Draping a saree like a lehenga offers a magnificent and versatile way to transform your traditional attire into a stunning, flared ensemble, perfect for weddings, festivals, or grand celebrations. This technique allows you to achieve the voluminous look of a lehenga without purchasing a separate outfit, offering a unique blend of elegance and tradition.
Essential Elements for the Lehenga Drape
To achieve the desired lehenga-like silhouette, the key lies in creating significant volume and structure in the lower part of the saree.
- Saree Choice: Opt for fabrics with good body and drape, such as silk, georgette, crepe, or heavy chiffon. These materials hold pleats well and allow for a natural flare. Avoid very thin or stiff fabrics that might not achieve the desired fluidity or volume.
- Foundation Garment: The most crucial element for this drape is a voluminous underskirt or a can-can petticoat. Just like the underpinnings used beneath elaborate gowns to give them a grand flare, a can-can petticoat provides the necessary structure and width for your saree to mimic a lehenga skirt. This ensures the saree flares out beautifully from the waist.
- Blouse and Petticoat: Wear a well-fitted blouse and a standard petticoat (over which the can-can petticoat can be worn, if preferred, or the can-can petticoat can serve as the primary underskirt).
Step-by-Step Guide to Draping a Saree as a Lehenga
Follow these steps to transform your saree into a graceful lehenga:
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Prepare Your Foundation:
- Wear your blouse and the can-can petticoat. Ensure the can-can petticoat sits comfortably at your waist.
- The volume of the can-can petticoat will dictate the flare of your "lehenga."
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Initial Tuck and Basic Wrap:
- Take the plain end of your saree (the end without the pallu design).
- Begin by tucking it into the can-can petticoat from the right side of your waist, bringing it around your back to the left side, ensuring the bottom edge just skims the floor.
- Make one complete wrap around your waist, tucking the fabric securely into the petticoat.
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Creating the Lehenga Pleats:
- Gather the remaining fabric of the saree from the point where you completed the wrap.
- Start making broad, even pleats, typically 5-7 inches wide, along the length of the saree. These will form the skirt of your lehenga. Aim for about 5-7 pleats, depending on the saree's length and fabric.
- Ensure the pleats are neat and fall straight.
- Tuck these pleats securely into the center front of your can-can petticoat. Adjust them so they are evenly distributed around your waist, contributing to the full, flared look. Use a safety pin to secure the pleats firmly to the petticoat.
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Draping the Pallu:
- Take the remaining fabric (the pallu) and bring it over your left shoulder (or right, as per your preference).
- You have a few options for styling the pallu to complement the lehenga look:
- Pleated Pallu: Create neat, narrow pleats for the pallu and pin them securely to your blouse at the shoulder. Let the rest of the pallu fall elegantly down your back or bring it to the front over your arm.
- Open Pallu: For a more relaxed and flowing look, leave the pallu open and drape it over your shoulder. You can bring a portion of it to the front across your chest.
- Front-Tucked Pallu (Gujarati Style): Bring the pallu from the back over your right shoulder to the front. Pleat it neatly and bring it across your front, tucking one corner securely into the left side of your waist. This mimics a traditional lehenga-choli drape.
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Final Adjustments and Securing:
- Adjust the entire drape to ensure the pleats are neat, the saree flows evenly, and the lehenga-like flare is prominent.
- Use safety pins discreetly at various points (e.g., at the waist, shoulder, or to secure pleats) to keep the drape in place throughout your event.
- Ensure the length is perfect – it should just graze the floor, revealing your footwear only when you walk.
Tips for a Perfect Lehenga Saree Drape
- Practice Makes Perfect: If it's your first time, try draping it once or twice before the actual event.
- Accessorize Wisely: Complement your lehenga-style saree with traditional jewelry like jhumkas, a statement necklace, bangles, and a maang tikka to enhance the festive look.
- Footwear: Choose comfortable heels or wedges that add to your height without being difficult to walk in, as the saree's length will be set according to your chosen footwear.
- Professional Help: For very elaborate sarees or if you're attending a significant event, consider seeking assistance from a professional saree draper.
By using a voluminous underskirt, you can effortlessly transform your beautiful saree into a magnificent lehenga, creating a truly memorable and elegant appearance.
