Hey Guys! Long time, no saree posts – generally because of the reduction of parties so far and I haven’t got any “New In”s. Not true. I bought a saree in London this summer, but the material is silk/kanchapuram so I think it’s more appropriate for bigger religious/cultural functions ← that saree doesn’t count! So I thought I would do a guide-post about how you could style your saree with accessories. I’m mainly talking about the simple sarees, but some of the tips may work well for sarees with lot of works and details as well.
STATEMENTS & SIMPLICITY: Nowadays we say “Less is More” – so try to keep the look minimalistic but still magnificent, by choosing a focus point instead of go all-in with all the big jewelries and accessories.
Earrings:
You can choose to wear heavy/big statement earrings maybe pair it with a simple necklace to keep the focus on the earrings. This is the trick i tend to do mostly as you may have seen in my ethnic-outfit pictures. There’s a huge selection between the types of statement earrings. For instance: the traditional jhumkas, which comes in different sizes and gold or silver. some have colored stone in ’em. Or the last-year’s hype – Ram Leela earrings, which also comes in different styles, sizes and colors. There are also some other types of ethnic/indian big earrings that comes in all different colors/color-combinations e.g. designs that are inspired by peacocks and mangoes (ambi-style). Or you can try something a little more outstanding: choosing some non-ethnic statement earrings, which I’ve done before and it worked pretty well!
Necklace:
Here’s a great idea I discovered, which is a statement necklace where you choose a heavy polki-worked or kundan-worked choker from a bridal jewelry-set. By only wearing this, you’ll have a focus-point and a not-too-heavy accessorized look. Or you can go for a longer a little heavier necklace and pair it with some simple earrings.
Chains/Belts:
Few years ago I dropped the heavy waist-chain when I wore half-sarees. Now it “in” again but in a simpler design in polki/kundan work, which in my opinion looks more wearable, simple and not too bridal-alike. You can also switch the ethnic style out with the hype-accessory body-chain. This also comes in different styles and gold/silver and you can get it almost anywhere. The body chain is a simple accessory but wearing it gives the saree a new look in case you want to make a minor change in it. Or if you want a huge statement of chain to completely transform your saree-look or want to re-create the saree in a new way – then go for a beautiful shoulder chain/cape. With this piece you wouldn’t need any fancy saree, cause this piece will do the work. As the last one I have on my mind, isn’t a chain, but it’s still a waist-chain. It’s a metallic/rhinstoned/floral waist-belt to add a modern touch to the traditional look. I would personally try it as soon as I find the perfect metallic waist-chain for me 🙂
Nose-ring:
Again something I earlier tried to avoid – The Nose-Ring. It’s back and I’m gonna admit, it looks kinda chick and better than ever. It looks great but personally I prefer the small nose rings, sincerely I have a small face and it can easily cover the whole face area. But it’s a pretty ethnic accessory and you can get it in different sizes and styles. Lot of people associate this piece with something bohemian and this piece can definitely be used with non-ethnic outfits.
Clutch/bag:
I usually pick a clutch (with any ethnic outfit) and it’s just a regular black one. If you’re wearing a simple saree with simple jewelries, you can choose to bring a fancy clutch – a rhinestone-filled/decorated indian clutch. They’re so pretty and you can get it in many colors. I’ve also seen indians bringing a different type of bag – a potli bag. It’s kinda cute actually, and I think it’s something different and interesting compared to the boring clutch I have.
Bindi:
Aaaaand the bindi is back as well, and as the other accessories, I used to despise it. Back in the days we bought bindis in different shapes, styles and colors – and I always found a way to get rid of my bindi I wore during a party. Then I started to do small dots with liquid eyeliner, so it wouldn’t drag too much attention. Sincerely we’re all about the ethnic again, I ordered some simple round bindis in many colores in 3 different sizes to wear with my saree. Now many people associate the bindi with coachella and bohemian style – I also made a choachella inspired look (here) with a colored bindi combined with some modern outfit. Even celebrities wear bindis with modern outfits and it looks good! 🙂
