Saris have always been part of our wardrobe. Be it in the form of traditional Kanchipuram or Benarasi saris passed on from our grandmas, to the modern chiffon ones with funky fish or stripes printed on them. Touted to be one of the most versatile garments of all time, the sari can surely transform your look. Just as the sari has undergone transformations over the years, the blouse has changed from roukas and tie-up blouses to those with different sleeve lengths and sexy cholis. They also come in modern silhouettes now.
“Gone are the days when you had to wait to get a matching blouse stitched to wear a sari, Today, comfort is the new sexy,” says Mumbai-based stylist Chandni Sinha. Moreover, the blouses needn't have a fitted bodice or show too much skin any more. A ruffle detail here, some sheer fabric there is all you need to get the temperatures soaring now. Less is more, seems to be the new mantra. Here are some ways in which you can wear these unconventional blouses.
Crop tops: A crop top is slightly longer than your regular blouse. It can either be fitted or have a boxy fit to it. While styling a crop top with a sari, almost anything goes. You can play with print on print, pick a plain blouse to go with a printed sari or vice-versa. Crop tops, especially those with a closed neck, is a great choice for a corporate look. Pair a plain crop top with a block-print or any other handloom weave with a traditional print like ikat or tie and dye.
A boxy fit blouse makes you feel comfortable and not change out of the sari as soon as possible for some respite. It also reduces chances of any wardrobe slip-ups with unwanted straps showing.
T-shirts: They can be a great way to add some casual charm to your sari look. T-shirts go well with printed saris. A plain white t-shirt is your best bet when it comes to being paired with a sari. Striped and polka dot t-shirts are a great pick, too. Be careful not to choose clashing colours and opt for light and breezy saris made from fabrics like chiffon, georgette and linen to be paired with t-shirt blouses. Don't shy away from experimenting with sleeve length and sleeve styles.
Shirts: Shirts, too, are a great option to add a modern twist to your saris. While a short white shirt will be the safe choice, there's no harm in trying out striped or printed shirts. Just make sure that the prints don't clash too much.
You can off-set a heavily embroidered sari or a brightly coloured one with a cropped, white shirt. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, try a peplum style shirt or blouse to go with the sari. Another easy way to choose the right shirt would be to go with a lighter shade of the sari's colour.
Chandni shares her favourite way of styling a modern blouse with a sari. “Pick a contrasting boxy crop or a fitted crop top and give your sari a modern twist. My favourite style these days is a cropped collared shirt with a sari. It is a striking blend of feminine and androgyny. Add a chunky neck piece or a pair of statement earrings to give the ensemble an edge and add a finishing touch with a bindi.”
According to Latha Sunadh, Mumbai-based style writer and founder of Rocksalt, a brand that curates uppada saris, “Benarasi saris go well with cropped white shirts while handloom saris like uppada, chanderi and maheshwari go well with crop tops.” An important piece of advice she shares is, “Since your top is innovative, don't drown it in accessories. A pair of hoops or chaandbalis work very well with them. Go without necklaces.”
Other ways to add a modern twist to your sari is pair it with kurta-style crop tops, waist coats, jackets and tank tops. Bell sleeves, cold shoulders and ruffle detail can be tried, too.
