltBelt saris are popular these days Simply drape your saree as usual and add a belt that cinches around your waist at your pallu A kamarbandh could be worn instead of the belt for a more traditional look2 Dhoti styleThis is another saree design that is gaining popularity due to its distinct appearance It differs from a traditional saree in that the bottom has a dhotistyle weaving and a legging must be worn inside instead of a petticoat3 MermaidinspiredA lovely drapery technique this style involves spreading out the lower half of the pleats to resemble a mermaids tail This saree appears to need a lot of effort yet all it requires are a few more tucks and pleats4 Pallu in frontIn this saree style the pallu is worn back to front rather than front to back This pallu pattern stands out without compromising the sarees individualityDonrsquot know how to drape a saree You can still wear oneFor those who find it difficult to drape a saree the newer forms allow you to still wear one The convenience of prestitched pleats in sarees has become a popular choice among modern saree enthusiasts It not only saves time but also ensures a neat and consistent look When acquiring a new saree inquiring about this feature or discussing it with the seller can simplify your sareewearing experience Alternatively if you have an older saree that youd like to update a local tailor can assist in customising it to your specific preferences and measurementsRegarding draping the pallu while the traditional method of neatly folding and pinning it remains timeless the open pallu style too has gained popularity for its relaxed and contemporary appeal This blend of tradition and convenience allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds when adorning your saree making it wellsuited for vibrant festivities like NavratriAlso Read Navratri 2023 Flaunt your Garba moves in style with these outfit ideas