Master the Art of Draping a Saree in Different Styles
Wearing a saree is a timeless tradition that has graced many cultures, especially in South Asia. This beautiful garment, usually around six yards of fabric, can be draped in various styles to create stunning looks that reflect both tradition and contemporary fashion. Learning to drape a saree in different styles not only showcases versatility but also enhances one's personal style. From the classic Nivi drape to modern variations, the art of draping a saree is a skill that can transform your entire appearance.
The Timeless Charm of the Nivi Drape
The Nivi drape is perhaps the most recognized and widely used style. Originating from Andhra Pradesh, this method accentuates the natural curves of a woman's body, making it elegant and flattering. To achieve this look, the saree is wrapped around the waist, with the pleats neatly tucked in front and the pallu draped over the left shoulder. This style is perfect for formal occasions and daily wear, combining tradition with simplicity.
The Graceful Bengali Drape
The Bengali drape is synonymous with grace and cultural heritage. This style is unique due to its wide pleats and the way the pallu is thrown over both shoulders. Typically, the saree is worn without petticoats, and the pallu is often used to hold a key or other adornments, adding a distinctive touch. This drape is ideal for festivals and traditional ceremonies, embodying the essence of Bengali culture.
The Elegant Gujarati Drape
The Gujarati drape is distinguished by the way the pallu comes from the back over the right shoulder and is spread across the front. This style not only provides a different aesthetic but also ensures comfort and ease of movement. Often adorned with intricate embroidery and mirror work, this drape is perfect for weddings and festive occasions, highlighting the vibrant culture of Gujarat.
The Stylish Maharashtrian Drape
The Maharashtrian drape, also known as the Nauvari saree, uses a nine-yard saree instead of the usual six. This style resembles the traditional attire worn by warriors, as it allows for free movement and a comfortable fit. The saree is draped in a dhoti-like manner, with the center pleats tucked at the back. This drape is ideal for cultural events and festivals, giving a regal and robust appearance.
The Contemporary Pant Style Drape
For those who prefer a modern twist to the traditional saree, the pant style drape is an excellent choice. This method involves wearing the saree over a pair of pants or leggings, creating a fusion look that is both trendy and comfortable. The saree is wrapped around the waist, with the pallu styled in various ways, such as around the neck or over the shoulder. This style is perfect for parties and casual gatherings, offering a chic and edgy look.
The Sophisticated Mermaid Drape
The mermaid drape, as the name suggests, creates a mermaid-like silhouette by hugging the body closely. This style involves draping the saree tightly around the lower body, with the pallu pleated and pinned neatly over the shoulder. This drape is ideal for formal events and parties, as it accentuates the figure and adds a sophisticated charm.
The Cultural Madisar Drape
The Madisar drape is a traditional style worn by Tamil Brahmin women, typically during weddings and religious ceremonies. Using a nine-yard saree, this drape involves intricate wrapping and tucking, creating a distinctive look that reflects the rich Tamil culture. The saree is draped in a way that allows for modesty and ease of movement, making it suitable for various rituals and formal occasions.
The Trendy Butterfly Drape
The butterfly drape is a modern variation that adds a touch of glamour to the traditional saree. This style involves making very thin pleats at the pallu, creating a butterfly-like effect. It is often paired with a stylish blouse to enhance the overall look. This drape is perfect for evening parties and red-carpet events, providing a fashionable and contemporary appearance.
The Practical Mumtaz Style
Popularized by Bollywood actress Mumtaz in the 1960s, this drape is a throwback to vintage fashion. The saree is draped tightly around the lower body, with several pleats wrapped around the waist, giving a slim and stylish look. This style is ideal for retro-themed parties and casual gatherings, adding a nostalgic charm to your outfit.
The Traditional Kappulu Style
The Kappulu drape is native to Andhra Pradesh and is known for its simplicity and elegance. This style involves draping the saree around the waist, with the pallu pleated and tucked in at the back. The loose end of the pallu is then brought over the right shoulder and left hanging. This drape is perfect for everyday wear and traditional functions, reflecting the understated beauty of the saree.
The Fusion Lehenga Style
Combining the elegance of a saree with the comfort of a lehenga, the lehenga style drape is gaining popularity among modern women. This style involves pleating the saree around the waist to create a skirt-like effect, with the pallu draped over the shoulder like a dupatta. This fusion drape is perfect for weddings and festive occasions, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary fashion.
The Classic Coorgi Style
The Coorgi style drape, originating from Karnataka, is a traditional method that stands out due to its unique pleating and tucking. The saree is draped with the pleats at the back and the pallu brought under the right arm and pinned over the left shoulder. This drape is ideal for cultural events and ceremonies, showcasing the rich heritage of Coorg.
The Royal Mysore Style
The Mysore style drape is known for its elegance and simplicity. The saree is draped in a manner similar to the Nivi style, but with a distinct difference in the pleating and the way the pallu is wrapped around the body. This style is perfect for formal events and traditional functions, highlighting the regal charm of Mysore silk sarees.
The Vibrant Kerala Style
The Kerala style drape, also known as the Mundum Neriyathum, is a traditional method worn by women in Kerala. This style involves draping the saree in two pieces: the mundu (lower garment) and the neriyathu (upper garment). The pallu is usually worn over the left shoulder and often adorned with gold borders. This drape is ideal for religious ceremonies and cultural festivals, reflecting the simplicity and beauty of Kerala’s traditional attire.
The Glamorous Bollywood Style
The Bollywood style drape is inspired by the glamorous saree looks seen in Indian cinema. This style often features bold pleats, dramatic pallu draping, and embellished blouses. The saree is worn to accentuate the figure, with a focus on creating a stunning visual impact. This drape is perfect for parties, weddings, and high-profile events, bringing a touch of Bollywood glamour to your wardrobe.
The Effortless Double Pallu Style
The double pallu style is a unique drape that involves using two sarees or a saree with two pallus. This style allows for creative experimentation with colors, fabrics, and textures. The first pallu is draped in the traditional manner, while the second is draped over the opposite shoulder or around the waist. This drape is ideal for weddings and festive occasions, offering a dramatic and elegant look.
The Chic Half Saree Style
The half saree style is a popular choice among young women and bridesmaids. This style involves draping the saree over a lehenga or skirt, creating a layered look that is both trendy and traditional. The pallu is usually draped over the shoulder like a dupatta, adding a contemporary touch to the outfit. This drape is perfect for weddings, receptions, and cultural events, combining elegance with modern fashion.
The Ethereal Goddess Style
The goddess style drape is inspired by ancient Indian sculptures and paintings depicting goddesses in flowing sarees. This style involves draping the saree loosely around the body, with the pallu cascading down the back or wrapped around the arms. This drape is perfect for photoshoots, themed parties, and cultural performances, creating a divine and ethereal look.
The Regal Mumtaz Style
Named after the legendary Bollywood actress Mumtaz, this drape became iconic in the 1970s. The saree is draped tightly around the lower body, with several pleats wrapped around the waist. This style creates a sleek and fashionable silhouette, making it ideal for retro-themed parties and casual gatherings, adding a touch of vintage glamour to your outfit.
The Contemporary Dhoti Style
The dhoti style drape is a fusion of traditional and modern fashion, inspired by the traditional Indian dhoti. This style involves draping the saree in a way that resembles a dhoti, with the pleats tucked between the legs and the pallu draped over the shoulder. This drape is perfect for fashion-forward individuals who want to make a bold statement at parties and events.
The Versatile Butterfly Style
The butterfly style drape is a modern variation that adds a touch of glamour to the traditional saree. This style involves making very thin pleats at the pallu, creating a butterfly-like effect. It is often paired with a stylish blouse to enhance the overall look. This drape is perfect for evening parties and red-carpet events, providing a fashionable and contemporary appearance.
The Traditional South Indian Style
The South Indian style drape, also known as the Kanjeevaram style, is famous for its rich silk sarees and intricate designs. This style involves draping the saree with broad pleats and a heavily embroidered pallu. The pallu is usually draped over the left shoulder and often adorned with gold jewelry. This drape is ideal for weddings and religious ceremonies, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of South Indian culture.
The Effortless Seedha Pallu Style
The seedha pallu style, also known as the Gujarati or Rajasthani drape, involves draping the pallu from the back over the right shoulder and spreading it across the front. This style not only provides a different aesthetic but also ensures comfort and ease of movement. Often adorned with intricate embroidery and mirror work, this drape is perfect for weddings and festive occasions, highlighting the vibrant culture of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The Elegant Coorgi Style
The Coorgi style drape, originating from Karnataka, is a traditional method that stands out due to its unique pleating and tucking. The saree is draped with the pleats at the back and the pallu brought under the right arm and pinned over the left shoulder. This drape is ideal for cultural events and ceremonies, showcasing the rich heritage of Coorg.
The Artistic Tribal Style
The tribal style drape, often seen in the attire of indigenous communities, is known for its simplicity and connection to nature. This style involves draping the saree in a way that allows for maximum movement and comfort. The saree is wrapped around the body with minimal pleats and often paired with tribal jewelry. This drape is perfect for cultural festivals and heritage events, reflecting the beauty and diversity of tribal traditions.
Conclusion
Draping a saree in different styles is an art that allows for endless creativity and expression. Each style carries its own cultural significance and aesthetic appeal, offering a unique way to enhance one's look for various occasions. Whether you prefer traditional drapes like the Nivi and Bengali styles or modern twists like the pant and butterfly drapes, mastering the art of saree draping can transform your wardrobe and elevate your style. Embrace the beauty and versatility of the saree, and let each drape tell its own story.
