The sari, a quintessential Indian attire, is a garment that epitomizes grace, tradition, and timeless elegance. Worn by women across the Indian subcontinent for centuries, the sari has evolved into a versatile piece of clothing that can be styled in numerous ways to suit various occasions and personal preferences. Whether you’re attending a wedding, a formal event, or a casual gathering, mastering different sari draping styles allows you to express your individuality while exuding sophistication. Here, we explore five distinct ways to style a sari, each offering its unique charm and allure.
Nivi Style:
Originating from Andhra Pradesh, the Nivi drape is one of the most popular and widely adopted styles of sari draping. This style entails neatly pleating the sari and securing it into the petticoat at the waist, while elegantly draping the pallu (the loose end) over the shoulder. This style offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it suitable for various occasions, from weddings to formal gatherings.
Bengali Style:
The Bengali drape is characterized by its distinctive pleating pattern and the way the pallu is draped. Unlike the Nivi style, where the pallu is typically draped over the shoulder, in the Bengali style, the pallu is wrapped around the body and then brought over the left shoulder, creating a unique and striking look. This style is often adorned with traditional Bengali accessories like the shakha (white conch shell bangles) and pola (red coral bangles), making it perfect for cultural events and celebrations.
Gujarati Style:
Known for its intricate pleating and elaborate pallu draping, the Gujarati drape is a glamorous and eye-catching style that originated from the western state of Gujarat. In this style, the sari is draped in a reverse manner, with the pallu brought from the back to the front, then draped over the right shoulder, and finally pleated neatly in the front. The pallu is often embellished with heavy embroidery or adorned with tassels, adding to the grandeur of the ensemble. The Gujarati style is ideal for festive occasions, such as Navratri or Diwali celebrations.
Tamilian Style:
Hailing from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the Tamilian drape is characterized by its unique pleating technique and the way the pallu is draped over the shoulder. Unlike other styles where the pallu is draped from the front to the back, in the Tamilian style, the pallu is brought from the back to the front over the right shoulder, allowing it to cascade gracefully down the front of the body. This style is often accompanied by traditional temple jewelry and is perfect for religious ceremonies and cultural events.
Lehenga Style:
A modern twist on traditional sari draping, the Lehenga style is a fusion of the sari and the lehenga, creating a contemporary and stylish silhouette. In this style, the sari is draped around the waist in a manner similar to a skirt, with pleats arranged in the front, and the pallu draped over the shoulder or styled as a dupatta. The Lehenga style offers comfort and ease of movement, making it a popular choice for parties, receptions, and other social gatherings.
Mastering the art of sari draping allows you to unleash your creativity and express your personal style while paying homage to tradition and culture. Whether you opt for the classic elegance of the Nivi style, the flamboyance of the Gujarati style, or the modern flair of the Lehenga style, each draping technique offers a unique way to adorn yourself in this timeless garment. So, the next time you reach for a sari, experiment with different draping styles and let your imagination soar as you create your signature look.
