The lehenga style saree has become a contemporary favourite, it’s easy-to-wear appeal and unique look is something Indian women have fallen head over heels for. How is the lehenga saree different from a regular saree? They gloss over the struggle of actually draping a saree by replacing it with a long skirt that you can just slip into and zip up. If you have always struggled with pleating a saree, this style will be your new favourite. They don’t need pleating and some pieces even come with faux pleat details ready made. Our top homegrown talent has done much with the style, designers like Neeta Lulla, Shivan & Narresh and Gaurav Gupta recently presenting their own off-beat renditions.
So here are some fashion tips on what NOT to do when wearing a lehenga style saree.
1. Ignoring Your Body Type
As opposed to a regular saree, the lehenga saree’s unbalanced structure doesn’t always suit every body type. On one hand, if you have a pear-shaped heavier bottom, a flared lehenga saree will make matters worse by attracting more attention to it. On the other hand, if you are an hourglass-shaped beaut, a mermaid lehenga saree will be the perfect silhouette to show off those enviable curves. So pick one that suits your shape and style.
POPxo Recommends: Gaurav Gupta Midnight Blue and Ecru Off Shoulder Saree Lehenga for Rs 1,60,000. Buy it here
2. Tucking It too High (Or Low!)
Look in the mirror before you start tying your petticoat to decide where your lehenga skirt will sit. Whether you’re tying it yourself or have someone to do it for you, make sure it’s neither too high nor too low. Too high will simply look awkward and tying it low can make it look scandalous and feel unforgettable, not to mention the constant worrying of it slipping down to unwanted depths (wink!)
3. The Wrong Blouse Style
With lehenga sarees, the pallu is usually pleated which puts the blouse on full display. Full coverage neckline and back designs will give a distinguished look to the ensemble otherwise stick to your regular saree blouse if you decide to let your pallu lose. The length of the sleeves also makes a big difference. Pro tip: Elbow-length sleeves flatter all and also look uber stylish.
POPxo Recommends: INDIE PICKS Kalamkari Print Cotton Blouse for Rs 1,999. Buy it here
4. Overdoing The Details
The lehenga sarees are different in the way that the bottom half is done up with designs like embroidery and elaborate gheras. Stay minimal with the pattern of your top half or the pallu, this will ensure that you don’t drown in too many details on your outfit.
5. The Unbalanced Pallu Drop
Traditional sarees are tied in a way that your pallu drops at the right place just below your knees. Since lehenga saree is not stitched that way, make sure you pin your pallu at the correct height, since a droopy one can make you look shabby.
6. Being In One Colour Top To Bottom
Do not negate the entire point of your lehenga saree, which is to have two complementary halves be matched and make one whole ensemble. Play up your blouse and shoes to match either half on the ensemble, take note from this style of coloured saree overlay style combined with a beige lehenga and blouse.
7. Over Accessorising
A lehenga saree looks gorgeous as it is, so do not over-accessorise, even if you’re wearing a plain design. A good hack is to wear jewellery according to the embellishments on the outfit. For a heavy ensemble, keep your jewels minimal and clean. If it’s a plain design add one statement piece of jewellery. It could be a choker, danglers or even a maang tikka!
POPxo Recommends: Golden Kundan Maang Tikka for Rs 499. Buy it here
Images: Pinterest
