The nine yards of a saree carries grace, elegance, and poise in its folds and creases in a way that when a woman drapes it around her, she becomes the embodiment of feminity. Sarees have been around for centuries; they have never gone out of fashion and never will. Being the most versatile item of clothing, the styles of draping a saree are endless. Although saree is clubbed with other eastern traditional outfits, the draping style doesn’t have to be. Time to play around with the nine yards and try fresh draping styles to freshen up your look.

Open pallu style

This is one of the easiest and elegant styles of draping a saree. In this style of draping, the end tail of the saree is left hanging freely from the shoulder.

To wear the open pallu saree style, begin with the basic tuck, separate the end of saree creating a loop in order to make pleats. Start forming 4-5 pleats larger than the typical ones and tuck them in place. Less is more when it comes to forming pleats for organza silk and brocade sarees to avoid excessive volume. Now, bring the end of the saree and wrap around the front of your chest and rest the tail on the left shoulder. Pin the saree in place from the back, leaving the pallu open and hanging.

Ideal occasion: Wedding functions and cocktail parties.

Pro tip: Opt for a sophisticated blouse to make a statement. Go easy on the jewellery.

Saree: Handpainted organza silk saree from Kallisto Designs.

Belted into place

If you want to know how to drape a saree without having to worry about the pallu falling off or you tripping over it, the belted style saree might just be the right one for you. For this look, all you need is a belt that compliments the saree. To make it even more stylish you can even drape the pallu off the shoulder. Start off with a standard tuck, wrap around the saree, creating a loop for the pleats. Now form about 6-8 pleats and tuck them in. Bring the end of the saree from behind and start creating pleats from the width of the saree. Take the pleated end of the saree and wrap around the shoulder and across the back, creating an off-the-shoulder neckline. Bring the end of the saree upfront and loop it underneath and tuck one of the ends in place. Spread the pleats from each side of the shoulder for a more defined look. Finish off with a skinny belt to hold everything in place. This way everything is secure and now you’re ready to dance the night away.

Ideal occasion: College functions such as farewells and graduations. You can also wear this to wedding receptions and cocktail parties.

Pro tip: This look is best for sarees with beautiful and intricate borders. Opt for a simple blouse.

Saree: Traditional hand-woven Dhaka saree by Sabah Nepal.

Cowl style

When you add ruffles to a saree you don’t have to worry much about how to drape it to make a statement. This style of draping is one of the most elegant, classy and efficient ways to drape a saree. Begin with a standard tuck, drape the saree the basic way with 6-8 good sized pleats and tuck them in place. Wrap the end of the saree from behind and start forming smaller pleats from the width. Create a cowl on the hip by loosely placing the pleated pallu on the shoulder. As it is a chiffon saree, the cowl will automatically fall into place. Make sure the pleats on the front are aligned for a polished look.

Ideal occasion: Dinner parties and wedding receptions.

Pro tip: This style of draping is most ideal for light-weight sarees such as chiffon, georgette, and silks.

Saree: Ruffled chiffon saree by Pulchowk-3.