Saree is one garment that is owned by every woman after a certain age, but the question always remains the same, that is, how to look gorgeous in saree? This six yards fabric is the most complicated garment to style, as you can over-style as well as under-style it without giving two hoots on it. It takes a lot of experience to carry a perfectly balanced saree. So, here in this blog, we have got you 06 pro tips on how to look beautiful in saree, without taking much effort.
1. Create the right look
Sarees can immensely enhance your look, provided you choose the ones that complement your frame well. So plan and create a look while focusing on every minute detail.
Softness & Demure Charm: Since looking (and feeling) svelte is on the agenda you must opt for a subtle look, the one that will NOT draw unnecessary attention to your problem spots.
So it’s time to keep loudness away, at least for the occasion, and let your sublime feminity shine on.
The Color Palette: Dark tones over light ones is a well-written wardrobe rule for the ones wanting to appear thin. Monotone sarees in wine purple, black, navy blue, chocolate brown, dusky pink, and even Viva Magenta- the Pantone Color of 2023, are the trendiest options you can pick this season. If you’re keen on more than color, then make sure your outfit doesn’t have an overdose of whites and neons.
Metallic details: Splendid and glorious as they are, you still must not indulge in too much metal detail. Go for deep, dull gold over light golden and silver. Copper details are also a great idea!
2. Fabric Magic
Let the apt fabrics play their magic on your figure. You certainly wouldn’t want to look like a lady trapped in a balloon! Materials like Organza, Organdy, heavy Banarasi Sarees, starched cotton sarees, lycra, and jacquard sarees are out of the question.
‘The Double-Edged Sword’ – Blindly picking sarees in thinner, flimsier fabrics can back-fire. Many recommend wearing fluid fabrics for a slimming effect. But these materials tend to be transparent, clingy, and, many times, slippery.
Fabrics like chiffon and net usually stick to the body and make you feel more conscious of your figure. Slippery ones (like satin and many other synthetic sarees) will not drape/ pleat or stay well.
Pure kanjivaram and Art Silk are your best friends, and so are soft silks and fluid cotton blends.
3. Details that uplift
If you want to subdue your flab, going over the top with details is NOT something that you must embrace. Steer away from anything big or eye-catching, especially if it falls over your trouble spots.
Plain sarees with thin borders can work wonders; do invest in at least a few of such versatile outfits.
Avoid bold or dense prints, horizontal patterns, overly ornate embellishments, broad borders, or too many colors. Also, sarees with large motifs, chunky crystals, stones, and extremely heavy Pallus aren’t your thing for the moment.
Stick to smaller, spread-out, and sparser prints. Delicate pearl work, light Gota-Patti work on the edges, and dainty embellishments get a thumbs-up for the ones who prefer looking slender. If you like striped elements, a wavy print leheriya saree in pure georgette is worth a spot in your closet!
If you have a broad upper body frame, avoid drapes that have embellishments on the Pallu, especially those where the decoration rests on the shoulder/bosom area.
4. Supporting Components
Everything that supports your saree – the blouse/ choli, the petticoat, accessories, jewelry, makeup, and hairdo – contributes to the overall effect of your outfit.
Blouse Design: – Wear a well-fitting, well-cut blouse. Something that’s too tight (and shows all your bulges) or too loose (and looks unshapely) can look bad.
Avoid sleeveless or halter styles; they will highlight the width. However, if you have toned arms/torso and narrower shoulders, you can wear a shimmery, cold-shoulder, or off-shoulder blouse.
Wear a longer blouse or a peplum choli to hide mid-riff skin flab.
You can also wear thin and comfortable whole-body shape-wear if you wear a blouse long enough to not show any skin at the waist level.
Petticoat – Follow the same fitting rules that apply to the blouse- neither too tight nor too loose. Kallidaar petticoats that slightly flare below the knees allow for ease of walking. Wear skirt-shape-wear if hips are your trouble spots.
Jewelry and Accessories – Favor minimalism and delicateness while choosing ornaments. You must avoid huge neck-pieces and if you are wearing big earrings- avoid the necklace altogether.
5. Drape it right
While most of us take care of all other aspects, we often forget to ensure flawlessness in this vital step. Draping – how you pleat and wear your saree, is, in fact, the most prominent factor – that decides the final look of your saree ensemble. Thankfully, there are not many rules here.
These draping tips will give you headstart – Avoid very long sarees. As a simple rule, more fabric will mean more weight. So, go with the usual length of 5.5 meters.
Tie your petticoat slightly above the navel level. It should neither be too tight nor too loose.
Do not make too many small, ill-spaced pleats. Make 4-5 medium-sized even pleats. Arrange and smoothen them (with hands) nicely from top to bottom.
While tucking in the pleats, place them slightly towards the side of the navel.
Once you pleat the saree, take the loose fabric end (from the left, and tuck it smoothly in a diagonal way to properly skim the hip area (from the front, near the pleats)
Drape it tight and neat.
The Pallu will look best when left hanging over your shoulder and arm. Still, if you’re keen on folding it up, 3 to 4 wide pleats should suffice.
Achieving a good drape to complement your body is a matter of practice. So, keep practicing!
6. Carry yourself well
Overthinking your imperfections will make you over-conscious. With that tense feeling, you can’t look gorgeous!
Posture: Stand, walk, and sit upright. Slouched shoulders are an absolute NO!
Walk with your shoulders relaxed and stomach pulled in. However, don’t suck in your stomach so much that you cannot focus on anything else!
All of us have different body types. If you are naturally wide-shouldered, you can’t alter that. What you can really change is how you feel about yourself. And how clothes look on you – by keeping yourself well-exercised and toned.
So, turn a deaf ear to other’s negative comments. Be confident in yourself and your body. It will instantly enhance the way you look!
However, there is no shortcut to being healthy. So dear ladies, keep those running shoes on!