Shakespeare wrote, “The fashion wears out more apparel than the man”.
The term Fashion is used to express how things are made in a particular way at a certain time and context, especially in clothing, accessories, lifestyle, looks etc. Fashion is characterized by change with strong inference.
Whereas a Trend emphasizes on something specific which lasts for a shorter time, less than a season. Style is something that can continue season after season and can be influenced by cultural movements, social stratum and tradition.
When we come across the term Fashion during our daily conversations, the first relative category that naturally comes to our mind is apparel. Apparels we choose on daily basis, casually or occasionally is the manifestation of our individuality.
All celebrations in India are always about flaunting conventional clothes. Saree is one such traditional Indian women’s wear that is considered an embodiment of elegance, an ethnological garb for almost every occasion.
A simple one piece of nine yards of sheet so gracefully wrapped around strategically that brings out the cultural side in women. What is more preferable than wearing a Saree, accessorized with jewellery, whether it’s a religious gathering or wedding occasion.
Saree expresses feminism and fashion in full brim from tip to toe for all occasions. It’s popular among women of all age assortments and has evoked the youths more who have lost touch with their ethnicity in this era of modernization.
All the women must be having some nostalgic moment in their lives when they used to pull out their mother’s vintage and rich handloom saree from the wardrobe to adorn themselves in simplicity yet style in ethnicity. An aesthetic touch of elegance, embellishment full of finesse with glimpses of cultural root is the essence of this attire.
Sarees arrive in various material types such as cotton, silk, brocade, georgette, tissue, crepe etc.
Fashion is always getting modified with trends and styles and how can a traditional saree not get impacted. The traditional saree gets modified over and over again not only by prints, paints and embroideries but also by its drapes.
Saree being a safe choice of women disregard of age, one can experiment with extraordinary drapes to give an unconventional touch to the traditional attire. Selections can be made from unique and modish drape styles such as, Knot saree wrap, Wavy saree drape, Neck cover drape and Dhoti chic saree drape.
Twists can be added by choosing the right kind of blouses exclusively designed to complement the worn saree, heavily embroidered blouse in an opposite color with beads, metal wirework and lavish motifs, backless choli or quarter sleeves or no sleeves to enhance the magnificent look instead of choosing a stereotype match or be quirky by choosing a crop top or a shirt to amplify the style quotient.
Every kind of saree is dazzling and sought after for its prints, patterns, colors, work etc. The traditional patterns would never go out of fashion though and would always be admired and be attractive to everyone but there is always room for modifications made by modernized styles. A saree is never restricted to be worn in any particular occasion. It can be used in daily life to go out casually, for office wear, any event or wedding affairs to bedazzle.
India is the hub of sarees and every state has something unique to offer in the form of color usage, prints, weave, and embroidery. The quintessential list of sarees include categories as per region and their signature styles-
- Kanjeevaram Silk From Tamil Nadu
- Kalamkari from Srikalahasthi
- Kasavu sarees from Kerala
- Sambalpuri from Odisha
- Pochampally from Telangana
- Paithani From Maharashtra
- Bandhani From Gujarat
- Muga from Assam
- Mangalgiri from Andhra Pradesh
There are so many other varieties to keep a note about as well. Simple cotton which is mostly preferred for its lightweight and comfort, has so much to offer and silk is the first category that comes to mind for a special occasion and they all are popularly demanded by women.
More categories in cotton that come under the list are as follows:
- Khadi
- Chettinad
- Tant
- Garad
- Kotki
- Chikan
More categories that silk comprises of are:
- Uppada
- Benarasi
- Tussar
- Mysore
- Bhagalpuri
- Art silk
These were all about traditional ethnicity but there are so many modern styles these days that catch our eyes and lure us to own them and must-haves in our wardrobes. Cultural roots with a touch of modern twist are always desirable. From no border to heavy borders, floral prints and motifs to intricate metalwork to simple dotted designs sarees have a lot to present.
Types of Saree
Floral Print Saree
It is the latest trend this season; it is all over prestigious fashion magazines. Either heavily worked or glittering prints on nice fabric, pairing with a full sleeve blouse with slight ruffles at the end to grab all attention.
Embossed Saree
Any base of soothing color can be chosen for the base of the saree to portray a subtle look and when embossed with intricate floral patterns all over the body, it adds to the adorning.
Pre-stitched Saree
Apart from wearing the saree traditional way one can also opt for a pre-stitched saree with cape style top or just a simple princess line blouse. Cape styles are very much in this season that gives the perfect touch to your indo-western combination. The perk of wearing a pre-stitched saree is it saves all the meticulous calculation of counting and arranging pleats and helps the ladies to get ready in a few minutes lesser.
Use some bright colors for the saree and a subtle pastel shade for the blouse to compliment your look.
Solid Base
Fancy sarees need not always be too dressy with dense work done, it can also be completely plain in solid color and it will be nothing less than irresistible to look at. A slim metallic borderline or a flowery outline on the sides completes the deal. A solid base can also be metallic, full of sheen entirely. It looks brilliant when paired with blouses of dull tones and provides the perfect party look.
Monochromatic Shades
Monochromes not only comprises of black and white but also different shades of one single tone of color and when the colours are matched and splattered all over a saree it gives rise to modern art on display.
Colour Blocks in Two parts
This innovation comprises of two different fabrics merge together where, one piece of the saree conforms to one base color and the other piece of the draping, a different color.
Kalamkari
The choice of pattern used in these types of sarees is an assortment of traditional roots and modern-esque features. The base is cluttered with vibrant design splattered in different colors that showcase striking combinations which is the very opposite of mundane.
Batik Prints
This type of print is different from kalamkari due to its process of producing but the pattern of abstract designs matches at some level. Batik prints are widely popular for its traditional roots.
Final Word
Sarees are the kind of attire that can be chosen for any occasion for its design and comfort. Saree is an extremely multifaceted garment and only adds to elegance and feminity. So walk up to your wardrobe, pull out your favorite saree, experiment with drapes and layers to turn heads when you head out to any occasion. To look and feel rooted with style will always remain a classic.
Table of Contents
