Style Guide

SAREES

Tying a Saree

Step 1: Gather Essentials

Collect all necessary items, including a saree, a blouse, a petticoat (underskirt), safety pins, and accessories to your preference. (We recommend bangles, earrings, and the quintessential Bindi!)

Step 2: Wear the Blouse and Petticoat

Make sure the petticoat sits right at your waist and the blouse fits you well. Neither of them should be too tight or too loose.

Step 3: Start Draping

Take the inner end of the saree – the plain end without the pallu – and tuck it into the petticoat from right to left, making one complete turn.

Step 4: Make pleats

Make 5-7 pleats (or more depending on your comfort) in the fabric, ensuring they are even and facing the left. Tuck these pleats into the petticoat at the center, slightly to the left of the navel.

Step 5: Drape the remaining fabric diagonally

Bring the remaining fabric around the waist from left to right and tuck it into the petticoat at the front. Adjust the length according to your height and comfort.

Step 6: Arrange the pallu

Now, take the pallu and bring it over your left shoulder. You can let it hang loose or pleat it, depending on your preference, and the fabric of the saree.

Step 7: Secure the pleats and pallu

Use safety pins to secure the pleats and the pallu in place. Make sure the pins are not visible and do not prick you. Ensure that the pallu falls gracefully to knee-length, neither too short nor too long. The entire draping should allow you to walk with ease and grace!

Step 8: Adjust and fine-tune

Take a few steps, and make any necessary adjustments to the pleats, pallu, and overall drape. Ensure the saree is comfortable and the pleats are evenly spread.

Step 9: Accessorise!

Complete the look with accessories of your choice. GO ALL IN!

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't be disheartened if it doesn't come out perfectly the first time. With a little practice, you'll be able to drape a saree effortlessly.

Styling Sarees by Fabric

Cotton Sarees: Ensure you tuck the pleats neatly and choose a simpler pallu draping style for a casual or semi-formal look. The breathable fabric allows for comfortable wear, making it suitable for daytime events and gatherings.

Silk Sarees: Focus on creating well-defined pleats and a more elaborate pallu arrangement to accentuate the richness of the fabric. Consider using pleat-holding pins to maintain the structure of the pleats and drape the pallu gracefully for weddings, festivals or even formal events!

Chiffon Sarees: Opt for a delicate and flowy drape that accentuates the lightweight and sheer nature of the fabric. Avoid bulky pleats, instead, create soft, fluid folds for an ethereal and romantic look, most suitable for evening events and parties.

Georgette Sarees: These are the most lightweight, the easiest to drape and carry! Draped with a focus on creating well-defined pleats with a cascading pallu. Ensure that the pleats are not too stiff to maintain the fabric's characteristics. This elegant style is ideal for formal gatherings and evening events.

Net Sarees: Use a matching fabric for the petticoat to provide a smooth base for the saree to fall gracefully. Delicately pleat the pallu and secure it with discrete pins to maintain the intricate detailing of the net fabric. This style is perfect for special occasions like receptions and cocktail parties.

Crepe Sarees: Create sleek, well-defined pleats that accentuate the fabric's subtle texture and fall. Opt for a pallu style that allows the crepe to enhance the saree's elegant and sophisticated appeal. This type of saree is well-suited for formal events and evening soirees.

 

Lehengas

From festive fervour to cultural soirées, lehengas promise to be every woman's secret weapon, blending elegance and tradition effortlessly for every occasion. Here is a short style guide on how to get style lehengas per different occasions:

• Weddings: Opt for a traditional and heavily embellished lehenga choli with intricate embroidery, zari work, and sequin detailing. Choose rich and vibrant colours such as maroon, royal blue, or deep green, and pair the outfit with statement jewellery for a regal and luxurious look.
  
  
• Festivals and Celebrations: Embrace the spirit of festivities with a colourful and lightweight lehenga choli featuring traditional prints, mirror work, or thread embroidery. Choose bright and celebratory hues like red, yellow, or orange, ensuring comfort and grace for cultural gatherings and joyful occasions.
  
  
• Mehndi and Sangeet Ceremonies: Opt for a playful and vibrant lehenga choli with playful designs, tassels, and mirror work, reflecting the joy and excitement of pre-wedding celebrations. Choose lively and cheerful colours like pink, orange, or turquoise, ensuring a lively and festive appearance for these special occasions.

 

Anarkalis

The Anarkali is a forever favourite among the Indian ladies, and is known for its timeless elegance and versatility. But to make the most of this attire for different occasions, consider the following style tips:

• Weddings and Receptions: For grand and formal occasions, opt for heavily embellished Anarkalis with intricate embroidery, zari work, and rich fabrics like silk or brocade. Deep and vibrant colours, such as maroon, emerald green, or royal blue, are perfect for weddings, exuding a regal appearance.

• Festivals and Celebrations: Choose bright and celebratory colours like red, orange, or deep pink for festivals and cultural gatherings. Anarkalis with modest embellishments and lightweight fabrics like georgette or chiffon are comfortable and traditional choices, allowing ease of movement while maintaining an elegant look.

• Formal and Evening Events: For semi-formal to formal gatherings, consider Anarkalis with contemporary silhouettes, such as a high-low hemline or asymmetrical cuts, in rich jewel tones like sapphire, amethyst, or ruby. Opt for Anarkalis with minimalistic embellishments or focus on unique neckline and sleeve designs for a chic and sophisticated appearance.

• Daytime Occasions: Light pastel shades such as soft pink, lavender, or mint green work well for daytime events. Choose Anarkalis in lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen with minimal embroidery for comfort and a graceful daytime look. Accessorise with statement jewellery and a matching dupatta for a touch of elegance.

By selecting the right Anarkali style, fabric, and colour palette based on the occasion, create a gracefully resonant appearance, perfect outfit for your event!

Sherwanis

Sherwanis, the epitome of traditional Indian menswear, offer a versatile and sophisticated ensemble suitable for various occasions. Here's a guide on selecting the appropriate sherwani based on the event:

• Weddings: Go for opulent options like richly embroidered silk or brocade sherwanis in classic hues such as gold, maroon, or ivory. Intricate detailing and regal embellishments that elevate the sherwani will make it a perfect fit for the grandeur of weddings.

• Festivals and Cultural Celebrations: Embrace the spirit of cultural festivities with vibrant and celebratory colours such as royal blue, emerald green, or deep purple, adorned with traditional embroidery or handwoven patterns. Choose fabrics like raw silk or cotton silk blends for comfort during long hours of celebration.

• Formal Events: For sophisticated formal gatherings, consider a sleek and well-tailored sherwani in muted tones such as charcoal, navy, or black, crafted from luxurious materials like velvet or jacquard. Keep the embellishments minimal for a refined and elegant look.

• Daytime Occasions: Opt for lightweight fabrics such as cotton silk blends or tussar silk in pastel shades like blush pink, mint green, or sky blue for a subtle yet graceful appearance. Focus on intricate detailing on the collar and cuffs to add a touch of elegance to the daytime attire.

Always ensure a striking and appropriate sartorial statement for any occasion!

JACKET-KURTAS

Jacket-Kurta is the perfect contemporary fusion outfit for the Indian man! With our styling guide on it, nail the perfect jacket-kurta look per occasion!

• Formal Events: Opt for a well-fitted, tailored jacket-kurta set in rich fabrics such as silk or brocade for a polished look. Choose classic colours like black, navy, or deep maroon and accessorise with statement jewellery and a matching clutch.

• Festivals and Celebrations: For grand and elaborate festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, or Eid, go for vibrant colours and intricate embroidery or embellishments on the jacket and kurta. For more subdued and relaxed festivals like Holi, Baisakhi, or Pongal, opt for lighter and more comfortable outfits to ensure comfort during long hours of celebration.

• Work Wear: Select a tailored and well-structured jacket-kurta set in subtle colours and minimalistic designs for a professional yet fashionable look. Opt for solid colours or subtle prints in fabrics like cotton or rayon, ensuring comfort and a polished appearance suitable for the workplace.

• Evening Parties: Choose a stylish and well-tailored jacket-kurta set in rich fabrics like velvet or silk in bold and striking colours such as deep purple, royal blue, or emerald green. Opt for intricate embroidery or embellishments on the jacket for a glamorous and sophisticated look, perfect for evening parties and upscale events.

• Weddings: Select a lightweight and flowy jacket-kurta ensemble in breezy fabrics like georgette or chiffon in pastel or vibrant hues. Opt for delicate embellishments and ethereal designs for a graceful and comfortable look, ideal for beach weddings or outdoor ceremonies.

By selecting the appropriate jacket-kurta ensemble for each occasion, effortlessly exude cultural appreciation and personal style, ensuring a striking and well-curated fashion statement.

TUXEDOS

Tuxedos, the classic formal ensemble, are a go-to for innumerable occasions. But do you know how to style a tuxedo per occasion? Let’s find out.

Certainly, here is a style guide for wearing tuxedos based on different occasions:

• Black-Tie Events (Semi-formal): Opt for a classic black tuxedo with a crisp white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and black formal shoes. This formal attire is suitable for events such as galas, award ceremonies, or formal dinners, exuding elegance and sophistication.

• Weddings: Select a well-tailored tuxedo, typically in black or navy for a polished look. Coordinate the tuxedo with the wedding theme and choose accessories like a boutonniere or a pocket square to complement the wedding colours and decor.

• Cultural Celebrations and Festivals: Consider a fusion ensemble by combining a sleek tuxedo with a tailored bandhgala jacket in vibrant hues or traditional prints, reflecting the festive spirit of the occasion. Pair the outfit with traditional Indian footwear like mojaris or embroidered shoes to complete the cultural aesthetic.

• Formal Business Events: Opt for a tailored tuxedo in classic black or charcoal grey, paired with a sophisticated Indian-style kurta or a bandhgala shirt. Complete the look with a tasteful pocket square and understated Indian accessories, exuding professionalism and cultural finesse.

• Formal Dinners and Receptions: Choose a classic tuxedo in traditional colours with subtle or no embellishments for a polished and sophisticated look suitable for formal dinners and evening receptions.

Don’t forget to pair your tuxedo with a crisp white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and a cummerbund or vest for a complete and polished look. Coordinate the accessories with the colour and style of the tuxedo, ensuring a cohesive and sophisticated ensemble.

Most importantly: pay attention to grooming details such as your hairstyle, shave, and the state of your shoes!

Other Indian Men’s Wear Per Occasion

• Kurta-Pajama: Ideal for casual wear, the comfortable cotton or linen sets make it perfect for everyday outings and relaxed gatherings. For festivals and celebrations, the vibrant colours and traditional prints or embroidery capture the cultural spirit, making it a standout choice for cultural festivities and joyous occasions.

• Dhoti Kurta: Embodying tradition and grace, the silk or cotton ensembles in earthy tones or soft pastels are well-suited for religious ceremonies, invoking a sense of reverence and cultural authenticity. For weddings, the luxurious sets in rich colours, adorned with intricate embellishments, elevate the ensemble, symbolising the grandeur and celebratory mood of the special occasion.

• Bandhgala Suit: Tailored suits in classic shades exude sophistication, making them a perfect choice for formal events, corporate gatherings, and upscale occasions, reflecting a refined and distinguished appearance. For weddings, the elaborate ensembles, often featuring intricate embroidery and rich fabrics, enhance the ceremonial charm and elegance, ensuring a striking and memorable groom's attire or a distinguished guest ensemble.

• Nehru Jacket: Perfect for formal events and corporate settings, the stylish jackets in subtle hues add a touch of modern sophistication, offering a sleek and polished look suitable for professional gatherings and formal dinners. For festivals and celebrations, vibrant jackets with minimalistic designs embody the cultural essence and festive charm, making them a perfect choice for adding a traditional touch to joyous occasions and cultural celebrations.

• Chikankari: the delicate embroidery adds a touch of Lucknow's finesse to their attire, making it a favoured choice for weddings, formal gatherings, and religious occasions, encapsulating the essence of the city's timeless craftsmanship.

Whether it's a wedding or a formal dinner, Indian outfits let you embrace your style with a touch of cultural charm. It is but a matter of finding your perfect look per occasion!