Dupattas are the easiest way to add an X-Factor to your look. Read on to try out different styles of draping your traditional dupattas.
Dupattas, also known as chunnari, odhni and chunni, form an essential part of South-Asian ethnic attire, adding elegance and grace to the outfits. It is a long scarf-like piece of fabric worn by women in South Asia. In the South-Asian culture, the dupatta has historically had value as a cloth representing modesty whilst complimenting the overall look of a shalwar kameez or lehenga choli. However, it has shed its older symbolism in recent years and evolved to become a modern fashion accessory with a range of designs. In addition, it has taken on a distinct romantic essence that has become a staple of cinema in some ways.
A traditional dupatta is a highly versatile piece of clothing that can be moulded in unique ways. Every region has its own way of presenting the dupatta with unique embellishments, embroideries, fabrics and weaves. The most common fabrics for chunnari are Cotton, Silk, Chiffon and Georgette. To learn more about different dupattas, read 7 Different Types of Traditional Indian Dupattas.
Whether you are wearing a traditional Punjabi suit, a lehenga or a ghagra, you can drape your dupatta differently to reinvent the aesthetics of your outfit. In this blog post, we will look through several draping styles so that you can look different and unique each time.
Ways to Drape your Dupatta this Season
The Simple Dupatta Drape
You can carry your dupatta this way, and it will look elegant and royal. It is best suited for when your dupatta is made of cotton or linen fabric. You can pick one end of the dupatta on your right shoulder, take the other end and wrap it around your shoulder. Then, you can pin the other end on the left shoulder.
Half-Pleated Pallu Drape
This style of draping is one of the easiest and effortless ways to style your dupatta. All you need to do is pleat your dupatta on one side of your shoulder and pin down the fanned or pleated part hanging to the front. You can then let your dupatta hang from the other shoulder with no pleats.
One End Pleat Dupatta Drape
This is one of the most glamourous yet elegant styles to drape your dupatta if you have a designed border. First, you will have to pleat the dupatta along its entire length and pin it on one shoulder. One-third of your dupatta should be behind your shoulder. You should then open the pleats and let the dupatta fall full length to the front of your dress and finally take the upper part and pin it on your other shoulder.
Roll Drape your Dupatta Around the Arm
Another exquisite style of draping is the traditional roll around the arm drape. You can carry your dupatta by rolling one of its ends over your arm or wrist. It gives you a very classy and regal look. You can carry this style while wearing a lehenga choli and at informal and semi-formal events.
The Free-Falling Dupatta Drape
If your dupatta is heavy and full of embellishments and embroidery, then this drape is the best way to flaunt your star dupatta. The free-falling dupatta drape comes without any pleats and goes perfectly with almost any sort of South-Asian attire, whether formal or informal. You can use this draping style for regular wear, formal or casual.
The Waist Belt Dupatta Drape
The waist belt draping style is a modern and contemporary way of draping dupattas and it goes well with any Indo-western attire. Cotton and georgette dupattas are the most suitable for this style. To make it work, you need to first put the dupatta on one shoulder and keep the front length a little below the waist. Then, you need to tie a sleek belt around the waist with the front part of the dupatta tucked inside it. Finally, you have to take the other end from behind, tuck it on the other side of the belt, and you will be all ready.
The Lehenga Dupatta Drape
Dupatta is a gorgeous addition to any regular wedding attire, but it is an essential part of the wedding lehenga or sharara. The dupatta can single-handedly change the entire bridal look of your lehenga. You can do this by adding a new dupatta or simply mix and match between your old dupattas for practically a new outfit altogether.
Everything bought for the wedding day is a memory that women cherish forever, and selecting your exquisite wedding dupatta is also one of them. When done right, the dupatta ceases to be some functional fashion accessory; it radiates personality and uplifts the entire look.
Saree Style Drape
This draping style is one of the most common, straightforward, and accessible ways to carry your lehenga dupatta. Whether a reception ceremony, sangeet or a mehndi, the Saree Style Drape seamlessly fits into any event and makes you look classy. First, tuck one end of your dupatta at your waist, on the right or left side, depending on your preference. Then, drape it from under your left arm if tucked from the right side and vice versa. In the end, throw the rest of it over your right shoulder or leave it draped from under the right arm, just like a saree pallu.
Traditional Double Dupatta Drape
This is another lehenga dupatta drape that brides love. As the name suggests, it involves two dupattas. One dupatta is draped like a regular saree style drape, while the other is draped on the head, leaving the rest of it flowing at the back. Both these dupattas are usually in a contrasting colour, shade or design. This dupatta draping style adds volume to your look and is the best example of a layered look perfect for winter events. For the first dupatta drape — the saree style — follow the steps described in the previous section above and then pin it on your head for the second dupatta. Secure your dupatta nicely so it does not fall. You can either leave the rest of the dupatta free fall at the back or hold one with the left wrist.
Get your Dupattas From Atiya Choudhury
A Dupattas is an integral part of every Desi woman’s wardrobe. It is the perfect statement piece to pair up with your favourite suit, lehenga, Kurti; you name it. Atiya Choudhury’s intricate and elegant dupattas are what you need to complete your outfit.
Atiya Choudhury’s is a famous Birmingham based brand that brings you authentic South-Asian fashion. Our dupattas are designed by some of the most talented artisans and will add unmatched elegance and grace to your overall look. The range of dupattas will give you free rein to experiment with your outfits and look beyond beautiful. So what are you waiting for? Head on to Atiya’s website and get shopping!
