How NOT to Wear A Saree

The wedding is magnificent and colorful. The scent of exotic, tropical flowers wafts around the excited participants, lifting and enlivening the celebration. Loud, boisterous music fills the crowded room. You have chosen to wear a traditional Indian dress. But something is terribly wrong. As you enter the hall you see and feel the weight of glaring eyes upon you, especially those of the mother of the bride. A twisting knot begins to form in your stomach as you finally realize that your clothes may not be as appropriate as you first thought. And then, as you step back to exit the scene, your heel catches on the material that you so haphazardly slung over your left shoulder when dressing. The fall, which was loud and disruptive, was caused by the improper length of that fabric. While attempting to stand up and recoup some form of dignity, the top of the dress falls off your shoulder, inviting further gasps from the stunned guests. Furthermore your cleavage stands out like Dolly Parton's because your blouse was too low-cut. And finally, the remaining un-even pleats you made fall out completely because your petticoat was too loose. This scenario is a good example of how NOT to wear a saree; that simple but elegant time-honored Indian traditional dress. So, avoid these embarrassing fashion faux pas by following some easy tips.

The saree comes in many different styles and materials and there are various ways of wearing it depending on the location. Choosing one that fits a particular personality and character won't be a problem. When buying this beautiful garment you should remember the following tips. Always purchase a nicely fitting petticoat to go under the dress. By that, I mean a tightly fitting petticoat that cannot be seen while standing. The wearer will accomplish two important fashion standards by following this advice. First you will avoid the taboo of showing your petticoat under the dress and secondly, you will be able to keep your dress tucked in properly, including the pleats.

The blouse or choli is also a very important piece of your outfit when wearing a saree. Traditional fashion in India dictates that the blouse should sufficiently cover the breasts of the wearer. Usually the blouse is short, exposing the midriff. This is fine. The blouse also serves another purpose. When wrapping the dress, a part of it is worn over your left shoulder reaching down to about the back of the knee. This section usually exhibits the beautifully decorated pallu. The blouse provides an area to pin that extra material on the left shoulder so it does not fall off. It is considered in bad taste when the dress falls off the shoulder.

There are a few other equally important tips to consider when wearing a saree. While wrapping the dress, the pleats which are worn toward the front of the garment are folded and tucked into the petticoat. These pleats should always be neat and evenly folded. Additionally, don't wear your dress too long or too short. Just barely exposing the toes means the dress is just the right length. Finally, put these tips into action to avoid embarrassment when wearing your traditional dress.