Wearing a saree at a Western venue is a lovely opportunity to embrace your culture with pride and style. However, overseas venues have different weather conditions, dress codes, cultural expectations, as well as styling requirements. To really feel comfortable and confident throughout the event, you need to focus on three main things: drape, blouse, and accessories.
Dressing up for an occasion abroad can be really simple and still very impactful. Choose a drape that’s secure and well-pinned so that you can move around easily. A stylish contemporary blouse will be apt for the vibe of the function and will also feel very comfortable. And the look comes together with smart accessories that add to the beauty of the saree rather than competing with it.
To make sure you perfect your look, we’ve listed down simple tips and tricks that will help you choose the right drape, blouse, and styling ideas.
Get the Saree Drape Right
If your saree is well draped, it will surely look elegant, but it will also stay in place during long celebrations. Here are some things to make sure you get the drape right:
- Practice the Drape at Home: Well before the main event, you can practice wearing the saree at home a few times. Doing this will help you understand how comfortable the saree feels, and it will also make you feel confident enough to attend the event with grace.
- Secure It with Safety Pins: If you already know how to wear a saree, two or three safety pins are usually enough. However, if you’re new to wearing a saree, you might need a few extra pins to secure the saree properly.
The first step is pinning the pallu neatly at the left shoulder. Then, neatly fold the pleats and pin them all together with a big safety pin. Then tuck all your pleats into the underskirt and pin them to it.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to keep a few safety pins handy in your bag for an emergency situation where your saree becomes loose or opens up.
Try a Pre-Draped Saree: If you don’t feel too confident about draping a saree, try a pre-draped version. Since the pleats and pallu are already stitched in place, there’s no hassle of draping. You can simply wear it like a skirt. It’s a practical choice for evenings where convenience and style are both important.
Trendy Saree Draping Styles For Western Events
Some draping styles are the perfect mix of traditional elegance and a modern look. If you’re attending a function in cities like Toronto, London or Melbourne, here are some options worth checking out:
The Pant or Trouser Drape
For this drape, wear the saree over trousers or palazzos instead of the traditional petticoat. Take the inner half of the saree, make neat and sleek pleats, and tuck it into the pants at the centre, allowing the pants to peep through. Take the other half, fold it into neat pleats, and wrap it as a pallu on your left shoulder. Wear it with a crop top or crisp shirt for a modern look. This style offers better movement and a contemporary silhouette that’s ideal for parties that need an edgy look.
Belted Saree
A leather, metallic, or embellished belt cinches the waist and adds definition to the look. It also keeps the pallu secure, making it stylish as well as a practical style for long events.
Lehenga Saree
A stitched lehenga-style skirt and pre-set pallu bring together the elegance of a saree with the ease of a lehenga. This Indo-western style is a perfect choice for cocktail parties or casual dinners.
Saree Gown
This fusion outfit is traditional yet structured as it’s stitched like a gown with a flowing pallu. It is perfect for events when you want to shine with a modern edge.
Saree Blouse Designs for the Perfect Look
The right blouse can add a lot of charm to a saree. NRI women attending western events can easily experiment with a variety of blouses, especially those with trendy designs and silhouettes.
Corset Blouse
If you want a structured silhouette, a corset blouse can be the perfect option as it shapes the waist and makes the frame look leaner and taller. Ideal for formal events, it goes well with a silk or georgette saree.
Crop-Top Blouse
A crop top with minimal embroidery or embellishments gives a modern touch to the saree. It is particularly suitable for outdoor and daytime events.
Cape or Jacket Blouse
A cape or jacket adds an extra layer to the outfit and makes it more modern. Also, embroidered and embellished capes and jackets instantly make the saree bolder, giving it an Indo-western touch. These blouse styles can also keep you warm in colder weather or air-conditioned venues.
Shirt-Style Blouse
A well-fitted shirt blouse can be a great way to balance ethnic and modern styles, making it suitable for formal occasions.
Accessories and Footwear
A saree can look all the more elevated with carefully selected accessories rather than too much of everything.
Statement Jewellery
For an overseas location, stick to wearing one or two statement pieces. You can either wear a minimal Kundan choker, statement jhumkas, elegant chandbalis, or a modern necklace to complete the look.
Clutches
An embellished clutch or an embroidered potli bag is convenient for carrying your essentials, but it also adds an elegant touch to the look.
Footwear
Block heels, wedges, and elegant pumps pair beautifully with sarees as they add height to the overall silhouette.
Weather-Appropriate Saree Styling for Western Cities
Before attending the event, a quick look at the weather can help NRI women dress up more intentionally and look all the more comfortable and poised.
Cold Cities
In cities like London, Toronto, Melbourne, fabric choice is critical. During winters, silk, crepe, or tissue silk sarees keep you warm as they are heavier. You can layer them with a structured cape blouse or an embroidered shawl.
Four-Season Cities
For events in New York, Chicago, or Sydney, check the weather forecast in advance. Georgette and crepe are super versatile fabrics that can be styled over numerous seasons.
Pro Tip: For ease of movement and for protecting the drape from wind, many women prefer a belted drape that keeps the saree secure.
Warm Cities
Places like Dubai, Los Angeles, and Houston are generally warm. Organza and chiffon are the most breathable options for warm weather. In summer, you must avoid heavy silk or velvet as they will get very uncomfortable.
Styling a saree at a cocktail event doesn’t need to be complicated. With only a few simple things in mind, you can be really comfortable and still shine bright at any event. All you have to do is choose a drape that matches the occasion and pick a blouse that’s stylish and comfortable. Make sure you practice wearing the saree at home before the event and secure it properly on the main day. To finish the look, add sophisticated accessories and you’re ready for the event where your saree can do all the talking.
