The lehenga saree is a stunning fusion of two traditional garments—the lehenga and the saree. It offers the elegance of a saree with the comfort and style of a lehenga, making it a popular choice for festive occasions, weddings, and parties. If you’ve ever wondered how to wear a lehenga saree perfectly, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the steps, tips, and tricks to flaunt this beautiful attire with confidence.
Understanding the Lehenga Saree
Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand its components. A lehenga saree typically consists of:
- The Lehenga: A long skirt that is usually flared and embellished.
- The Saree Drapes: A long piece of fabric, usually around 5-9 meters, that you will drape around your waist and over your shoulder.
- The Blouse: A fitted top that complements the lehenga and saree.
How to Wear Lehenga Saree Step by Step
Wearing a lehenga saree is a relatively simple process, but it requires a bit of practice to perfect. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you get it right:
Step 1: Prepare Your Outfit
Before you start draping, ensure you have all your components ready:
- The lehenga skirt
- The saree fabric
- A matching blouse
- Safety pins (to secure the drapes)
- Accessories (jewelry, bangles, etc.)
Step 2: Wear the Lehenga
Put on the lehenga skirt first. Make sure it sits comfortably at your waist, and the length is appropriate—ideally, it should just touch the ground when you wear heels. Secure the skirt with hooks or a drawstring to prevent it from slipping.
Step 3: Drape the Saree
- Start from the Right Side: Hold the saree at the end of the fabric, ensuring that the pleats are facing you. Drape it around your waist, starting from the right side, and bring it around to the back, then back to the front.
- Create Pleats: After wrapping the saree around, create pleats on the left side, roughly 5-6 inches wide. The number of pleats can vary depending on the length of the saree and personal preference. Once you have the pleats, hold them together and pin them at the waist to secure.
- Drape Over the Shoulder: Take the remaining fabric and drape it over your left shoulder. This part can be adjusted according to your comfort. You can let the end of the saree fall to the floor or have it just above, creating a stylish look.
- Secure with Pins: Use safety pins to secure the pleats at your waist and the drape over your shoulder. This will help keep everything in place and prevent any wardrobe malfunctions.
Step 4: Adjust the Look
After you’ve draped the saree, adjust it to ensure a flattering fit. Check the length of the saree, ensuring it doesn’t drag on the floor too much or expose too much of your legs. Make adjustments as needed to achieve a balanced look.
Step 5: Accessorize
Now that your lehenga saree is draped beautifully, it’s time to accessorize! Choose jewelry that compliments your outfit—traditional gold or silver jewelry works beautifully. Don’t forget to add bangles, earrings, and perhaps a statement necklace to elevate your look.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before stepping out, do a final check in the mirror. Adjust the saree’s drape, ensure the pleats are even, and make sure everything feels secure. A confident smile is the best accessory, so stand tall and enjoy your look!
How to Wear Lehenga Saree in Different Styles
While the above steps outline a classic way to wear a lehenga saree, there are several variations to explore. Here are some popular styles to consider:
How to Wear Lehenga Saree in Hindi Style
The Hindi style typically features a more structured drape. Start by following the basic steps but aim for a tighter and more defined drape over the shoulder. You might also add more pleats for a fuller look. This style is often preferred for traditional celebrations.
How to Wear Lehenga Saree in Gujarati Style
In the Gujarati style, the saree is draped in a unique manner, emphasizing the pleats. After wrapping the saree around the waist, create 7-9 pleats and tuck them at the front instead of the side. The pallu (the portion that drapes over the shoulder) can be brought around the back and brought to the front again for a distinct look.
Tips for Wearing a Lehenga Saree
- Choose the Right Fabric: Depending on the occasion, choose fabrics like chiffon, silk, or georgette, which drape well.
- Know Your Body Type: Tailor the lehenga and blouse according to your body type to ensure the best fit and comfort.
- Practice: Don’t hesitate to practice draping at home before a big event. This will help you feel more confident.
- Stay Comfortable: Ensure your outfit is comfortable enough to move around, dance, or enjoy the event.