As we approach the season for year-end festivals, it’s a perfect opportunity to showcase your cultural heritage through traditional outfits that enhance your beauty. Whether you prefer a salwar kameez, Anarkali, or lehenga, these gorgeous options can make you stand out, especially if you choose a unique design. However, one thing that can transform your entire look is your dupatta. So here are some best ways to drape your dupatta.
Dupattas are adaptable pieces of clothing that can be styled in many ways to fit your taste. With a variety of fabrics, colors, and prints to choose from, a dupatta can instantly elevate your outfit and add a touch of elegance.
So, if you want to add a special touch to your traditional attire, consider experimenting with different ways to drape your dupatta. You can try the classic drape, the one-shoulder drape, the double dupatta drape, the belted drape, and many more. Each style has its own charm and can be adapted to suit different occasions and moods.
Different Best Ways To Drape Your Dupatta
1. The Classic Drape
The classic drape is a timeless way to style a dupatta. It involves draping the dupatta over both shoulders with the ends falling evenly on either side. This style is perfect for formal occasions as it creates a cultured and graceful look. You can also pin the dupatta on the shoulder for added security and to prevent it from slipping off.
To achieve the classic drape, start by placing the center of the dupatta at the back of your neck and letting the ends fall over your shoulders. Ensure the length on both sides is even. You can either leave the dupatta loose or pin it on both shoulders. You can also adjust the length of the dupatta according to your
preference.
2. One Shoulder Drape
If you are looking for a way to add a touch of glamour to your traditional outfit, the one-side shoulder drape is an excellent option, particularly for Anarkali suits with heavy dupattas. It is also a popular option for females who like to show off their lehenga blouses. This style allows your neck design to sparkle and adds a contrasting view to your overall outlook.
Sometimes, your salwar suit might have heavy embroidery or Zari design on it, making it unnecessary to wear a dupatta. However, you might still lack something from the outfit. That’s where the simple one-shoulder dupatta drape comes in. It can complete your look and turn heads even in a crowd, leaving you satisfied with what you’re wearing.
3. Pleats
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making pleats on your dupatta – it’s actually easier than you might think! Start by holding the entire width of your dupatta with one hand, carefully fold it in half, and then in half again until you can no longer fold it. Next, make sure all the borders are on one side and tuck them on the other to create a neat, absolutely pleated dupatta. To assure all your efforts don’t go to waste, remember to pin the pleats on your salwar. Pleated dupattas offer plenty of room for experimentation and styling. With some creativity, you can show off your beautiful pleated dupatta in a variety of ways.
4. Shoulder And Wrist Drape
For occasions that require you to showcase your ethnic style and also allow you to move freely, opting for a stunning embroidered or intricately designed dupatta can be a great choice. Attach one end to each side of your shoulders, and wrap the other end around your wrist. This style works best with salwar chunnis, which are long enough to drape easily without slipping off. This look not only adds a touch of elegance but also allows you to show off your dance moves without any hindrance. So, go ahead and sway to the beats while looking fabulous in this draped style.
5. Two-Sided Wrist And Arm Drape
Last year, there was a huge demand for Punjabi dresses paired with Banarasi dupattas. This combination is truly beautiful and can be worn in several ways, but the best way to showcase its exquisite designs is through a two-sided wrist drape. Instead of draping it over one shoulder, which may not allow the designs to peek out, you can drape it over both your wrists, creating a stunning and sophisticated effect.
6. Huge Pleats With A Waist Belt
Adding a waist belt to your ethnic attire can be a game-changer, and it’s a great way to accentuate your curves. You can take it up a notch by pairing it with a dupatta and creating a beautiful silhouette. To do this, fold your dupatta into broad pleats, leaving only the corner zari visible. Next, wrap the dupatta around your waist and secure it with a waist belt. Choose an opposite color to create a stunning effect.
This style works well with lehengas and Anarkali suits, and you should place your dupatta’s zari design on the back side for a perfect finish. It’s a fabulous way to add some glamour to your ethnic wear, making you look sophisticated and elegant.
7. One Side Cowl
For those times when you want to add a modern or Indo-western touch to your outfit, there’s an easy way to do it without compromising the elegance of your traditional attire. Instead of draping your dupatta in the usual traditional style, you can make a simple change that will make a huge difference in your overall look.
All you have to do is pin your dupatta on both shoulders, leaving one side open, preferably the left side for ease of movement. This is a great way to showcase the intricate designs and patterns of your dupatta, while also giving it a contemporary
twist. It works especially well with lighter, more flowy dupattas that are perfect for parties, weddings, or any other special occasion. With this easy style, you can add a touch of modernity to your traditional outfit and stand out in the crowd.
8. Cross Draping
Enhancing your churidar suit with a dupatta can be effortlessly done by bringing both the edges of the dupatta by length together and pinning it. Then, wear it over either side of your shoulders. You can make it look even finer by making pleats, which will make the patterns curve over your shoulders, drape over your waist, and be secured beneath your thighs. This style is perfect for those who want a simple yet elegant look, and it can be worn at any event or function. Further, you can try out various color combinations to make your outfit stand out even more.
9. Fully Wrapped
Drape a gorgeously embroidered dupatta over yourself and feel like a true princess, you can even elegantly cover your head to create a regal look. It’s like reliving childhood memories of playing dress-up with your mom’s prized dupatta, but this time it’s for real! Don’t forget to accessorize with large statement earrings to complete the look.
10. Rajarani Style
Are you ready to channel your inner goddess? The gopi drape, named after the way goddesses dressed in ancient times, is a stunning way to add a royal touch to your outfit. It is particularly popular for special occasions, including pujas and events. This draping style is also known as the Rajrani style and is best suited for Lehenga Cholis, Punjabi and Patiala suits, and even shararas.
While it may require some effort, the outcome is certainly worth it. To achieve this look, mind these easy efforts. First, drape the dupatta over your head and converge the two ends. Take one end and make broad pleats, placing them over your left shoulder. Tuck the pleats in and let the rest of the dupatta fall on your back. Next, take the other end and make pleats as well, placing them over your right shoulder. Finally, adjust the pleats to your liking and secure them in place with a pin.
11. Use Two Dupattas At Once
Experimenting with dupatta draping can lead to some amazing and unique looks. And, using two different draping patterns for your dupatta can create a stunning contrast that catches everyone’s attention. This technique is especially suited for dhoti salwar suits that require more volume.
To try this style, spread your heavily embroidered dupatta across your chest and secure it with pins. Then, take your second dupatta, which could be a lighter shade or a shimmering material, and wrap it around your waist, securing it with your arms. This approach creates a completely covered look while still allowing you to show off both dupattas in their full glory.
12. Layers
During the height of Madhuri Dixit’s popularity, it was a common sight to see women emulating her style by layering their dupattas in a similar manner. This involved tucking both ends of the dupatta into the shoulders to create a distinctive V-shaped pattern over the chest. Even today, there is something enduring about the fashion sense of the early 2000s that continues to captivate us.
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