Welcome to our guide on how to style a casual saree for festivals, where we help you blend comfort with elegance! In this blog, you’ll discover simple yet effective ways to drape and accessorize sarees for a laid-back yet festive look. From choosing the perfect lightweight fabrics like cotton or Chanderi to adding the right touch of ethnic jewelry and footwear, we’ll show you how to create an effortless and chic ensemble. Whether you’re attending a daytime celebration or a small festive gathering, our tips will help you elevate your saree style with ease, ensuring you look graceful and radiant while keeping things casual.
Styling a casual saree for a festival with an ethnic touch can make you look both elegant and festive without being overly formal. Here’s how you can achieve this balance while keeping your look comfortable and chic:
1. Choose the Right Fabric
Opt for lightweight fabrics that are easy to drape and comfortable to wear for long hours:
Cotton: Crisp and breathable, perfect for daytime festivals.
Linen: Adds a sophisticated touch while staying casual.
Chanderi: Light silk blends or Chanderi cotton with subtle sheen.
Mulmul/Cotton Silk: Soft, airy, and perfect for casual elegance.
Khadi: Offers a rustic, ethnic charm while being eco-friendly.
2. Pick a Minimalist or Handwoven Saree
Handloom Sarees: Choose traditional handloom sarees like Ikat, Ajrakh, Jamdani, or Kalamkari to give an ethnic, earthy vibe.
Subtle Patterns and Colors: Go for minimal designs like geometric patterns, small motifs, or nature-inspired prints. Avoid heavy embellishments for a more casual look.
Festive Colors: Stick to warm or bright colors like mustard, rust, indigo, teal, maroon, or pastel shades with a hint of gold or silver borders.
3. Blouse Styling
Contrasting Blouse: Pair your saree with a contrasting blouse to add a pop of color. For example, a plain saree can be styled with a printed or embroidered blouse.
Traditional Blouses: You can opt for blouses with ethnic embroidery like mirror work, gotta patti, or hand block prints to add an ethnic touch.
Offbeat Blouses: Experiment with blouse styles like boat neck, elbow sleeves, or even a sleeveless blouse with ethnic detailing to keep the look modern yet festive.
Crop Tops/Kurtis: Pair your saree with a crop top or short kurti for a boho, Indo-fusion twist.
4. Accessorize Smartly
Statement Jewelry: Opt for one or two statement pieces:
Silver or Oxidized Jewelry: Chunky silver earrings, jhumkas, or layered necklaces work beautifully with a casual festival saree.
Terracotta Jewelry: Adds a rustic, handcrafted touch, especially with earthy-toned sarees.
Ethnic Bangles/Bracelets: A set of bangles, a cuff bracelet, or a kada adds a festive vibe.
Minimal Jewelry: If your saree has a bold pattern, keep the jewelry minimal with delicate earrings and a single bracelet.
5. Footwear
Juttis or Mojaris: Perfect ethnic footwear to complement your look without going too formal.
Kolhapuri Sandals: Ideal for casual comfort with an ethnic touch.
Flats or Block Heels: If you prefer a little height, opt for block heels or wedges with traditional designs like embroidered or beaded patterns.
6. Belt the Saree
Add a waist belt (or kamarbandh) to your saree to give it a structured look. Choose a metallic, fabric, or embroidered belt that matches your ethnic style. It’s a modern trend with a nod to tradition and helps keep the saree in place.
7. Ethnic Hair Accessories
Style your hair in a loose bun or side braid and accessorize with ethnic hairpins or floral gajra (flower garland) for an ethnic vibe.
Maang Tikka: Wearing a simple maang tikka can instantly elevate your look without overwhelming it.
8. Makeup and Hairstyle
Minimal Makeup: Keep your makeup soft and natural with a focus on glowing skin. To add an ethnic touch, add a bindi. Bold Lips: A pop of color on the lips like deep red, maroon, or a bold coral will complement the casual saree look.
Kohl-Rimmed Eyes: Smudge a bit of kohl or eyeliner for a festive look that’s not too overpowering.
9. Ethnic Potli or Clutch
Carry an ethnic potli or a small embroidered clutch to enhance your festive look while keeping it casual. Opt for pieces with beadwork, tassels, or mirror work that add a festive flair.
10. Draping Style
Simple Nivi Style: The most traditional and effortless drape for a casual yet elegant look.
Belted Drape: To create a contemporary ethnic style, tighten the saree at the waist with a belt.
Open Pallu: Let the pallu flow loosely over your shoulder for a relaxed, graceful style.