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Saree on a date? Celebrity draper Dolly Jain shares 5 tips to keep it stylish

Saree may not be something that comes to mind for a date look, but here's how you can embrace the timeless six yards for a fashionable impression.

Updated on: Mar 21, 2025, 15:26:37 IST
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Saree is typecasted as the ethnic wear reserved mostly for special or grand occasions, from anniversaries and festivals to weddings. With modern dating taking a casual, laid-back style, the saree is typically ruled out for fear of coming on too strong and serious with ‘marriage vibes’ or simply being overdressed. But many forget that the saree, by virtue of its versatility, has stood the test of time, evolving with every generation, adapting to new trends and effortlessly blending tradition with modernity.

Saree is versatile and must be added to your date wardrobe. (Instagram)
Saree is versatile and must be added to your date wardrobe. (Instagram)

So don't shy away from putting your best fashion foot forward and reclaiming the saree as a chic OOTD for your date. Don't worry, you won't come off too strong and scare away your date. The right styling makes all the difference.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dolly Jain, celebrity draper of celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Katrina Kaif, shared some effective tips on how to embrace a saree and rock your date outings in it.

Here are Dolly Jain's tips:

Modern draping styles

The belt cinches the straight silhouette at the waist, bringing out a more refined, snatched look. This contemporary accessory lifts up the saree's vibe. (PC: Pinterest)
The belt cinches the straight silhouette at the waist, bringing out a more refined, snatched look. This contemporary accessory lifts up the saree's vibe. (PC: Pinterest)

Experimenting with contemporary draping techniques can transform the saree into a trendy outfit suitable for casual outings or even a night out. Think of styles like the dhoti drape or pairing it with a belt for a more structured look.

Fusion fabrics and prints

Opt for sarees in lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton, or even denim, with quirky prints or bold colours. These choices make the saree perfect for everyday wear or casual gatherings.

ALSO READ: Suhana Khan to Janhvi Kapoor: Ace the fundamentals of Gen Z saree style with fashion inspo from these new gen actors

Mix and match blouses

Pair your saree with unconventional blouses, such as crop tops, t-shirts, or even jackets. This not only adds a modern twist but also makes the ensemble more adaptable for various occasions.

Accessorizing creatively

Swap traditional jewellery for statement pieces like chunky necklaces, bohemian earrings, or even sneakers for footwear. This approach can make a saree look effortlessly chic and suitable for informal events.

Layering and styling

Incorporate layers by adding capes, shrugs, or scarves to your saree ensemble. This adds depth and dimension, making the saree look fresh and suitable for a variety of settings beyond weddings.

ALSO READ: Want that snatched desi ‘It Girl’ saree look? Best colours and draping styles to make you look sleek and tall

  • Adrija Dey
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Adrija Dey

    Adrija Dey’s proclivity for observation fuels her storytelling instinct. As a lifestyle journalist, she crafts compelling, relatable narratives across diverse touchpoints of the human experience, including wellness, mental health, relationships, interior design, home decor, food, travel, and fashion that gently nudge readers toward living a little better. For her, stories exist in flesh and bones, carried by human vessels and shaped through everyday endeavours. It is the small stories we live and share that make us human. After all, humans and their lores are the most natural and raw repositories of stories, and uncovering them, for her, is akin to peeling an orange under a winter afternoon sun. Always up for a chat, she believes the best stories come from unfiltered yapping, where "too much information" is kind of the point. A graduate of Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, and an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Adrija spends her idle hours cocooned with herbal tea and a gripping thriller, scribbling inner monologues she loosely calls poetic pieces, often with her succulents in attendance. On lazier days, she can be found binge-watching, for the nth time, one from her comfort-show holy trinity: The Office (US), Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Modern Family. Dancing by herself to her peppy playlists, however, is an everyday ritual she swears by religiously.Read More

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