Draping Styles That Make Your Saree Pop: Celebrity Inspired Looks
Sarees are timeless, but the way you drape them can completely transform your look. Celebrities, especially Bollywood stars, have popularized innovative draping styles that make even the simplest saree look glamorous. From traditional Nivi drapes to contemporary cape or belt styles, the way you style your saree can elevate your presence at parties, weddings, or fashion events.
This guide explores celebrity-inspired saree draping ideas, styling tips, accessories, and fabrics that allow you to make a statement while staying true to your personal fashion sense.
Classic Nivi Drape: Elegance Redefined
The Nivi drape is the quintessential saree style, worn by celebrities at both casual and formal events. It’s simple, versatile, and suits almost all body types.
Why Choose the Nivi Drape?
Timeless appeal: Works for weddings, parties, and traditional ceremonies.
Easy to manage: Ideal for long events and functions.
Versatile: Looks great with silk, georgette, chiffon, or designer sarees.
Celebrity Inspiration: Actresses like Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt often showcase variations of the Nivi drape in award shows and red carpet appearances.
Styling Tip: Pair with statement earrings, layered necklaces, or a delicate waist belt, and let your pallu flow elegantly for a sophisticated effect.
Lehenga-Style Drape: Fusion of Tradition and Glamour
The lehenga-style drape creates the illusion of a lehenga skirt while still maintaining the elegance of a saree. This style is perfect for heavy embroidery, sequin, or designer sarees.
Why It Works:
Adds volume and movement, giving a grand appearance.
Ideal for weddings, sangeets, or cocktail parties.
Makes intricate saree designs more visible and dramatic.
Celebrity Inspiration: Bollywood brides and actresses often choose this style for wedding receptions, combining traditional fabrics with contemporary blouses.
Styling Tip: Accessorize with a bold belt, chandbalis, statement clutch, and metallic heels to complete the glamorous look.
Belted Saree: Modern Edge
The belted saree has become a favorite among fashion-forward celebrities for its contemporary twist. By adding a belt over the pallu, you can accentuate your waist and create a structured silhouette.
Why Choose Belted Drapes?
Provides structure and keeps the pallu in place.
Ideal for party wear or designer sarees.
Adds a chic and youthful touch to your ensemble.
Celebrity Inspiration: Actresses like Sonam Kapoor, Ananya Panday, and Kiara Advani often sport belted sarees at fashion events and magazine shoots.
Styling Tip: Pair with metallic belts, sleek heels, and minimal jewellery to highlight the drape without overwhelming the outfit.
Cape or Jacket Style: Red Carpet Ready
The cape or jacket drape is one of the trendiest saree styles in 2025, adding a regal yet modern vibe to your outfit. This look works beautifully with designer, party wear, or Bollywood-inspired sarees.
Why Choose Cape Drapes?
Adds drama and volume to the saree.
Works with light fabrics like georgette or chiffon.
Perfect for fashion events, parties, or celebrity-inspired photoshoots.
Celebrity Inspiration: Bollywood actresses, including Kiara Advani and Alia Bhatt, have popularized cape drapes on red carpets and award nights.
Styling Tip: Keep accessories minimal; let the cape or jacket be the focal point. Pair with sleek hairstyles, stilettos, or embellished heels.
Double Pallu Drape: Statement-Making Saree Style
The double pallu drape uses two pallus, allowing you to showcase intricate designs or contrasting fabrics. It’s perfect for bridal events or high-fashion statements.
Why It Works:
Adds visual interest and elegance.
Highlights embroidery, sequin work, or zari borders.
Makes your saree look luxurious and celebrity-inspired.
Celebrity Inspiration: This style is often seen in high-profile weddings or magazine photoshoots, where actresses want to maximize the dramatic effect of their saree.
Styling Tip: Pair with delicate jewellery, like a thin choker or dangling earrings, and keep the rest of the look minimal to avoid clutter.
Accessorizing Your Celebrity-Inspired Saree Look
Accessories can make or break a saree outfit. Choosing the right combination complements the drape style and adds polish.
Jewellery
Nivi or Lehenga-style drape → layered necklaces, chandbalis.
Belted saree → sleek studs or minimalist chokers.
Cape/jacket saree → statement rings or earrings.
Double pallu → subtle, elegant jewellery to avoid competing with the drape.
Footwear
Heels or wedges for belted, cape, or lehenga-style drapes.
Juttis or block heels for classic Nivi drapes or casual events.
Hairstyles
Loose waves for flowing Nivi drapes.
Sleek buns or ponytails for belted or cape sarees.
Braids or floral hair accessories for lehenga or double pallu styles.
Bags/Clutches
Metallic clutches for modern drapes.
Embroidered potlis for traditional looks.
Minimalist bags for sleek, celebrity-inspired styling.
Fabrics That Enhance Celebrity-Inspired Drapes
Choosing the right fabric is crucial to making your drape look effortless:
Silk Sarees: Best for lehenga-style and double pallu drapes.
Georgette or Chiffon: Flowy fabrics work well for belted or cape drapes.
Designer Sarees with Embroidery/Sequins: Ideal for red carpet or party wear.
Lightweight Cotton or Cotton-Silk Blends: Great for casual or semi-formal draping.
Tip: Opt for fabrics that hold pleats well for structured drapes or flow gracefully for a softer, celebrity-like appearance.
Lifestyle & Styling Tips
Experiment Freely: Mix classic drapes with modern accessories to make your look unique.
Balance Accessories: Choose jewellery and bags proportional to the saree’s detailing.
Comfort First: Ensure freedom of movement, especially in party or reception drapes.
Play with Colors: Jewel tones, pastels, metallics, and two-tone sarees work beautifully for celebrity-inspired looks.
Confidence Matters: Your poise enhances the impact of any drape.