Summer weddings and monsoon nuptials may be frequently associated with romance, but the real winners are definitely winter weddings! The drop in temperatures ensures you get cuddly, either with your significant other or with your favourite jacket. But of course, you can’t wear your everyday hoodie over that expensive designer sari, so we know about a piece that you may not have considered just yet – sari jackets. These are not something that will stand out like an eyesore, but they’re crafted to match your drape. Even if you’re not going the ‘designer’ way, there are still ways to incorporate it into your look, like getting them tailored or using another ethnic jacket instead.
How to Style Sari Jackets?
Here are a few ways we loved, and you can let them act as inspiration for your next wedding outfit that comprises a saree with a jacket.
1) Saree With Caped Jacket
We’re no strangers to the fact that capes have been ruling the charts for a few years now. If we can welcome them with open arms in our western wear wardrobes, why can’t we do the same when it comes to our traditional wear closet? Next winter season, we say, get your hands on a caped jacket to go with your saree. You will look equal parts majestic and alluring, and also be able to layer up in the cold weather.
Your jacket can be sheer, or it can be made out of thicker fabrics like silk, brocade, etc. Depending on where the wedding will be and how cold it can get, you can make your choice. You also have the option of experimenting with lengths, so keep it in mind. Get your hands on this silhouette while online shopping in India or in top designer stores.
2) Saree With Blazer
Bring that boss girl vibe with you, wherever you go! A blazer as sari jackets will ensure all eyes are on you when you walk into the room. Not limited to just the boardroom, blazers are a power dressing essential, and why wouldn’t you want to be at the top of your game at the wedding celebrations. Enter like the diva you are in an iconic heritage draped adorned with a blazer. To step things up (quite literally), pair this look with your favourite high heels and ace the strut!
You’d be better off reaching for a statement, traditional jewellery for this one. It will work in amping up your look while giving you an edge over the rest of the guests, and that’s a pretty sweet bet.
3) Saree With Coat
We all know that winters in the north can get relentlessly chilly! To prevent catching a cold or much worse, the frostbite, it’s better to attend weddings prepped with the most suitable armour. A trenchcoat, and better yet, an ethnic one, can level up your saree game while acting as the perfect warm piece you need to make it through. A great tip by the fashion insiders is to either choose contrasting hues when layering or go with tonal pieces. We side by both, and you can make your choice depending on the kind of style you’re aiming for.
It’s also a great idea to introduce prints and patterns to your look. The key to nailing this is tons of experimenting though, and once you find the perfect pair, flaunt it flawlessly!
4) Saree With Long Jacket
With lots of embroidery and embellishments, long sheer sari jackets can act as the perfect plus one for your organza saree. If you don’t believe us, just take a look at Masoom Minawala’s standout pastel look! With hues of baby blue dominating her wedding style, we think she looks stunning in the fringed jacket.
When it comes to sheer pairings, sticking to the same colour palette is generally more fruitful than experimenting with contrasting hues. Apart from playing it safe, it lends a cleaner and more put-together appeal and works best for slightly chilly weather, and not huge temperature dips. To keep things lightweight, ensure that your jacket doesn’t have heavy embellishments and only subtle additions, or you might end up making your look extremely fussy.
5) Saree With Boxy Jacket
When it comes to donning the drape, one can expect lots of fluidity. Sarees bring in a feminine, sensual and graceful touch to your closet and they’re a staple for every Indian woman. Yes, there are hundreds of renditions that exist now, thanks to the brilliance of Indian designers, but there is still so much more you can do with your favourite drape! Like, pairing it with a boxy jacket.
When you add structure to a free-flowing silhouette, you know you’re bound to have a winning outfit. This is only possible when you can strike the right balance between the two, and that’s why choosing the correct jacket also plays a key role in styling the most statement-making look.
6) Saree With Denim Jacket
It’s no secret that a saree is as classic as it gets and as iconic as it gets too! But instead of going for a contemporary version of this wardrobe winner, why not stay true to culture and just add a western wear hero to your look instead? Yes, we are talking about the denim jacket doubled up as sari jackets, which may seem absurd and even out of place at first, but is a definite head-turner. Show up as the ‘cool girl’ you are in a denim jacket thrown strategically over a saree.
Our bet is on whites, pastels and black. None of the bold, radiant colors, as your denim needs to be perfectly aligned with your saree’s palette and not stick out like an eyesore.
7) Saree With Peplum Jacket
You may think of peplum as just something your western wear wardrobe will love, but update your traditional wear wardrobe with it and you’ll know what we mean. Playful, pretty and pleasing, peplum brings in an air of fun to your look and who doesn’t want that when it comes to wedding dressing? Indulge in frolick as you slip into a peplum jacket over your treasured saree and steal the show! Our bets have been placed on shorter, more cropped versions with an extra bit of flair.
Keep it cultural yet contemporary, and nail your wedding game with this key piece. Don’t forget to click the perfect pictures for your Instagram feed!
8) Saree With Shirt Jacket
When you’re looking for light layering pieces as opposed to heavy textile sari jackets, look no further than that shacket in your closet! If you think you can create a masterpiece of an #OOTD with whatever you have at hand, this will be one hell of a look for you. From making you appear like a desi diva to showcasing your stellar taste in style, the shacket will win you a lot of extra compliments, we guarantee!
A lot of fashionistas prefer defining their look further with a belt, or an additional tie-up with the pallu over the shirt, but you do you! Pick a cropped shirt if you please, or give in to the classic boyfriend fit for some volume.
9) Saree With Biker Jacket
Let the badass in you come out and shine in a biker jacket, but also the traditionally-rooted side of you take center stage in a saree! Bring these both together for an outfit with an edge, and watch as you make a memorable entry at any of the wedding events. Biker jackets, while known to be for the notorious ones, are also a great option for urban fashionistas looking to up the ante and experiment with something adventurous. No matter the kind of fabric or design you choose, or whether or not you want a flashy zipper, there is something for every personality.
If you ask us, we’d go for a saree with jacket blouse that is a cropped version for weather that isn’t chilly, and something longer and snugger for really low temperatures. Don’t forget the gloves, and opt for bolder shades like red, black, electric blue, etc.
10) Saree With High Neck Jacket
The one piece that feels like you’re wrapped up in a warm embrace has got to be a full-sleeved, high neck jacket. Meant to be worn over cultural sarees, this wardrobe winner among other sari jackets is as functional as it is stunning. Refrain from wearing it over heavier fabrics though, as that might prove to be a source of discomfort. To amp things up, bring out your best choker and place it exactly at the collar.
You can also use statement earrings as finishing touches, and stay away from danglers to achieve a cleaner, more noticeable look. If you’re looking for accessory inspiration, a traditional headband is definitely a head-turner. Find them on any online shopping app in India.
Now that your layering goals are set, it’s time to explore the different types of sarees that you can pair with jackets.
Pre-stitched Sarees
A fuss-free take on the traditional saree, with already gathered & stitched pleats, this one is a result of changing trends and the urban lifestyle demands. It is not just uber-stylish but also saves you the skill needed to perfectly drape a saree. What could be better?
Pant Sarees & Dhoti Sarees
Pant sarees add a modern twist to your wardrobe whereas dhoti sarees take ‘fusion’ to the next level. Both of these styles are meant for the new-age woman who isn’t afraid of experimentation. Comfortable & stylish, pant sarees and dhoti sarees deserve a special place in your wardrobe and can be worn with sari jackets of all kinds.
Lehenga Sarees
Can’t decide between a saree and a lehenga? Then a lehenga saree should be on your shopping list! It combines the attributes of both your favourites and all you need to do is tuck and drape, instead of pleating the fabric. Flaunt this at a wedding or a festive occasion; you won’t regret it.
Belt Saree
Want to know how to add an ‘oomph’ factor to your look? Belt saree is the answer. Add definition to your look by placing your bet on a belt saree! Not only does the addition of a belt make your saree more defined, but it also makes you stand out in a crowd! Pick from an array of embellished belts or go for subtle stunners. Let your style do the talking!
Jacket Saree
A perfect lesson in layering, jacket sarees are a favourite among desi divas. For one, they add an extra element to your overall look and two; there are several ways to style it. We love pairing our sari jackets with a belt and the most suitable accessories.
Digital Print Sarees
Technological advancements have made it possible to produce stunning motifs on fabrics no matter what they may be! Digital print sarees strike the right balance between modern & traditional in terms of technique and production. Pick from an array of artsy prints, or go for more versatile ones like florals.
Embroidered Saree
Indian embroidered motifs are extremely popular around the globe! This, combined with a timeless saree, is the mere definition of perfection. From traditional embroidery to modernized versions of the same, there’s something for everyone to pick from!
Now that you’re not just equipped with styling tips but also the options you can explore, go ahead and give sari jackets a go!
Also Read:
1. Different Types of Paithani Saree, Names & Images
2. Top 12 Banarasi Saree Look That Deserve Your Attention This Wedding Season
3. Famous Types of Silk Sarees | Silk Saree Varieties
4. 12 Different Types of Sarees From Across the Country – A Complete Guide
5. 5 Different Ways of Draping a saree this Festive Season