Kulhad chai, chaat, Ganga ghat and a suhana din. Poets and pujaris share a torrid love affair with Banaras, one of the holiest cities of India. If the paan, kachori, Ganga aarti and a boat trip across the holy river don’t excite you, there is one thing definitely will – a Banarasi saree. A Banarasi saree look is unbeatable and unmatchable. The six yards of silk handwoven to perfection is the perfect outfit for brides, bridesmaids and even for loners like us who attend these weddings. It is one of the most famous silk sarees after all! Just like the poets, we have fallen in love with Banaras too, especially the sarees. This wedding season, you ought to wear one! Let us help you with the myriad of Banarasi sarees out there.
Which color Banarasi saree is best?
While we don’t play favourites, we can’t deny that some colours are just meant for Banarasi sarees. If you ask us, we would say the red banarasi saree look, black banarasi saree look, pink banarasi saree look, green banarasi saree look are ultimate. Like we said, playing favourites is not our thing. So we have made a list of the top Banarasi saree looks in lovely colours that will pull all the focus on you. In case you don’t know how to wear saree, sit back and relax. We’ve got you. Take notes, ladies!
1. Cerulean Blue Banarasi Saree
A graceful cerulean blue (Devil Wear Prada fans where you at?) Banarasi saree look will make you the center of attention. This silk saree has beautiful Banarasi motifs with Anita Dongre’s signature gota patti border. It is embellished with sequins and pearls all over. Your mother is bound to say “haaye, nazar na lage!” when she will see you in this saree!
Pair it with: The cerulean blue will look great with a beige or golden blouse. You can tie your hair in a knot bun or a messy bun. We wouldn’t suggest heavy jewellery – just a pair of polki earrings and a ring. A dainty rose gold watch to complete the accessories. Golden platform heels and you are all set to go!
2. Parrot Green Banarasi Saree
A unique colour, this parrot green Banarasi saree quickly caught our attention. It’s hard to decide if we like the brocade or the pallu more! The material is pure georgette khadi which means it won’t be stuffy for you but quite comfy on the contrary. The gold weaves look so beautiful on the green canvas!
Pair it with: Is your Banarasi saree look even complete without some top-notch makeup? A nude lipstick, smokey eyes with dramatic eyelashes and some blush to highlight your cheeks would be our humble suggestion. A contrasting blouse like the cobalt blue one in the picture looks good but how about you select the same shade of green for the blouse as well? It will look subdued yet attractive. Again, minimal jewellery. Gold studs, a bracelet and ring would do. You can also add a long temple necklace (gold). Don’t forget to carry a golden clutch with you!
3. Hot Pink Banarasi Saree
Don’t deny it, we have all had a thing for Bollywood actresses in sarees. The heartbeat of every 90’s kid, Shilpa Shetty just proves our former statement. Her hot pink Banarasi saree look is absolutely stunning! The traditional motifs get a contemporary touch due to the jewel tones, making it look rich and royal. Handwoven silk sarees like this one have a certain charm, don’t they?
Pair it with: Banarasi saree look with gajra? Never thought a gajra would pair well but this stunner just schooled us. So yes, go on and adorn your hair with a beautiful gajra. A pair of silver jhumkas and a chunky bracelet should do the trick. Coming to the makeup, keep it as simple as you can. The blouse can be a collared, v-neck blouse with golden motifs on the sleeves. Wear golden kitten heels or strappy flats with this pink saree. Perfecto!
4. Magenta Purple Banarasi Saree
Floral motifs hold a special place in every desi saree lover’s heart. This magenta-purple Banarasi silk saree with gold floral motifs, a gold border and heavy pallu is simply elegant. This wedding season magenta-purple is going to be the ‘it’ colour for bridesmaids, so why not just add it to your list of online shopping in India.
Pair it with: The jade blue velvet blouse worn by the model looks surprisingly good with this magenta purple Banarasi saree. If you are opting for a round neck blouse you can wear a gold or silver choker necklace, a pair of kanbalis and a few bangles on one arm. Golden wedges, a stunning white and golden clutch and you already look like a million bucks, madam!
5. Bridal Red Banarasi Saree
Another favourite saree with floral motifs is this bridal red or crimson red Banarasi saree with a golden border and colourful pallu. The colour is soothing and igniting at the same time. It is the perfect Banarasi saree look for a wedding!
Pair it With: A beautiful red banarasi silk saree like this one deserves temple jewellery. A necklace with Goddess Laxmi and ruby pearls with matching jhumkas will just steal the show! Nude makeup with shimmery eyeshadow, or even a red lippie if you fancy one and a strong highlighter game.
6. Mustard Yellow Banarasi Saree
This mustard yellow satin silk saree with yellow and green stripes is a head-turner. What makes it special is the fact that it is handwoven! A silk saree in such a pretty colour deserves a spot in your trousseau. It is the Banarasi saree look for haldi ceremony, mehendi ceremony, cocktail sangeet and even day weddings.
Pair it with: The saree speaks volumes for itself. Pairing it with chunky accessories or loud makeup will kill the look. Instead go for dainty golden studs, a bracelet and a choker if you are feeling extra fancy. Let the makeup be muted – little or no makeup on the eyes, nude lipstick and a bit of blush. You should definitely carry a clutch when you wear this saree.
7. Red Banarasi Saree
An exquisite red Banarasi saree look never goes wrong. Especially when the saree has floral jaal and an impressive border like this one. The saree has the right amount of drama and the oomph factor! Disclaimer: all eyes might just be on you when you turn up in this saree. You may also get 12-15 rishtas on the spot. Just be prepared!
Pair it with: Wear a red sleeveless blouse with a scalloped v-neck with this saree. Accessorize it with a choker or no necklace, big round studs, a kundan bracelet and a larger-than-life ring. Nude makeup (okay maybe you can call us fans of nude makeup). Wear your hair in a half bun and the job is done.
8. Black Banarasi Saree
Until now we mostly saw sarees with golden motifs. Finally here is a saree with silver zari bootis and meenakari detailing. Can we all take a moment to appreciate the wonderful pallu? Black sarees are often not appreciated but how can anyone say no to this saree? One look at this beauty and we want our friends to get married ASAP so we can wear this! The makers describe the fabric as ‘soft as butter’ so that’s another plus point for us.
Pair it with: Love love loveee the blouse the model is wearing! A white silk blouse with puffed net sleeves would be our recommendation as well. A black silk blouse with a silver zari border also makes the cut. Go for a maroon lipstick and kohled eyes.
9. Saffron Banarasi Saree
Such a lovely saffron colour! The colour denotes warmth and energy, a little something we all need. This saree has a diagonal floral ‘jangla’ or jaal with a heavy zari pallu. The border has hints of magenta pink which lifts the whole Banarasi silk saree look. Grab this beautiful saree on Online Shopping App.
Pair it with: Since the border has hints of magenta pink, you have to wear it with a magenta pink silk or velvet blouse! A maang-tikka is optional but earrings and a necklace are not. A potli bag with floral embroidery and embellishments would look great with this saree.
10. Mint Blue Banarasi Saree
Pastels are all rage during the wedding season. How could we leave out this gorgeous mint blue Banarasi saree from the list? The golden meenakari work makes it even more appealing. It is a pure Katan silk saree, so your body will be thanking you for the softest and comfortable fabric. This is easily one of the best sarees on the list!
Pair it with: A silk blouse but in a darker shade of blue, like peacock blue. Banarasi saree look with jewellery of polki and diamonds is even better. A set consisting of earrings, bracelet and a ring would be perfect for this saree. Leave your hair in soft curls or beach waves to complete the look. Strappy heels all the way for this saree!
11. Lilac Banarasi Saree
Just like a Banarasi saree, the lilac shade never goes out of fashion. The intricate designs of the flora and fauna make this saree look even richer. This saree is exactly what you need to wear for your sister’s wedding.
Pair it With: Keep it extremely simple as the saree is quite rich. Stitch a blouse of the same fabric and wear round studs with it. No drama with the jewellery or makeup.
12. Maroon Banarasi Saree
This remarkable maroon Banarasi saree has golden bootis, bird and animal motifs, vines, flora and fauna. It is made of pure silver zari. The maroon shade is quite impressive. This saree comes to our mind when we think of a banarasi saree bridal look. Any bride would look incredible in this Banarasi saree look!
Pair it With: Wear a matching sleeveless or 3/4th sleeve blouse. A fine set of bridal jewellery would pair well with this maroon Banarasi saree. A pair of golden heels to adorn the feet, please. Hair in a bun covered in gajra. Don’t forget to wear some gold bangles as well.
Just remember, when you purchase a Banarasi saree you have to take great care of it. You can only dry clean it, wrap it in muslin cloth and store it in a cool, dark place. You also have to make sure that it does not come in contact with cloth moths.
A Banarasi saree looks splendid, no matter which season, which function or which year it is. Many different types of sarees exist, but none like the timeless Banarasi!
