Whether you have a penchant for luscious silks or practical cotton
fabrics, saris are a fabulous way to glam up an occasion and stand
out from the crowd. Endless choices of colors, fabrics, and textures
make it easy to choose one that suits your mood. If you’re feeling
soft and feminine, go for a chiffon number in a soft pastel shade.
On the other hand, if you’re searching for something with more
edge, choose from chiffon, crepe, silk or georgette. And don’t
forget to consider patterns: rhinestones, beadwork, block print and
embroidery always add pizzazz.
In addition to the sari itself, there are two pieces
you’ll need to complete the look: a matching blouse and a petticoat.
The blouse, usually made of identical fabric as the sari, should be
close fitting – a loose blouse won’t work. Often the blouse
will have identical work to the sari’s pallu, which is the portion
of the sari that has the highest concentration of design work. Generally
saris of a thicker fabric (including silk and brocade) require a blouse
of at least similar fabric, while chiffon saris can look stylish and
elegant with a simple cotton blouse. The petticoat, usually cotton
as well, should be ankle length and threaded with an elastic or thin
cotton band. It should be tight enough so that the sari does not slip
when tucked into the petticoat. Most importantly, the petticoat should
not be visible through or beneath the sari.
Your sari should fall just above the ground, so before putting it
on, make sure to have on the shoes you’ll be wearing so that
you get an accurate idea of how long the sari should be. (The easiest
way to spot a sari novice is by checking out the length of her sari
– if it doesn’t cover much of the shoe, especially the
heel, it isn’t quite right.) Besides dictating the length, having
shoes on while putting on your sari will give the right drape to the
sari’s pleats.
The Sari Skinny
Whether you’re wearing one for the first time or just need a
refresher course, here are some guidelines to ensure all eyes will
stay locked on you.
1. Standing in front of the mirror with shoes on,
tuck the inner edge of the sari (not the edge with the pallu) into
the petticoat.
Model: Madhurima Chodha.
Photography by Madhu Chodha.
2. Wrap the sari around your body twice, being careful
to make sure the height is even all the way around. Remember that
your shoes, especially the heels, should not show. It’s helpful
to have someone else who can adjust the back for you.
3. Take the other end of the sari (the end with
the pallu) and put it over your left shoulder. Adjust it according
to how long you would like it to hang. Usually a few inches above
or below the knee is a good height.
4. Begin making the pleats. You’ll probably
make about 5 or 6, usually around four inches. Arrange them so that
they are equally spaced and tuck them into petticoat, slightly toward
the left. You might want to secure the pleats with a safety pin. (If
you’re headed for a night of dancing, the safety pin is a must.)
 
5. Make sure the lower portion of the pleats is
also evenly spaced and just above the ground. Each individual pleat
should look like a neat line running from the top to the bottom.
6. Adjust the bodice of the sari so that the border runs from under
your right underarm and over the bust. The bodice should be secure
enough that it won’t droop when you move – a revealed
bust is the biggest sari faux pas and will turn your look from temptress
to trashy in seconds.
7. Pin the edge of the pallu to your blouse just
behind your left shoulder.
Worn correctly, a sari can flatter just about any
shape – hourglass, pear and everything in between.
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