Durga Puja 2023: How to wear a saree? Here are easy tips and tricks for saree draping

Navratri is here and so is the time to bring out your gorgeous Banarasi, Paithani, Chanderi and Patola sarees. For Durga Puja, we help you pick some trendy saree styles that are sure to elevate your overall festive look

Sarees are perennial and centric to Indian traditions. Moreover, they have recently gained immense popularity thanks to Bollywood celebrities like Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Janhvi Kapoor who have brought on new and unique styles.  

Alia Bhatt has especially got young women to wear sarees with her gorgeous looks in her recent release Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. The actress not only wore sarees in the film but also during the promotions.  

Now, with Durga Puja just around the corner, donning this traditional wear will not just make you stand out but also help you dress in accordance with the trend. If you have been looking for saree options and tips to wear them differently, look no further. We speak to fashion experts who share trending sarees perfect for the festival and tips to style them.   
  
Trending sarees you can opt for
Speaking on what’s trending in the saree world, Gautam Gupta, co-owner of the label Asha Gautam and Founder of GG by Asha Gautam says, “This year, there is a noticeable preference for Paithani sarees, which is unquestionably one of the top choices for the festival.” For Gupta,  Paithani sarees are his personal favourites, particularly because of their enchanting motifs like peacocks, parrots and floral designs. “The vibrant and lively feel of these sarees is utterly irresistible and makes them a perfect choice for Navratri.”  

Further, according to Gupta, Banarasi sarees, particularly those in vibrant hues, are also immensely popular. With their numerous weaving variants like Shikargha and Kadhwa, they are a perfect fit for the festive ambience of Navratri. 

When we think of festive occasions like Navratri, Bandhani sarees are impossible to overlook. Their captivating tie-dye patterns, combined with intricate zari borders featuring meenakari motifs, make them an ideal selection for the festivities. 

Additionally, embroidered sarees like Gota Patti exude radiance and are exceptionally well-suited for this festival. They are not only visually appealing but also easy to carry, enhancing the festive spirit. 

The timeless Patola saree too, effortlessly harmonises with the essence and energy of Navratri. Its auspicious colour palette, intricate patterns and symbolic motifs enhance the festive ambience, establishing it as a perennial favourite for the occasion.  

Sharing more such saree trends, Pawan Gupta, co-founder and CEO, Fashinza says, “Beyond aesthetics, sarees offer practicality for energetic and rhythmic dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas, allowing women to move gracefully while exuding beauty and tradition. Besides, with newer forms of sarees and their unique ways of draping, this wear has become a more preferred choice for women.”  
  
1. Ruffle sarees:
The ruffle sarees come in a lot of variety and can make anyone look instantly gorgeous. Celebs are now opting for these sarees as they are easy to carry and look trendy.        
      
2. Georgette sarees:
These sarees add spice to your festive look. As they are lightweight, they are also easy and comfortable to carry. Georgette sarees which resemble chiffon in texture, highlight their attractiveness, while their embroidery and fine thread work give it a modern look. 
  
3. Organza sarees:
Organza sarees look just like silk but are less shiny, lighter and easier to carry. They offer a matte-like finish that definitely looks ultra-sophisticated. Depend on this saree design for festive, weddings or even classy office dinners.  
  
4. Sequins sarees:
These glamorous sequin sarees are another excellent example of a resurgence in the saree era. Sequin sarees have made a dramatic entrance into the Bollywood scene and the divas have already established themselves as trendsetters. 

Here is an easy step-by-step guide to draping a saree as shared by Gautam Gupta

1. In order to drape the saree, make sure you have plenty of safety pins of all sizes handy.

2. Prepare the petticoat or shapewear:
Wear a well-fitting petticoat that matches the colour of your saree. Ensure that it sits comfortably at your waist.

3. Blouse/choli:
Put on your blouse or choli. Make sure it's the right size and style for your saree. Fasten the hooks or ties at the back.

4. Start by tucking the saree:
Tuck the plain end of the saree into the petticoat at your right side towards the edge.   Make sure it's secure and snug.

5. Wrap around: Begin draping the saree around your body in an anti-clockwise direction, keeping the lower edge of the saree slightly above the floor. Keep tucking the saree into the petticoat as you go.

Also Read: Navratri 2023: Your ultimate Dandiya and Garba night guide in Mumbai

6. Pleat the saree:
Once you have wrapped the saree around your body and reached the front, start making pleats. Gather the fabric in front of you and make five to seven evenly folded pleats. Ensure that the pleats are neat and facing to the left.

7. Tuck the pleats:
Tuck the pleats into the petticoat, slightly to the left of your navel. Make sure they are even and well-aligned.

8. Drape the pallu:
The pallu is the loose end of the saree. Take the remaining fabric and drape it over your left shoulder, allowing it to fall gracefully behind you. You can adjust the length of the pallu based on your preference, allowing it to trail on the floor or be shorter.

9. Secure with safety pins:
Use safety pins to secure the pleats at the waist and the pallu on your shoulder to prevent any slipping or unravelling.

10. Final adjustments:
Adjust the pleats, pallu and overall look of your saree to ensure it's comfortable and looks elegant. Check the mirror to ensure that your saree draping is neat and well-balanced. Make any necessary adjustments.

Also Read: Durga Puja 2023: The oldest Durga Puja pandals in Mumbai that you must visit this year

Style them the right way
Both fashion experts hail traditional handwoven sarees as the best choice for Indian festivals.  
  
For styling a Paithani saree, Gautam Gupta says, “These sarees often feature broad borders and pallus, with prominent zari work. To complement this traditional elegance, consider accessorising with vintage earrings and bracelets, such as temple jewellery or polkis. For a touch of drama, opt for a blouse with short puff sleeves. Those aiming for a more festive look can explore Zardosi work on the blouse. Some might even experiment with embroidered belts, especially if they prefer draping the saree with pins. Given the vibrancy of the saree, I recommend keeping your makeup understated with a nude palette. As for your hair, a neat bun or a braid can beautifully accentuate the overall look.”  
  
Sharding additional styling ideas you can experiment with, Pawan Gupta says, “Navratri is the perfect occasion to experiment and showcase your personal style while celebrating tradition in a modern way.”  
  
1. Use a belt:
Belt saris are popular these days. Simply drape your saree as usual and add a belt that cinches around your waist at your pallu. A kamarbandh could be worn instead of the belt for a more traditional look. 
  
2. Dhoti style:
This is another saree design that is gaining popularity due to its distinct appearance. It differs from a traditional saree in that the bottom has a dhoti-style weaving, and a legging must be worn inside instead of a petticoat. 
  
3. Mermaid-inspired
A lovely drapery technique, this style involves spreading out the lower half of the pleats to resemble a mermaid's tail. This saree appears to need a lot of effort, yet all it requires are a few more tucks and pleats. 
  
4. Pallu in front
In this saree style, the pallu is worn back to front rather than front to back. This pallu pattern stands out without compromising the saree's individuality. 
  
Don’t know how to drape a saree? You can still wear one
For those who find it difficult to drape a saree, the newer forms allow you to still wear one. The convenience of pre-stitched pleats in sarees has become a popular choice among modern saree enthusiasts. It not only saves time but also ensures a neat and consistent look. When acquiring a new saree, inquiring about this feature or discussing it with the seller can simplify your saree-wearing experience. Alternatively, if you have an older saree that you'd like to update, a local tailor can assist in customising it to your specific preferences and measurements. 
  
Regarding draping the pallu, while the traditional method of neatly folding and pinning it remains timeless, the open pallu style too, has gained popularity for its relaxed and contemporary appeal. This blend of tradition and convenience allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds when adorning your saree, making it well-suited for vibrant festivities like Navratri. 

Also Read: Navratri 2023: Flaunt your Garba moves in style with these outfit ideas

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