Introduction
Indian ethnic outfits are almost incomplete without a dupatta. It is an essential attire that adds elegance and grace to your outfit. Whether you are wearing a simple casual suit or a heavy party suit, wearing a dupatta completes the attire and gives a charming look. It has been in the fashion industry since times immemorial. Our grandmothers used to wear a it in a very different style; however, the time has changed. Styles of wearing a dupatta may have changed, but It has remained the same way, and it is no surprise. Nowadays, you get many dupattas available like chanderi dupatta, heavy embroidery dupatta, and much more.
Indian ethnic wear enhances the inner glow and beauty of a woman. So, what’s better than experimenting with dupattas, right? There may be times when you have thought of wearing a traditional outfit, but you ditched it due to the dupatta becoming a hassle. Here are some gorgeous options to drape a dupatta and eventually change your entire look. Learning about different draping styles is never too late, so here you go.
The Classic Drape
Before we get into some complicated draping styles and designs of dupatta, we must acknowledge the classic ones. You can drape it across your shoulders. This is all you need to look simply gorgeous. The classic draping style is every day for most women who wear salwar suits regularly. If you find your dupatta becoming a problem in the middle of something, pin it to both ends of the shoulder so that it does not slide and gives you much hassle.
One-side shoulder drape
The one-side shoulder drape looks the best on Anarkali suits with a heavy dupatta. However, you can style it with your regular salwar suit or kurta. You can flaunt the neck design of your outfit with this kind of styling. One-side shoulder drape is also standard for women wearing a lehenga and a blouse. Sometimes, you may not feel like a dupatta, so a one-side drape becomes an easy option. You can add a charming look to your outfit by draping a contrasting dupatta. This style can turn heads in a crowd and gives you satisfaction with what you wear.
Pleats
Making pleats of a dupatta is way easier than you imagine it. Stretch out your hand, hold the width of the entire dupatta, and fold it in half, and then again half until the remaining length cannot be folded. Now, ensure that all the edges are on the side and start folding on the other. And there you go; you have done the perfect pleating of your dupatta. Pin it with your outfit so that it does not open. You can experiment a lot while plating and styling your dupatta.
Shoulder and wrist drape
The shoulder and wrist draping style allow you to be modern and traditional, both at the same time. Suppose you are in an event where you must look traditional but also show some dance moves. In that case, you can pick a heavily embroidered dupatta and pin it on either side of your shoulders, wrapping it around your arms. Kota Doria dupatta looks best in this styling and is pretty easy to carry.
Two-side wrist and arm drape
Remember when there was a trend of Punjabi dresses with a banarasi dupatta? The two-side wrist and arm draping style is a beautiful combination in a trend that can be worn in multiple ways but is best suited for it. Instead of draping it on one side, put it on both sides, drop your wrist and flaunt your dupatta.
Pleats with a waist belt
A waist belt is an excellent accessory to add to any outfit, modern or traditional. For styling your dupatta in pleats with a waist belt, fold broad so that the corner zari is visible, and belt it up. Please make sure your colour contrasts as many bright colours won’t look good at once. It may look heavy and a little too much. You can also try this draping with Anarkali suits and lehenga. Place the pleats on one side of your shoulder, and there you go.
Rani Style Drape
Are you already getting the feel of a royal princess? Also known as gopi drape, it gets style from how goddesses, queens, and princesses of the royal house dressed up in ancient times. This draping style gives you a complete royal look, not just at weddings and events but in religious gatherings like a puja. You can style this with Punjabi suits, Patiala suits, and even a lehenga. All you need to do is drape your dupatta like the saree’s pallu and tuck it from the right side on the waist. Bring the remaining part from leftover your left shoulder. It’s an easy way to drape and also looks beautiful and unique.
Cross Draping
It is one of the easiest ways to style a dupatta while wearing a kurta, cigarette pants, or churidar. Bring both the edges of the dupatta together, pin it and wear it over either side of your shoulders. You may make pleats or let them fall over your waist to cover your thighs. You can drape it using different fabrics like chiffon or a chanderi dupatta.
The Final Thought
Draping your dupatta and styling your outfit according to it is quite important as we need to keep up with the latest trends and look our best. Even a simple salwar suit can look more elegant with how you drape It. It is a form of art, and you can be an artist too. Just learn a few skills, and you are good to go. Pick and choose fabrics like Kota Doria dupatta and georgette to make you look even more appealing. Whether you wear your dupatta as protection or an accessory to your outfit be fashionable, and it all makes sense.