You Won't Be "Sari": How to Look Good in South Asian Formalwear

Wedding season is underway, and for most South Asians, weddings are major family gatherings complete with photo ops. Naturally, we want to look and feel our best—and maybe turn a few heads. Some women are wary of slinking into saris or revealing outfits, and crash diet to lose a few pounds. But before you give up dessert, here are five tips to help you look great in South Asian formalwear:

Fortunately, saris and other South Asian outfits cover much of the body, so it is possible to target and tone certain areas to look your best.

Tone Your Arms. Your arms are one of the most exposed parts of your body, so improving muscle tone and definition can help you look great when going sleeveless. Try these exercises with five-pound dumbbells or another comfortable-sized weight:

Arm circles: Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and hold one weight in each hand. Spread your arms so that they are in line with your shoulders and circle your arms clockwise. Do 8-12 circles for each set, and do three sets. If you have difficulty doing both arms at the same time, alternate arms between sets.

Triceps Curl: Hold a dumbbell in one hand and keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle with your shoulder. Extend your forearm backwards, so that it comes in line with your shoulder. Repeat 8-12 times for each set and repeat three times.

Photo by Rodigo Torres

Photo by Camilo Morales

Hammer Curl: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold weights in each hand and keep your arms extended down the side of your body with your palms facing each other. Then, slowly bend your arm up and back down. (The dumbbell should look like you’re using a hammer). Repeat 8-12 times for each arm and do three sets.

Quick fixes Didn’t have enough time to work out and get in shape? Here are a few things you can do right before your event and still look fantastic! - Bronzer or self-tanner: A tan can make you look sleek and toned. Two weeks in advance, use a daily tanning lotion, like L’Oreal Sublime glow, for a glow that will not be orange or streaky. You can also use a pressed-powder bronzer on your cheekbones and the contours of your face to help you look slimmer and define your bone structure. - Shapewear: Wearing a slimming undergarment can temporarily shrink your stomach and thighs. Shapewear is sold in most department stores. When shopping, remember to buy it in a comfortable size. - Heels: Heels can improve your silhouette by improving your posture and making you look taller. If possible, wear at least three-inch heels with your sari.

Tone Your Midsection. Tightening the abdominal area can make your silhouette look fantastic in a sari. Try these exercises with a 6-8 lb medicine ball:

Over-the-head Crunches: Sit on an exercise ball with your back straight and plant your feet firmly on the ground. Hold the medicine ball in your hands and lower your back onto the ball, as if you were doing a normal crunch on the exercise ball. Extend your arms (holding the medicine ball) above your head and keep your elbows slightly bent. You should be lying on the ball with the medicine ball positioned above your head. While tightening your abs, crunch upward. Repeat 15-20 times, and do two sets. For an added challenge, throw the ball forward when you crunch up and have a partner catch it and throw it back to you.

Oblique crunches: Lie on your back, cross the left foot over the right knee and put your hands behind your head. Keeping your lower back pressed into the floor, lift your shoulder blades off the floor and then curl your upper body diagonally across your body towards your left knee. Contract your abs and obliques as hard as you can at the top of the movement, and resist on the way down. Repeat 20 times before switching sides.

Bicycle crunch: Lay on your back with your knees bent and keep your hands behind your head. Bring your shoulder blades off the mat into a basic crunch and lift one leg in a 90-degree angle and the other leg in a 45-degree angle, moving your legs as if you were pedaling a bicycle. As you are pedaling, touch your right elbow to your left knee and vice versa. Repeat 50 times or until fatigued.

Don’t Skip the Cardio. Although muscle training helps to tighten and tone your body, it should supplement cardiovascular exercise, which is what helps you burn fat. Try to get 30-60 minutes a day of any type of cardio activity, such as running, working out on an elliptical machine or another cardio alternative.

Eat Healthier. Eating a well-balanced diet while working out is key to getting in shape. Limit processed carbs and sugary snacks, and try to incorporate more dark-colored fruits and vegetables into your diet. The vitamins and antioxidants in these foods will help you look and feel great! Also, if you’re pressed for time, a smoothie is an easy and delicious way to get all the nutrients you need.

Drink water. Staying hydrated, especially in the summer, is necessary to flushing out any toxins and keeping you looking fresh. Try to drink at least four half-liter water bottles each day.

For results, start at least four weeks before your formal event so you can look great in that outfit! As with any diet and fitness regimen, it is best to consult a physician before you begin.

Photo by Camilo Morales

Preyanka Makadia is a medical student in Philadelphia.