6 outfits that make a case for sarees over lehengas this wedding season

You could wear a saree a hundred times, and it will still look as classic as it did the first time. That’s the beauty of this ultra-feminine garment. The epitome of elegance, it has a great track record with wearers. In fact, rumour has it, once you’ve worn it, you can rarely go back. Ace couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee has gone on record before to speak of its timelessness too, “When I think about the various times I’ve designed for the red carpet, my proudest moments have been the sarees. In my opinion, there is something so powerful about this garment.”

This wedding season, nail the shaadi style brief with 6 yards of sari, from Banarsi to Bandhani, Kanchipuram, Ikat, and more. Dwell over the drapings, and let the fabric do the heavy lifting as you bask in the glory of brocade and beads. We’ve shortlisted our favourite picks below, and while you’re at it, smile because you’re donning centuries of handmade heritage.

Anita Dongre, Arvia Printed Georgette Saree - Blue

This nature-inspired Georgette saree features gota patti, zardozi embroidery and sequins. Don’t miss the embellished stitched silk choli, made to order, and pair it with a dramatic neckpiece for a complete look.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Opium Revisited

Handpicked from the designer’s archival collection, these sarees represent rustic glamour, attaining their allure from the forbidden narrative. An ode to orientalism, the palette is muted with maximalist detailing, in typical Sabya style.

Tarun Tahiliani, Crystal and Kundan Embellished Banarasi Saree

Rooted in Indian artistry yet contemporary with every artisanal stitch, this pearl blue Banarasi saree features crystals, sequins and an unmissable kundan border. The blouse is just as dramatic, with beaded tassels fringing and bridging the sleeves together. Regality redefined. 

Manish Malhotra, Yellow Sequin Saree Set

You can’t go wrong with the man who gave us the iconic Desi Girl, slinky metallic beige saree that changed the way we look at Indian sarees forever! Take this bright yellow piece, for instance, that yet again reinvents the saree silhouette with its 3D pear-encrusted flower blouse. The multi-coloured sequins adorning the draping make for a playful touch, perfect for wedding guest style!

Torani, Santree Ruhaani Saree Set & Gulaban Nayantara Ziya Saree Set

With Torani, it’s all about visual storytelling, albeit in vibrant hues and desi handlooms. While Disha’s orange saree set goes all-out with its embellished, full-sleeve blouse, Manushi’s soft pink, demure look is dominated by the hand-embroidered butterfly net blouse. Equal parts conversation-starter and head-turner, Torani’s a celebrity favourite, with good reason.

Seema Gujral, Mint Green Dori Saree

The subtlest mint green, made better with an ivory thread and sequin-embroidered net base. The result? Sartorial perfection! We’re loving the pearl dori at the back, alongwith the plunging neckline complete with scalloped detailing. Pair it with your best pearls and polki for a classic wedding look.

Lead image: Aditi Rao Hydari/Instagram 

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