Winter is a season that brings with it a unique set of challenges when it comes to fashion, especially for saree lovers.
The delicate drapes of a saree might not seem reasonable to the need for warmth, but with the right styling tips and fabric choices, you can stay cosy and chic.
This blog will explore various ways to style sarees in the winter, ensuring you remain warm without compromising on elegance.
1) Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric of your saree plays a major role in determining your comfort during winter. Go for thicker, warmer materials that provide lining against the cold. Here are some excellent fabric choices for winter sarees:
Silk Sarees
Silk sarees are not only luxurious but also provide a good amount of warmth. Kanjeevaram, Banarasi, and Tussar silks are great options that add a glorious touch to your winter wardrobe. These sarees are known for their complex designs and vibrant colours, perfect for winter weddings and festive occasions.
Wool
Woollen sarees are ideal for extreme cold conditions. They are soft, warm, and come in various weaves and patterns. Pashmina and cashmere sarees are luxurious choices that keep you relaxed while sending out sophistication.
Velvet
Velvet sarees are another excellent option for winter. The lavish texture and rich appearance make them suitable for evening parties and formal events. Velvet sarees drape beautifully and keep you warm, adding a touch of glamour to your winter look.
Heavy Cotton
Thick cotton sarees like Tant, Jamdani, and heavy South Cotton sarees are also good choices for milder winter climates. They offer a balance of warmth and fresh, making them comfortable for all-day wear.
2) Layering and Staying Warm
Layering is a key strategy to stay warm while wearing a saree in winter. Here are some stylish layering ideas:
Full-Sleeve Blouses
Pick for full-sleeve blouses to cover your arms and provide extra warmth. You can experiment with different sleeve styles, such as puffed, bell, or bishop sleeves, to add a fashionable twist. Pairing a heavily embroidered or embellished blouse with a plain saree can also lift up your look.
Shawls and Stoles
Adding a shawl or stole to your saree body is not only practical but also stylish. Pashmina shawls, woollen stoles, and silk dupattas can be draped over your shoulders or wrapped around your body for extra warmth. Choose shawls with complicated embroidery or patterns to compliment your saree.
Jackets and Coats
Pair your saree with a well-fitted jacket or coat for a modern and chic look. Blazers, long coats, and even capes can be worn over sarees to keep you warm while adding a contemporary edge. Choose jackets in neutral tones or matching colours to maintain a balanced look.
Thermal Wear
Invest in good-quality thermal wear to wear under your saree. Thermals provide an additional layer of warmth without adding bulk, ensuring you stay comfortable even in the coldest weather.
3) Footwear Choices
Keeping your feet warm is essential during winter, and your choice of footwear can make a significant difference. Here are some stylish yet practical options:
Closed-Toe Heels
If you prefer heels, go for closed-toe styles to protect your feet from the cold. Block heels, wedges, and platform heels provide better stability and comfort compared to stilettos.
Mojaris and Juttis
Traditional Indian footwear like mojaris and juttis are excellent choices for sarees. They come in various designs and are usually made of leather, providing some layering against the cold. Choose pairs with cushioned soles for added comfort.
4) Accessorising Smartly
Accessories play a key role in completing your winter saree look. The right accessories can add warmth and enhance your overall outfit.
Jewellery: Statement jewellery can draw attention away from your layers, ensuring that your winter saree look remains glamorous. Settle for heavier pieces like chokers, long necklaces, and bold earrings that can stand out even when layered over a high-neck blouse or with a shawl.
Belts: Adding a belt to your saree drape can help define your waist and keep your layers in place. Choose belts in materials like leather or metal that can add an element of structure to your outfit. This is especially useful when wearing a shawl or jacket over your saree.
5) Draping Styles: Adjust for Comfort and Warmth
The way you drape your saree can especially impact your comfort during winter. Some draping styles are better suited for colder weather.
Seedha Pallu: The seedha pallu drape, where the pallu is brought over the shoulder from the back, covering the front of the body, can provide extra warmth. This style is common in Gujarati and Maharashtrian traditions and is practical for winter as it offers more coverage.
Double Pallu: The double pallu drape involves using two pallus, often one from the saree and another from a contrasting dupatta. This style not only adds a layer of warmth but also creates a rich, layered look that is perfect for winter weddings or festive occasions.
Belted Pallu: A belted pallu drape, where the pallu is secured with a belt, can help keep your layers in place, reducing the need to constantly adjust your shawl or jacket. This style is both practical and stylish, adding a contemporary touch to your saree.
Lehenga Style: Draping a saree in the lehenga style, where the saree is wrapped around the waist in pleats to look like a lehenga, can provide additional warmth around the legs. This style is ideal for winter weddings and gives the saree a grand, voluminous appearance.
6) Colour Palette: Embrace Winter Tint
Winter is the perfect time to experiment with richer, deeper colours that complement the season's mood.
Jewel Tones: Colours like emerald green, royal blue, deep purple, and ruby red are perfect for winter. These jewel tones not only look stunning but also add warmth to your overall look.
Metallics: Gold, silver, and bronze sarees can add a festive touch to your winter wardrobe. These shades work well for evening events and pair beautifully with winter accessories like shawls and jackets.
Earthy Shades: Warm earthy tones like burnt orange, mustard yellow, olive green, and maroon are great choices for winter sarees. These colours are both soothing and stylish, offering a sophisticated look that's perfect for daytime events.
Classic Black and White: A black or white saree can be a versatile addition to your winter wardrobe. Pairing a black saree with a contrasting shawl or a white saree with colourful accessories can create a chic, winter-appropriate outfit.
7) Occasion-Based Styling: Tailoring Your Look
Winter saree styling can vary based on the occasion. Whether you're attending a wedding, a festive celebration, or a formal event, you can convert your saree look to suit the occasion.
Weddings: Winter weddings call for rich fabrics and luxurious styles. Pick for heavy silk sarees with mixed up embroidery, paired with full-sleeve blouses and a matching shawl. Accessorise with statement jewellery and consider adding a velvet or brocade jacket for added warmth.
Festive Celebrations: For festivals like Diwali choose sarees in bright colours and metallic tint. Layer with a matching or contrasting shawl, and accessorise with traditional jewellery. You can also experiment with different draping styles to add a festive flair to your outfit.
Formal Events: For formal occasions, go for a saree in a solid colour with minimal embellishments. Pair it with a tailored blazer or a chic cape. Keep your accessories elegant and minimal, and choose a structured handbag to complete the look.
Casual Outings: For more casual winter outings, choose a lighter saree in wool or heavy cotton. Pair it with a cosy sweater or cardigan, and keep your accessories simple. A pair of juttis or loafers can add a comfortable yet stylish touch to your outfit.
8) Hair and Makeup: Completing the Look
Your hair and makeup can also play a significant role in your winter saree styling.
Hair: In winter, it's best to keep your hair styled in a way that adds warmth. Loose curls, a low bun, or a side braid can complement your saree while keeping you warm. Adding hair accessories like embellished pins or a stylish hair band can enhance your look.
Makeup: Winter makeup is likely to tip towards richer, deeper tones. Go for a bold lip colour like deep red, plum, or berry. For your eyes, go for smoky eyeshadows in shades of brown, bronze, or charcoal. A touch of highlighter on the cheeks can add a winter glow to your face.
Conclusion
Winter saree styling is all about finding the right balance between warmth and elegance. By choosing the right fabrics, layering smartly, and selecting suitable draping styles, you can stay cosy while looking effortlessly stylish.
Whether you're attending a wedding, a festive celebration, or a casual outing, there are countless ways to make a saree work for you during the colder months.
With the tips and ideas shared in this blog, you can confidently embrace the beauty of sarees even in winter, ensuring that you stay warm and fashionable all season long.
So, go ahead and experiment with these styling tips to make a statement with your winter saree wardrobe!
