I’ve recently been invited to an Indian friend’s wedding and she also asked me to be part of her engagement photoshoot along with her sisters and a couple of close friends. For the photoshoot, she said the girls would all be wearing sarees and I had a couple of questions about sarees and wanted to get some recommendations for colour combinations.
My questions:
For the top part, is there a way to make the blouse longer without looking cumbersome or frumpy? I’ve seen a couple of photos of women wearing longer blouses, but they looked rather odd and disheveled and I was hoping to avoid that.
If there is a way to make the blouse part longer, how long should it be?
What is a least complicated but still elegant way to drape a saree?
What type of shoes would look best?
What would be some good colour combinations would suit me?
(current complexion)
**Disclaimer: Apologies if my questions are a bit dumb. Sarees aren’t worn in my culture and the only time I’ve worn one it looked rather ghastly, so I was hoping to avoid that.
are you getting the blouse stitched or buying ready made? if you’re buying ready made then it will be hard to find a long one. even if it’s short, you can still cover your belly with the sari and your skin wont show. thats how i usually do because i don’t really like showing too much midriff at pakistani events.
heels. but dont wear realy high heels unless you're comfortable in them and wearing a sari. your shoes will barely show anyway so it doesn't matter so much.
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What would be some good colour combinations would suit me?
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whatever color outfits suits you the most, same colors in sari will suit you. for me, i like black, gold, red, pinks. mainly warmer colors. when you buy the saree, just try the saree on yourself and see how you like it. it's not just the color but also the print or design that matters as well.
All my sari blouses are stitched 'longer' - just barely covering my belly button. I wear the petticoat and drape the sari higher up anyway...so it doesn't end up mattering that abt an inch of skin is bare..the sari covers me up completely.
I think the key to not looking frumpy in a sari is to make sure the blouse is tighly fitted, even if it comes down to regular shirt length (just above hips). If it's lose near your waist/stomach area...it looks so awkward. Even if the sleeves are loose i find it looks drab and not elegant.
Hi Bella. I’m planning on getting the blouse made as most of the ones I’ve seen in at shops are quite loose on me, which I think looks a bit untidy. This picture is actually the draping style that I had mind. Is it difficult to drape this way?
Thank you so much for the advice! I’m getting the blouse part made and shall definitely have it make sure that it’s tightly fitted.
Hi Bella. I'm planning on getting the blouse made as most of the ones I've seen in at shops are quite loose on me, which I think looks a bit untidy. This picture is actually the draping style that I had mind. Is it difficult to drape this way?
the blouse should be fitted, whether its short or long.
This way is the easiest to wear i think. this is how I always wear it. look for a youtube tutorial on how to wear it like this.
I've worn a long blouse with a sari and made the sleeves 3/4 length, looked very elegant. Just make sure it's well fitted (my blouse was made to my measurements) then it shouldn't look frumpy.
The second is a saree-lehnga. You can tell because there’s no pleating down the front of the saree.
In terms of ideas, as everyone has mentioned - have the blouse sewn with a fitted design but also ensure that the blouse is a contrast colour to the saree. If you’re aiming to cover up (no skin showing), a blouse the same colour as the saree won’t show off well. And most importantly, a waist length blouse needs to have 3/4 or full length sleeves to balance the “proportions.”
In terms of draping a saree, you can have it pre-stitched which ensures it doesn’t move out of place - but I personally prefer to drape it myself (Youtube has tons of videos on how to drape a saree).
Oh, and always wear your shoes before draping as it allows you judge how long to drape the saree. And safety pins are your best friend. I use between 4-8 and my saree does not shift and I can comfortably walk around without fear of it coming apart.
Yup, you can get a blouse stitched that is 3/4 sleeves of half sleeves. It just needs to fit perfectly, especially at the sleeves because the sleeves are the most visible. If the chest fitting is a little off, it stays hidden if you pick a thicker saree. Go for heavily embroidered or thick fabrics like silk if you want to avoid exposing your midriff.
Along with the standard style suggested by others, there is also the Gujarati style of draping which is lower maintenance (you don’t have to “manage” the pallu all the time because it comes over your shoulder to the front. Also more conservative because it hides your tummy.
Anything comfy. I wear flats or block heeled chappals. It doesn’t matter because only the tip of your shoes will be visible. Just make sure you have your shoes on while you’re draping the saree so you can adjust the height.
You’ve got such a great complexion, most colors will suit you!
(current complexion)
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