Bollywood has always been a major inspiration for Indian fashion, particularly when it comes to sarees. From traditional to contemporary, Bollywood has introduced various saree draping styles that have become popular across India and the world. In this blog post, we will explore the different ways to drape like a Bollywood Diva.
The Classic Drape:
The classic saree draping style has been around for centuries and is still popular today. This style involves wrapping the saree around the waist, tucking it in, and then draping it over the shoulder. Drape the pallu (the loose end of the saree) over the opposite shoulder. This style is simple, elegant, and can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. Bollywood actresses like Madhuri Dixit, Rekha, and Sridevi have often sported this classic saree draping style.
The Dhoti Style:
The Dhoti style is a contemporary saree draping style inspired by the traditional dhoti worn by men in India. Bollywood celebrities like Sonam Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty have popularized this style. To achieve this look, start by draping the saree as you would for a regular saree, but instead of pleating the pallu, take it from the back and bring it around the waist to the front. Tuck it into the petticoat at the front and drape the remaining fabric over the shoulder. This style works best with light-weight sarees and is perfect for cocktail parties and weddings.
The Lehenga Style:
The Lehenga style is a glamorous saree draping style inspired by the traditional lehenga choli worn by brides in India. This style is characterized by its full, flowing skirt-like drape that resembles a lehenga. To achieve this look, start by draping the saree as you would for a regular saree, but instead of pleating the pallu, take it from the back and bring it around the waist to the front. Tuck it into the petticoat at the front and drape the remaining fabric over the shoulder. To drape like a Bollywood Diva, ensure neat pleats at the front and drape the pallu over the shoulder to showcase the intricate embroidery or design.
The Butterfly Style:
The Butterfly style is a beautiful saree draping style inspired by the wings of a butterfly. This style is characterized by its unique and eye-catching drape that resembles butterfly wings. To achieve this look, start by draping the saree as you would for a regular saree, but instead of pleating the pallu, take it from the back and bring it around the waist to the front. Tuck it into the petticoat at the front and then make pleats in the remaining fabric, and bring it over the shoulder, crossing it behind the back, and bringing it back over the other shoulder. This style works best with lightweight sarees and is perfect for evening events or cocktail parties.
The Pant Style:
The Pant style is a modern saree draping style inspired by the western concept of pants. In this style, the saree drapes over a pair of pants, creating a fusion look that blends style and comfort. To achieve this look, start by draping the saree as you would for a regular saree, but instead of pleating the pallu, take it from the back and bring it around the waist to the front. Tuck it into the petticoat at the front and then drape the remaining fabric over a pair of pants. This style works best with georgette and chiffon sarees and is perfect for office parties or casual events.
The Mumtaz Style:
The Mumtaz style is a classic saree draping style inspired by the iconic Bollywood actress, Mumtaz. This style is characterized by its unique pleating style that creates a slim and elegant silhouette. To achieve this look, start by draping the saree as you would for a regular saree, but instead of pleating the pallu, take it from the back and bring it around the waist to the front. Tuck it into the petticoat at the front and then start making small pleats in the remaining fabric, about 5-6 inches wide, and tuck them into the petticoat at the back. Make sure the pleats are neat and evenly spaced, and drape the pallu over the shoulder in a way that highlights the intricate design to drape like a Bollywood Diva. This style works best with lightweight and printed sarees and is perfect for casual outings or day events.
The Gujarati Style:
The Gujarati style is a traditional saree draping style popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Its unique pleating style creates a wave-like effect along the border of the saree, characterizing this style. To achieve this look, start by draping the saree as you would for a regular saree, but instead of pleating the pallu, take it from the back and bring it around the waist to the front. Tuck it into the petticoat at the front. Then start making small pleats in the remaining fabric and tuck them into the waist at the back, creating a wave-like effect along the border. The pallu is draped over the shoulder in a way that showcases the intricate design. This style works best with heavily embroidered sarees and is perfect for weddings and formal events.
The Bengali Style:
The Bengali style is a traditional saree draping style popular in West Bengal.
Its unique pleating style creates a fan-like effect along the pallu characterizes this style. To achieve this look, start by draping the saree as you would for a regular saree. But instead of pleating the pallu, take it from the back and bring it around the waist to the front. Tuck it into the petticoat at the front and then make small pleats in the remaining fabric. Then tuck them into the waist at the back, creating a fan-like effect along the pallu. To achieve this style, ensure even spacing of the pleats and drape the pallu over the shoulder to showcase the intricate design. This style works best with traditional Bengali sarees and is perfect for cultural events and weddings.
The Nivi Style:
The Nivi style is the most common saree draping style popular across India. Its simple and elegant drape highlights the beauty of the saree, characterizing this style. To achieve this look, start by draping the saree as you would for a regular saree, but instead of pleating the pallu, take it from the back and bring it over the left shoulder. Tuck it into the waist at the back and then make small pleats in the remaining fabric, and tuck them into the waist at the front. To achieve this style, ensure that you make the pleats neat and evenly space them, and drape the pallu over the shoulder in a way that highlights the intricate design. This style works best with all types of sarees and is perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion:
Bollywood has always been a major source of inspiration for Indian fashion, particularly when it comes to saree draping styles. From traditional to contemporary, Bollywood has introduced various saree draping styles that have become popular across India and the world. Bollywood fashion has inspired some of the most popular saree draping styles listed above. So, whether you are attending a wedding, cultural event, or a casual outing, drape like a Bollywood Diva and make a statement.
