Unique Saree Styling Ideas for Navratri | Taneira Tips

The nine days of Navratri are filled with devotion, celebration, jubilation, and quality time spent with loved ones. Celebrated in many unique ways all over India, during these nine days, the streets come alive with Dandiya performances, houses and temples are adorned with lights and flowers, magnificent pandals dot the cities and welcome the devotees with open arms.

Navratri also gives everyone an opportunity to dress up in their finest ethnic wear clothes as bthey come together with friends and family to offer prayers to the Goddess and celebrate in their beautiful ways. While devotees plan and host various puja ceremonies during the day, cultural celebrations are held in the evening. On each day, it is considered auspicious to dress in the nine colours associated with the nine days of Navratri, and people embrace the tradition by flaunting sarees in those colours. Thus, Navratri provides the perfect opportunity to flaunt various styles and fabrics—from opulent Silks to lightweight Chiffons and Georgettes.

No matter which Navratri saree you choose for each of the rituals, here are some creative ideas to help you style your saree for the nine days:

1. Belted Saree: Wear your saree in the classic Nivi style with the pallu pinned up on the shoulder or flowing gracefully at the back. Add a statement belt to your saree for a contemporary touch, transforming the traditional drape into a chic, modern look. Depending on the saree you choose and the occasion you’re dressing up for, you can try a variety of belts. For instance, go for a mirror work embellished belt for a Dandiya night, wear a thick leather belt for a glamorous Diwali party or stick to a sleek fabric belt for a get-together with friends.

How to Accessorize:

Since the belt is going to be the highlight of your look, keep the accessories minimal. Pair your belted saree with hoop earrings or basic studs that add a touch of elegance.

2. Layering with a Jacket: If you’d like to try out a modern Navratri outfit, start with picking a jacket that complements your saree. A long, flowy jacket will go well with an embellished Georgette saree, whereas a fitted Brocade jacket will be a great choice for a Banarasi or South Silk saree. Mixing and matching colours, patterns and textures is also a fun idea. For instance, a solid-coloured jacket can provide a striking contrast against a patterned saree, while a block print jacket can be paired with a plain saree. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the draping style as you can always flaunt it with the jacket left open from the front.

How to Accessorize:

When styling your saree with a jacket, it is best to keep your jewellery minimal to maintain a balanced look. While you can skip the necklace, try on a stack of bangles, delicate ear cuffs or a cocktail ring to complete your look.

3. Gujarati Front Pallu Style Drape: Embrace the vibrant spirit of Garba by draping your saree in the traditional Gujarati front pallu style. In this style, the pallu always comes over the right shoulder. Begin with tucking the saree in the petticoat and making the pleats as usual. Take the rest of the saree to the back, make neat pleats using the pallu and then bring it to the front from over the right shoulder. You can keep the pleats pinned or fan them out in the front to showcase the pallu’s bold colours, intricate patterns and embellishments. For this drape, choose a Chanderi or Georgette Bandhani saree as the flowy silhouette allows you to sway gracefully to the beats of the Garba music.

How to Accessorize:

Accessorize your Gujarati-style saree with oxidized jewellery to enhance the festive look. Flaunt a statement silver necklace, big jhumkas and bangles as you participate in the joyous celebration of Garba.

4. Dhoti Style Drape: This Navratri dress is recommended for Garba nights and other festive celebrations. Instead of making the usual pleats while draping your saree, pleat in front like a dhoti and then tuck it in at the back. You can either drape the pallu over the shoulder or take it around your neck for a stylish look. The Dhoti style drape is easy to carry and is one of the most comfortable ways to wear a saree, especially on long days.

How to Accessorize:

Make a statement as you wear your dhoti-style saree with a crop top and chunky jewellery.

5. Lehenga Style Saree: Wearing a lehenga-style saree on one of the days of Navratri is a wonderful choice. Wrap the saree around your waist like a pleated skirt and ensure all the pleats are neatly tucked into the petticoat as well. While the lower part of the saree resembles a skirt, let the pallu flow over the shoulder like a dupatta. Complete the look by taking the end of the pallu to the opposite arm and tying it around your bangles like a lehenga’s dupatta.

How to Accessorize:

Opt for chandbalis or consider a multi-layered necklace that matches the saree's embellishments. A maang tikka is also a stunning addition to complete your lehenga- style saree look.

6. Bengali Style Drape: Dress up like a true Bengali boudi in one of Taneira’s Lal Paar sarees as you visit a Durga Puja pandal in your city. The Bengali drape is a charming way to wear a saree. Begin by tucking the saree into the petticoat and make broad pleats that are neatly tucked as well. Once this is done, make pleats with the pallu and let it go over your left shoulder. You can either pin the pallu or let it flow gracefully behind your back. Finally, take the end of the pallu from the back and bring it to the front from the right side and over your right shoulder.

How to Accessorize:

Traditional gold jewellery (including small jhumkis, necklaces and a maang tika) are sure to complement your Bengali-style saree. Don’t forget to add a big red bindi for that extra touch!

7. Saree Styled with Peplum Top: Pairing a saree with a peplum-style blouse is a modern twist that can be added to any traditional or contemporary saree. To style this Navratri dress, flaunt a fitted peplum-style top that complements the colour, fabric and work of your saree. The peplum top adds structure to the outfit, lending it a contemporary touch.

How to Accessorize:

A peplum top featuring spaghetti straps can be paired with a choker necklace for a chic look, while a full-sleeve top can be paired with a long chain and pendant for a sophisticated look.

8. Cape Style Saree Draping: Dressing up sarees with capes has become a trend that saree lovers everywhere are adorning. Capes that feature embroidery, sequins or other embellishments, or those that are made from traditional zari woven fabrics can make your look more formal. If you're wearing a heavier saree, choose a lighter cape, and vice versa.

How to Accessorize:

Capes are excellent accessories over sarees and are best clubbed with oversized studs. Choose a cape with elbow-length bell sleeves and you can even flaunt beautiful kadas with your outfit.

9. Mumtaz Style Saree: Last but not least, this saree draping style is an excellent choice for dressing up on the grand finale of Navratri. Take inspiration from Mumtaz’s famous saree style where the saree is draped in a way that forms multiple layers in the front. This retro saree draping style turns out best in fabrics like Silk, Georgette and Chiffon. However, try to pick a saree with a prominent border so that it is highlighted in the layers that appear on the front.

How to Accessorize:

Pair this saree with bold accessories and vintage-inspired jewellery for a retro vibe. This is sure to make it a perfect choice for festive occasions or themed events.

From Pujo pandal hopping and Garba nights to pre-Diwali parties and puja ceremonies during Navratri, people get together to dance, laugh and create memories that last a lifetime. It’s a time for bonding, indulging in special festive meals, dressing up in your favourite sarees and celebrating the spirit of togetherness. Shop for sarees at Taneira and drape them in your own creative ways for the perfect pictures this festive season.