The saree is one of the most versatile and timeless garments that has stood the test of time. While it is deeply traditional, it also serves as a statement piece for the quintessential desi It Girl. Nailing a saree look requires a thoughtful and strategic use of colours, patterns, and silhouettes. Since a saree includes a long fabric, it may sometimes make your frame appear shorter or bulkier. But, with the right draping techniques and colour choices, you can achieve a sleek and elongated appearance.
Jigar Patel, MD of G3+Fashion shared these colour and draping options to make you look like a bombshell:
Colour
- Monochrome magic: Utilising all the pieces of a saree, from the skirt down to the blouse in the same colour, gives an elongated look.
2. Vertical vs horizontal prints: Vertical prints are more flattering than horizontal prints as the latter can widen the frame.
3. Ombre and gradients: It assists in achieving a taller look due to the dark shades at the bottom of the skirt fading to lighter hues.
4. Contrasting borders: Slim borders increase height while broad borders can conceal the height and emphasize the width, which is an advantage.
ALSO READ: Suhana Khan to Janhvi Kapoor: Ace the fundamentals of Gen Z saree style with fashion inspo from these new gen actors
Slimming saree draping styles
1. Nivi Style (Classic Pleats): Neatly tucked pleats increase height, which a lot of people aspire to achieve.
2. Bengali Drape: A taller pallu tends to add width to taller frames.
3. Mermaid Drape: A mid-calve drape warmer that's body-slimming but effortless in the aim of achieving an unmistakable instant style.
4. Seedha Pallu: Suits gauzy, drapy fabrics but does add volume if not draped tightly.
5. Pant-Style saree: Gives an exceptionally modern feel but with a sharp and structured silhouette.
Blouse types
1. Blouse same colour as the saree: Eliminates breaks that disrupt the vision.
2. V-neck or deep necked blouse: Increase in height is achieved as these blouses form an elongated neck.
3. Full sleeve or 3/4th sleeves: They are more flattering than sleeveless as they make the arms look thinner.
4. Structured vs. flowy sleeves: Stay away from set-in puff sleeves or any variation of them because they will always add bulk.
Matching blouse and saree
1. Tone-on-tone matching: Eliminates strong contrasts which cut the vertical line.
2. Minimal heavy embellishments: Extensive embroidery or stonework can be heavier and will take volume.
3. Matte versus glossy finish: Matte shrinks the appearance while glossy amplifies the figure.
Fabrics
1. Lightweight fabrics (Georgette, Chiffon, Crepe): They drape well and trim the body for a more slender appearance.
2. Heavy Fabrics (Silk, Cotton, Brocade): They tend to puff out and are more ideal for slimmer bodies.
3. Sheer Fabrics (Net, Organza): They tend to puff out and are more ideal for slimmer bodies.