Looking for a stylish way to give your traditional saree a modern twist? Learning how to wear a saree in lehenga style is a great way to achieve the perfect blend of traditional elegance and contemporary fashion. This trendy draping style transforms a regular saree into a beautiful lehenga-like outfit, complete with a flared silhouette and graceful pallu.
Whether you’re dressing up for a wedding, festive celebration, family function, or party, this style offers a unique and stylish alternative to buying a separate lehenga. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the simple process of lehenga-type saree draping so you can create a gorgeous traditional look with ease.
What is a lehenga-style saree drape?
It is a saree-draping technique that uses a traditional saree to create a lehenga-like flared silhouette. Instead of tucking in the pleats at the centre, multiple small pleats or accordion-style pleats are created all around the waist to mimic a lehenga skirt. The loose end of the saree or the pallu is pinned over the left shoulder, creating the classic saree look.
How to drape a saree in lehenga style: Step-by-Step
Different saree draping styles take time to master. All you need to do is follow the step-by-step process mentioned below and practice enough to get efficient. Here is how to drape a saree in lehenga style with minimum effort:
The base:
Start by laying the perfect foundation for the lehenga style saree draping. Wear a fitted blouse and a voluminous petticoat or a plain lehenga skirt for tucking in the saree.
Pleating and tucking:
Take the plain part of the saree and tuck it into the waistband starting at your right hip bone. Now start making small pleats and tucking them into the waistband, ensuring they overlap each other slightly. Complete an entire circle around the waist to achieve a full skirt base.
Style the pallu:
The remaining fabric creates the pallu that is draped over either shoulder. You can either pleat the pallu or keep it open for a more romantic look.
Secure the look:
For the final touches, tuck any loose ends and edges. Finally, add a statement belt around the waist for a polished look.
Three Key Ways to Style a Lehenga-Style Saree
There are three key ways to style a lehenga-style saree suitable for different occasions and events. From classic draping styles to more glamorous techniques, here are the top 3 lehenga-style saree draping styles to try to achieve that lehenga-like appearance:
The classic style:
Start with the base of a fitted blouse and a petticoat or lehenga skirt. Tuck in one end of the saree on the right side of the front waist and start making small, even pleats. Tuck in each pleat as you go from right to left, making sure the next pleat overlaps the previous one slightly. Finish one complete circle around the waist. Pleat the remaining pallu fabric, bring it to the front right, and place it on your left shoulder. Finish off the look with an intricate waist chain to keep the pleats in place.
The mermaid style:
The base for this draping style requires a figure-hugging, fish-cut petticoat underneath, as it helps create that mermaid-like silhouette. To enhance the silhouette further, drape the saree tightly around the lower body to accentuate the flare at the bottom. Drape your saree normally with front pleats, and then wrap the saree tightly as you drape and pin it on your shoulder.
The double saree style:
This lehenga saree wearing style uses two sarees, preferably in contrasting or complementary colours to achieve the desired look. Opt for lightweight sarees to avoid too much bulk. Start setting up the base with a can-can skirt and a matching blouse. Choose one saree to lay the base or create the skirt. Create and tuck in small accordion pleats all around the waist until the entire saree is utilised. Now take the second saree and start pleating it to form wider pleats until half of the saree is pleated. Tuck in the pleats at the back and bring the remaining pallu to the front. You can either pleat the pallu or keep it open before tucking it on your shoulder. Finish off the look by adding a waist belt or chain.
Pallu Styling Tips for the Lehenga Look
Styling your pallu in different styles can completely alter your look. From creating traditional elegance to exuding modern glamour, your pallu draping style can dictate your overall look.
Pleated shoulder tuck:
One of the classic styles to secure your pallu, especially if you want to be hands-free. Pleat the pallu neatly into 4-5-inch-wide pleats, place the pleats on your shoulder, adjust the length as per your preference, and secure it with a safety pin.
Open flowing pallu:
For a more romantic take, skip the pleating part and allow the pallu to flow freely. Make sure the fabric is steam-ironed to get rid of any creases. Drape the loose pallu over your left shoulder and secure it with a safety pin.
The siddha pallu:
A more traditional take on the pleated shoulder tuck that works beautifully with a heavily embroidered pallu. Pleat the pallu neatly, bring it to the front over your right shoulder, and secure it with a safety pin. Spread the pleats like a fan and pin the bottom edge to the left side of your waist.
Styling a Lehenga-Style Saree by Occasion
Draping a saree like a lehenga brings together the elegance and grace of a classic saree with the fluidity and grandeur of a lehenga. Whether you are attending a wedding or an intimate gathering, you can style your lehenga-style saree drape to suit the occasion.
Weddings & Bridal Functions:
For wedding and bridal occasions, opt for sarees made from thicker and heavier fabrics like silk and brocade in deeper colours like emerald green, maroon, or royal blue. Stick to the classic pallu drape for these occasions and refrain from experimenting too much. However, you can experiment with the blouse to make your look stand out.
Explore plunging necklines, corset bodices, tassel detailing, and statement sleeves to brighten up the ensemble. To accessorise, layer temple jewellery, heavy jhumkas or chaandbalis, bangles, and a kamarbandh to keep the pleats in place.
Festivals & Celebrations:
For more intimate gatherings like festivals and small celebrations, focus on festive, vibrant, and comfortable sarees. Choose georgette, organza, chiffon, or chinon silk for uninterrupted movement. Opt for vibrant festive hues like orange, yellow, purple, green, fuchsia, or red, draped in a relaxed all-round draping style with a siddha or layered with a long, embellished jacket.
For the blouse, go for a halter neck, sweetheart neckline, or crop-top design. Style the look with oxidised layered necklaces and matching earrings, minimal jhumkas, or choker necklaces, along with a pair of comfortable heels and a statement clutch.
Parties & Evening Events:
Evening events are the best to explore sleek, modern, and glamorous silhouettes. Opt for metallic tissue, shimmering net, or sleek satin in nighttime-appropriate colours like twilight black, champagne, smoky grey, or burgundy. Mermaid-style draping with an open pallu would be most suitable for such events. Pair it with an off-shoulder blouse, corset silhouette, or a structured cape for maximum impact. Elevate the look further with a sleek, diamond or polki necklace and earring set, a matching cuff bracelet, and embellished heels.
Common Draping Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure that your lehenga style saree drape looks neat and balanced, you need to avoid these common mistakes.
- Picking thicker fabrics: For lehenga draping, lightweight fabrics are your best picks, as thicker fabrics create a bulkier look at the waist. It is recommended to create neat, somewhat wider silhouettes to ensure a seamless and clean look.
- Choosing the wrong underskirt: When draping a saree in lehenga style, choosing the right type of underskirt can make all the difference. For a voluminous look, a can-can skirt is recommended, and for a more subtle look, a regular cotton petticoat or shapewear can be worn underneath.
- Ignoring the pallu length: Do not keep the pallu too short or too long. A pallu that is too short can make you look stubby and short. On the other hand, a pallu that is too long can restrict movement and drag on the floor.
- Skipping the waist belt: When draping a saree in lehenga style, a waist belt not only adds character but also helps keep the pleats in place.
FAQs
How many metres of saree do I need for the lehenga style?
You need 5.5 to 6.5 metres of saree length to drape a saree in lehenga style.
Can I wear a lehenga-style saree without a petticoat?
No, you need a petticoat to wear any and all types of sarees.
Do I need special skills to drape a saree in the Lehenga style?
Not really. All you need to do is practice draping it like a lehenga.
Is a lehenga saree suitable for weddings and festive occasions?
Yes, depending on the saree, you can wear it for weddings and festive occasions.