Saree Savvy is an attempt to share some of the practical wisdom that comes from many years of draping a saree! The hope is that it will eliminate some of the pain points associated with draping a saree. The bottomline is, "the more you wear a saree, the easier it gets".
Today's blog is all about experimentations with the saree blouse. A traditional saree blouse is form fitting and has a wide/ deep neck. While this looks gorgeous for special occasions; it can also become uncomfortable quickly. For casual occasions, I prefer to wear a cotton blouse or crop top with a comfortable fit, and close neck. I can't tell you what a paradigm shift this has brought about in my “sareeing”!
Now, I not only look forward to mixing and matching different sarees with old crop tops, some cotton knitted tops or other favorite “go to” tops; I also feel very comfortable experimenting with different draping techniques because I am no longer worried about exposing my waist in an ill fitted blouse. My casual saree outfits are comfortable and chic!
Here are a few ways to experiment with different blouse styles...
Crop tops
Crop tops are usually longer than the traditional saree blouse but shorter than regular tops. These are very versatile and works with sarees, skirts and pants!
In this picture below, a lovely Bagru/Dabu Hand block printed crop top in Black and White with Red trim paired with a Kota Doria cotton handloom saree.
In this picture, I am wearing a favorite summer crop top with Butterfly sleeves and Blue cross stitch embroidery with an old Gadhwal Handloom cotton saree.
T-shirts & Sweaters
Plain T-shirts work well in summer and Sweaters work well In winter. You can pair your saree with old T-shirts or sweaters. Make sure that they are not too long as that can get bulky in the middle area. One size smaller usually works well as they will be shorter too.
In this picture below, I am wearing an old Black T-shirt with an Ilkal cotton Handloom checked saree.
In this picture , I am wearing a Red cardigan all buttoned up that I usually layer with dresses.
At Bhavana Handlooms, we have a lovely collection of blouses and crop tops for casual wear. They are available in many different styles, comfortable fit and princess seam.
Ikat cotton blouse
Ilkal Saree Pallu crop top in Silk
I urge you to rethink your saree blouse; especially for casual wear. Make it your own, and do what works best for your form, function and style!