Saree is one of the most common and loved women• s attire especially in South Asia. Its simplicity and practical comfort combined with the sense of luxury and style is what makes the saree an age old yet most sought after womens wear. In fact sari is an Indian womens statement to the world.
This single length of material is also one of the most versatile garments in existence. Saree looks equally beautiful and gives equal grace and glamour to every woman irrespective of cast, age, height, weight or complexion and on almost all occasions as daily wear, party wear, bridal wear and so on.
Saree fabric can range from fine cotton to shimmering silks, elegant chiffon to sensuous nets, from flowy georgettes to smooth crepes etc. As per different occasions and needs sarees can be from very simple to heavy embellished one. Wedding sarees have rich and intricate embroidery of resham, zardosi, sequins, stones, crystals etc. The colors can be vibrantly bright to subdued pastels. There are sarees to match every mood and occasion to suit every budget. And that is not all this extremely graceful attire can be draped in various stylish manners.
To drape the saree, you need two essential accessories with saree i.e. matching blouse (choli) and a petticoat. These are the key accessories that maintain and even enhance the overall look and shape of the saree. Choli or blouse is a tightly fitted, short shirt like garment worn under a saree. Saree blouse also comes in a variety of simple to designer and from sober to heavy embellished ones. Most common are short sleeved, sleeveless blouses, spaghetti straps, bell sleeved blouse, wrap-arounds etc. Blouses with long sleeves in transparent chiffon or net are also gaining popularity. For a casual, westernized or bold look you can opt for off-shoulder versions (with or without strings) and even lycra blouses. Designer blouses with sleeves and neck cut in different designs are currently high in demand.
Another accessory is Petticoat over which a saree is draped. Petticoat is a draw string long skirt like garment that is very similar to a lehenga. A petticoat should be in matching color that of the saree. Petticoats come in a variety of color, cuts and fabrics suiting the particular need of the saree. Most popular is with A-line panels, which uses less fabric and give a slim silhouette look.
If you still feel it is tricky to drape the saree, designers have come out with innovative and designer sarees as a solution. Pre-stitched or ready to wear sarees is one such saree that makes saree wearing a one step easy process. All you need to do is to put on it like a skirt without the fuss of tucking, pleating and adjusting the pallu length. Lehenga pattern saree is also easy to wear as there is no need to make pleats in this pattern of saree.
Overall saree is one such garment that can ingeniously conceal the extra flab of fat, or can highlight the well-toned curves, can look simply sober or extremely sensuous-- It is just a matter of how you drape the saree.