Festive seasons in India are such with vibrant celebrations, rituals, and, of course, stunning attire. Among the many traditional garments, the saree holds a special place in every woman’s heart.
With too many saree styles, fabrics, and designs available, choosing the perfect festive saree can be both exciting and fantastic.
Whether it's for Diwali, Durga Puja, weddings, or any other celebration. This guide will help you head over lots of options and pick the ideal saree for your festive wardrobe.
1) Understand the Occasion
The first step in choosing the perfect festive saree is understanding the occasion. Each festival or event has its own importance, and your saree choice should reflect that. For example:
Diwali: Pick for vibrant and luxurious sarees like Banarasi or Kanjivaram silk that display richness and are perfect for the festive mood.
Durga Puja: Traditional Bengali sarees like the Garad or Tant are ideal for this occasion, especially in the classic red and white combination.
Weddings: Go for classy sarees like Meenakari, Paithani, or heavily embellished designer sarees to match the ceremony of the event.
Navratri: Bright colours and playful patterns like Bandhani or Chanderi sarees are perfect for the energetic and colourful celebrations.
2) Choose the Right Fabric
The fabric of the saree plays a major role in form of its comfort and overall look. Here are some popular saree fabrics to consider for festive occasions:
Silk: The classic festive fabric, silk sarees like Kanjivaram, Banarasi, and Patola are known for their luxurious feel and stunning sheen. They are perfect for grand celebrations and give a royal look.
Georgette: Lightweight and easy to drape, georgette sarees are great for those who prefer a more modern look while still keeping it traditional. These sarees often come with mixed up embroidery or sequin work, making them perfect for evening functions.
Chiffon: Chiffon sarees are light, flowy, and easy to carry. They are ideal for day-time events and offer a graceful and graceful appeal.
Cotton: For those who prefer comfort over everything, cotton sarees like Tant, Chanderi, and Kota Doria are perfect. They are breathable, making them suitable for day-long events during warm weather.
Linen: Linen sarees are gaining popularity for their soft texture and elegant drape. They are perfect for a fine yet sophisticated look, especially in soften tones with minimal embellishments.
3) Pay Attention to the Colour
The colour of your saree can especially impact your overall look. While personal preference is important, here are some tips to help you choose the right colour for festive occasions:
Traditional Colours: Colours like red, maroon, gold, and green are classic choices for festivals and weddings. They represent prosperity, purity, and celebration.
Pastel Shades: If you prefer a more minimal look, pastel shades like peach, lavender, mint green, and blush pink are excellent choices. These colours are trendy and perfect for daytime events.
Bold and Bright: For a rare appearance, go for bold and bright colours like royal blue, emerald green, mustard yellow, or fuchsia. These colours are eye-catching and perfect for making a statement.
Metallic Tints: Sarees in metallic shades like silver, gold, and copper are ideal for evening events. They add a touch of glamour and are perfect for those who love to shine.
4) Think About the Drape Style
The way you drape your saree can transform your entire look. Depending on the saree type and the occasion, you can experiment with different draping styles:
Nivi Style: The most common drape, where the saree is draped around the body with pleats in the front and the pallu draped over the shoulder. This style is versatile and works with almost any saree type.
Bengali Style: A traditional drape with wide pleats and the pallu draped over both shoulders. This style is perfect for festivals like Durga Puja.
Gujarati Style: The pallu is draped over the right shoulder and spread across the front. This style is ideal for showcasing detailed pallu designs.
Maharashtrian Style: A unique drape where the saree is draped like a dhoti, perfect for festive occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi.
Lehenga Style: For a fusion look, you can drape the saree like a lehenga with pleats all around. This style is perfect for weddings and grand celebrations.
5) Embellishments and Work
The embellishments and work on a saree can add to its festive appeal. Here are some popular types of work to look for:
Zari Work: Gold or silver thread work that adds a grand touch to the saree. Zari work is common in Banarasi, Kanjivaram, and Paithani sarees.
Embroidery: Detailed embroidery work like resham, zardozi, or mirror work can make a saree look more festive and fancy.
Sequins and Beads: Sarees with sequin or beadwork are perfect for evening events and parties. They add sparkle and glamour to your look.
Hand-painted and Printed: If you prefer something unique, go for hand-painted or printed sarees like Kalamkari or Madhubani. These sarees are artistic and make a statement.
6) Blouse Design Matters
While the saree itself is important, the blouse design can make or break your entire look. Here are some blouse design tips to consider:
Contrasting Blouse: Pairing a contrasting blouse with your saree can make your outfit stand out. For example, a red saree with a green blouse or a gold saree with a royal blue blouse.
Embellished Blouse: For a more festive look, choose a blouse with heavy embellishments like sequins, embroidery, or mirror work.
Designer Blouse: If your point is for a modern look, go for a designer blouse with unique cuts, off-shoulder styles, or backless designs.
Classic Blouse: For a timeless look, stick to classic blouse designs like a high-neck, boat neck, or three-quarter sleeves.
7) Pay Attention to the Details
The beauty of a saree lies in the details. When choosing a festive saree, pay attention to the following detail:
Border and Pallu: The border and pallu of the saree can add a lot of character to your look. A broad, embellished border or a pallu with mixed designs can make your saree look more festive.
Motifs and Patterns: Traditional motifs like paisleys, peacocks, and florals are popular choices for festive sarees. These motifs can be woven, embroidered, or printed on the saree.
Length and Width: Make sure that the saree is of the right length and width for your height and body type. A saree that’s too short or narrow can look awkward and affect the overall drape.
8) Consider Your Body Type
Choosing a saree that complements your body type can increase your look and boost your confidence. Here are some tips:
Pear-Shaped Body: Go for sarees with lighter fabrics like chiffon or georgette that drape well and don’t add volume to your lower body. A pallu with heavy embellishments can draw attention to your upper body.
Apple-Shaped Body: Choose sarees with a light fabric that drapes loosely around the waist. Darker colours and smaller prints can help create a slimming effect.
Hourglass Figure: Almost any saree will suit this body type, but make sure the drape highlights your waistline. Fabrics like silk and satin can highlight your curves beautifully.
Small Frame: Go for sarees with smaller borders and lighter fabrics that don’t overwhelm your frame. Vertical stripes or small motifs can create a fancy height.
Tall Frame: You can carry off sarees with bold prints, broad borders, and heavier fabrics. Experiment with different draping styles to highlight your height.
9) Accessorize Thoughtfully
Accessories can raise your festive saree look to the next level. Here are some accessory tips to keep in mind:
Jewellery: Statement jewellery pieces like a heavy necklace, jhumkas, bangles, and maang tikka can lift up your festive look. However, balance is key – if your saree is heavily embellished, go for minimal jewellery.
Clutch or Potli: A matching clutch or potli bag adds a touch of elegance to your saree look. Choose one that compliments the colour and design of your saree.
Footwear: Heels or embellished sandals are perfect for festive occasions. Make sure they are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods.
Hair Accessories: Decorate your hair with traditional accessories like a gajra (flower garland), or for a modern hairpin or clip that compliments your outfit.
10) Personal Style and Confidence
Ultimately, the perfect festive saree is one that makes you feel confident and reflects your personal style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours, fabrics, and styles to find what suits you best. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a modern twist, the key is to choose a saree that you feel comfortable and beautiful in.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect festive saree is all about finding a balance between tradition and personal style. By considering the occasion, fabric, colour, drape style, and embellishments, you can select a saree that not only enhances your appearance but also reflects the festive spirit.
Remember, the right saree is one that complements your body type, resonates with your personality, and makes you feel confident and graceful. With these tips in mind, you’re all set to make a stunning statement in your festive saree, ensuring you look and feel your best during every celebration.