Indian traditional outfits are versatile and fluid. They allow you to experiment in tonnes of ways. You just need to open your mind and apply some creativity to play with sarees, kurtas, lehengas and, not to forget, dupattas! In fact, every outfit you wear is a new canvas – a new opportunity to explore the unexplored. So, get going!
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Let’s start with the Indian equivalent of the traditional veil – the odhani or duppatta that is often seen as a symbol of dignity. These lovely, fluid drapes are for yours to flirt with.
Saree.com brings you some cool tips on how to drape a dupatta, so you stand apart from the crowd!
Classic PLEATED Dupatta:
Mom is after you to go traditional, this wedding season? Worried about your fashionable image? Do not worry. You can go traditional and yet look stylish. We understand carrying a dupatta can be frustrating, as it restricts your movement. How will you hit the dance floor?
STYLE NOTE: Pleat your duppatta, lengthwise. Once pleated, it should have a nice look of a uniform pleated strip. Lay it neatly on your shoulder. On both shoulders, neatly attach it with safety pins. Let it fall straight from the shoulders on both the sides.
GOLDEN TIP: Flaunt your curves, wearing a trendy waist belt on a lehenga or anarkali suit, when you drape your dupatta the pleated way. Let it will hold the pleats firmly on one side, while the other end remains free!
Trendy (U) Dupatta:
In @shehlaakhan for Neerja promo MUA @namratasoni styling @rheakapoor @abhilashatd @chandiniw
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Have to attend your best friend’s sangeet, but you feel your attire is way too simple? Do not worry. Pair it with a heavy handloom or embellished dupatta. Every plain dress can be given a stylish touch, by coordinating a dupatta intelligently.
Remember Dia Mirza, wearing a royal blue lehenga choli with her dupatta in a simple U – shape on her own sangeet event?
U – shaped drape is great, if you wish to flaunt your dupatta.
Ones with a V-shaped body type or with frail shoulders should drape a heavy dupatta in U-shape to give an illusion of breadth.
Also try it, if you have with heavy arms and bosom. Wear thin, dainty dupattas in fabrics like net and chanderi.
GOLDEN TIP: Add tiny fabric balls or little ruffles along the edges of the border of your dupatta for extra effect.
Fusion of DUPATTA – SAREE:
Want to wear a saree for your friend’s reception but finding it difficult to handle!? No worries. Everything has a way out. You can still fulfill your wish wearing a choli dupatta in a saree style. Here you go girl! As it is frequently said “All’s Well That Ends Well”.
STYLE NOTE: Tuck in one end of your dupatta on one side of your waist. Take your pallu on your shoulder, and let it hang at the back side. You can keep your dupatta open wrinkling it a bit on your arm or add fine pleats to it. Let the corner of dupatta form a triangle shape in the front.
GOLDEN TIP: This style suits better when paired with full sleeved blouse. Have a stylish backless blouse with embroidered sleeves making you look no less than a dazzling diva.
TWIN Dupatta Drape:
Take cues from fashionista Sonam kapoor, who flaunted a two pallu saree, while promoting her movie – Neerja. So, why not try something novel like her?
STYLE NOTE: Combine 2 styles. Wear one dupatta in a usual saree style (refer above), while another dupatta can be draped around neck.
GOLDEN TIP: Why not add another interesting twist here? Opt for two separate fabrics. While one dupatta could be in net, let the other be a silk or georgette. Or, combine different handlooms or embellishments.
Stylish BACK U – SHAPE:
Want to go casual yet stylish? Get yourself draped in a U – shaped dupatta. It is very easy to carry at the same time can flaunt your pretty braid decked with flowers in the front.
STYLE NOTE: Drape your dupatta over your neck letting both the ends hang in the front making ‘U’ in the front. Just pull your dupatta from the back till some length and let flow freely. Pin up dupatta on your shoulders. You can arrange them in pleats if you want to achieve a sparkling look. Arrange back side of dupatta in a beautiful U – shape letting each pleat highlight itself individually.
Dupatta on your HEAD:
Good afternoon with beautiful Paro✨ ➰ {#aishwaryarai}
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Want to go the traditional way? Here is a way to look pretty in this retro style -. an extension of the back U – shape style. It looks very elegant, when carried with a cleverly accentuated hair bun – decked with blooming flowers.
STYLE NOTE: Wear your dupatta in a back U – shape. Take the mid-section of the dupatta from back and pull it over onto your head. You can choose to cover your head or may just cover the bun. This drape will need a plenty of U – pins to keep it in its place. Take help from someone, or arrange it carefully, without making a mess of your hairstyle. Now, spread open up the dupatta folds over your shoulders.
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