Half saree draping styles are super versatile and help wear sarees in a way that flatters your body shape. From celebrity favorites to traditional festivity essentials, here’s a list of half saree draping style ideas you can play around with to serve those ethnic looks with an extra dash of pizazz.
The allure of a classically draped silk saree with crisp pleats and the pallu falling back is not lost just yet and probably never will be. Yet it is unjust to this beautiful apparel that we don’t bring it out of the wardrobe more often. Half saree draping styles offer many creative opportunities in this regard.
Here Are Some Half Saree Draping Styles You Shouldn’t Miss Out On:
1. Half saree style with a lehenga
When it comes to half saree draping styles, this one is fresh off the shelves. Since some of the most stylish celebrities have donned this look during recent festivities. It has been making its way to many fashion influencers’ DIY reels non-stop.
The perfect combination between a saree and a lehenga, the half saree lehenga style has a ball gown-like fluff. A perfect drape for occasions when you’re in the mood for some fun-filled twirling.
Pro-tip: Pin and iron your pleats in advance
2. Saree like a lehenga
Any half saree draping guidebook is incomplete without this iconic look. It starts like the basic nivi drape with the first round of saree simply tucked in. Then small pleats are made and tucked in very close to each other to give the look of a richly flared lehenga. Pair it with a light dupatta, and viola! You’re ready to look effortlessly regal.
Pro-tip: Go for a saree with an even border and design throughout, like a classic chanderi silk.
3. Front palla look Half Saree Draping Style
An ode to all the times we sneaked inside our mother’s closet and tried our best at draping a saree like her but ended up with this. This is a crisp version of that nostalgic drape, identical to the Gujarati lehenga choli look. Similar to the previous one, it crafts a lehenga out of the saree, but the pallu is not tucked and used as a chunni from behind.
Pro tip: The fancier the pallu, the better the lehenga choli illusion of your drape.
4. Khulla Palla drape
The drape is akin to the front palla look in terms of its technique. Yet a small twist lends it a different glamour altogether. Not only is it one of the simplest half saree draping styles, but also easy-breezy to carry and makes for a great ladies sangeet choice. If you’re thinking chic and youthful, this is it.
Pro tip: Ditch your matching blouses for contrasting crop tops and bralettes. Jazz it up!
5. Back drape lehenga
If you’ve tried and tested all the half saree style saree draping and looking for something super fresh, this one’s for you. The drape calls for a complementing lehenga and even a helping hand if available but the end result is worth every last second spent on it. The pleats go in the back and create a beautiful fall along with the khul palla.
Pro tip: Practice at home beforehand.
6. Two saree Pallu
If you’ve got glamour on your mind, this one should be your first choice. The extravagant look needs two of your finest sarees that complement each other well. In case you want to go for a contrasting colour palette, just make sure that at least the sarees’ textiles and design are similar, if not, preferably the same. This is most suitable for fashion shoots and ramp razzle-dazzle.
Pro tip: Avoid fluffy and transparent materials like silk tissue.
7. Matching lehenga dupatta
A fun twist on an already zesty drape style. Similar to the Khula Palla drape, the edge of the dupatta is tucked in the front, next to the pleats. This V shape gives a flattering shape that can really help you enhance your curves in a very subtle yet vogue way. Works best with lightweight fabrics like georgette.
Pro tip: refurbish old sarees with intricate borders to craft the matching set.
8. Dhoti style half saree draping style
No stylish drapes list is complete without this bold saree draping technique. Inspired by the Marathi saree called Nauvari, this is a modern take on age-old apparel. A perfect pick for the 21st-century women who don’t like to compromise on either style or comfort. It is worn like a dhoti below the waist along a simple back palla.
Pro tip: Browse through pre-stitched options for a hassle-free experience.
9. The boss girl half saree draping style
This saree is all the craze lately and for all the right reasons. Worn over a pair of comfy pants, denim, or even a pat suit, the saree is the epitome of Indian culture finding new ways of expression amongst today’s youth. When you’re not sure between going full-blown ethnic or rebel-without-a-cause western, this drape has got your back.
Pro tip: Minimal accessories for maximum impact.
10. Belt it up half saree draping
Saree offers a silhouette that is already very flattering on most body shapes and types. But if you’re not afraid to go bold, adding some small but effectual elements could really make a big difference to your look. Use a classic leather belt high on the waist for a sharp look. An embroidered jacket or feathered drape could also help get the desired effect.
Pro tip: Fashioning a belt or jacket out of the same fabric as the saree could be a game changer.
10. Scarf style half saree draping
Pallu can be the game changer for any drape. This half saree drape leaves out lengthy pallu to be played around with. You can wrap it like a scarf or have it just subtly go around the neck and fall in the front. Another bold yet classic look.
Pro tip: Do neat pleats for a crisp look.
The sheer beauty of a saree lies in the way one drapes it, adding small but unique details to the process. Half saree draping is a great way of letting that creative side take over. So go on and have fun with your 6 yards of finesse. There are many drapes yet to be invented!
FAQs on Half Saree Draping Styles
What are the different ways to wear a half saree?
From front palla and dhoti style to pairing it with a lehenga or belt, and sometimes even with another saree, there are many fun half saree draping styles. What is important is to choose one that is best at flattering your body type, and you feel really comfortable in.
How do you wear a traditional half saree?
Davani from Karnataka is one of the popular traditional styles of half saree draping. The pallu is pinned or tucked in the front beside the pleats. Then it goes all the way around the waist and comes back front to go over the shoulder. Khulla patta is an easy adaptation of this.
How do you pin a half saree?
Just like draping, pinning also varies from person to person. Go for the part that doesn’t feel firmly intact to you, like pleats and pallu. Always pin it from the inside and attach it to the other piece of clothing, like a blouse or petticoat, for better grip. Avoid saree borders.