Accessorizing Sarees and Lehengas: Jewelry, Footwear, and More

A beautifully styled saree or lehenga is incomplete without the right accessories. The perfect jewelry, footwear, and styling elements elevate traditional outfits to new levels, adding elegance and personality. At Anwitha Elegance, we know that accessories can make all the difference, bringing balance and charm to your look. Here’s a complete guide to accessorizing sarees and lehengas, covering jewelry, footwear, dupattas, bags, and more to create a polished, traditional look.

1. Choosing the Right Jewelry

Jewelry is essential in enhancing the beauty of sarees and lehengas, adding a touch of grandeur and elegance to any traditional look.

• Necklaces: For a heavily embellished saree or lehenga, a simple, elegant choker or pendant set works well. If the outfit is more minimal, a statement necklace such as a Kundan, Polki, or temple jewelry piece will add a regal flair.
• Earrings: Opt for earrings that match your necklace for a coordinated look. Jhumkas, chandbalis, or danglers are popular choices that complement sarees and lehengas beautifully.
• Maang Tikka & Matha Patti: For weddings or special events, add a maang tikka or matha patti to accentuate the traditional appeal. Tikkas bring attention to the face and pair beautifully with both sarees and lehengas.
• Bangles & Bracelets: Bangles complete a traditional look, especially for sarees. Choose glass or metal bangles that match your outfit, or go for a cuff bracelet if you prefer a modern twist.
• Rings: Statement rings add elegance to the ensemble. You can also go for multiple smaller rings on different fingers to create a delicate, sophisticated look.

Styling Tip: Match metals across all jewelry pieces for a cohesive look, and consider gemstones that complement your outfit’s colors.

2. Footwear Tips for Sarees and Lehengas

The right footwear adds comfort and completes the traditional look.

• Heels for Sarees: Heels work best for sarees, as they enhance the elegance of the drape. Opt for block heels, stilettos, or wedges that add height without compromising comfort.
• Traditional Mojris or Juttis for Lehengas: Mojris or juttis are an ideal choice for lehengas, offering a perfect blend of tradition and comfort. Embroidered juttis can enhance the ethnic appeal of the outfit and are easier to move around in.
• Kolhapuris and Flats: Kolhapuri sandals or embellished flats are ideal for more casual or semi-formal occasions. They pair well with both sarees and lehengas, giving a laid-back yet stylish look.

Styling Tip: Match your footwear color with either the dominant or accent color of your outfit, and choose comfortable shoes that will let you enjoy the event without discomfort.

3. How to Style Dupattas

Dupattas are an essential component of lehengas and, sometimes, sarees, offering multiple ways to style and enhance the outfit.

• One-Side Draping: For lehengas, drape the dupatta over one shoulder, allowing it to fall gracefully down the back. This style shows off the intricate details of both the lehenga and the dupatta.
• Front Pallu for Sarees: For sarees, a front pallu is a modern way to showcase embroidery or patterns on the dupatta. Simply drape it from the back to the front on one shoulder.
• Double Dupatta for Bridal Lehengas: For a more elaborate look, especially for brides, a double dupatta drape adds grandeur. One dupatta can be draped over the head while the other cascades down one side.

Styling Tip: Use pins to secure the dupatta in place, and experiment with different draping styles to find the one that complements your outfit and personal style best.

4. Selecting the Perfect Bag

An elegant clutch or potli bag adds charm to your traditional look while providing space for essentials.

• Potli Bags: Potli bags are perfect for traditional outfits, as their embroidered or beaded designs match well with lehengas and sarees. They add a cultural touch and are easy to carry.
• Box Clutches: Box clutches add a touch of modern style to your outfit. Choose one with subtle embellishments for a more sophisticated look or go bold with intricate designs to match heavy outfits.
• Embellished Slings: If you need a hands-free option, embellished sling bags are a stylish choice. They allow you to carry your essentials comfortably while still complementing the outfit.

Styling Tip: Match your bag’s embellishments or color to your jewelry or outfit details to tie the look together.

5. Hairstyles and Hair Accessories

Hairstyles and hair accessories add the final touch to a traditional look.

• Gajra (Flower Garlands): Gajras are a beautiful, fragrant addition to traditional hairstyles. They can be wrapped around buns or used in braids for an authentic, classic look.
• Maang Tikka Extensions: For lehengas, add maang tikka extensions that hang on the sides, giving your hairstyle an ornate look. It’s ideal for bridal or festive occasions.
• Hairpins and Clips: Embellished pins or clips are great for adding sparkle to simple hairstyles. Opt for designs that match the metal tone of your jewelry for a coordinated appearance.

Styling Tip: Decide on your hairstyle based on the neckline of your blouse and your jewelry. Updos pair well with high necklines and heavy earrings, while open hairstyles complement off-shoulder blouses and lighter jewelry.

6. The Art of Balancing Accessories

With sarees and lehengas, balance is key. Avoid over-accessorizing to keep the focus on the outfit itself.

• Statement Jewelry vs. Minimal Jewelry: If your saree or lehenga is heavily embellished, opt for minimal jewelry. Conversely, if your outfit is simpler, don’t hesitate to add a statement piece like a heavy necklace or earrings.
• Complementary Colors: When choosing accessories, use colors that complement the outfit rather than exactly matching them. This approach highlights each accessory and brings depth to your look.
• Keep Function in Mind: Consider the event when choosing accessories. For weddings, go bold with full traditional pieces. For simpler occasions, stick to minimal pieces that add a subtle touch of elegance.

Styling Tip: Step back and evaluate the entire look before finalizing. Less can often be more, especially with richly detailed traditional wear.

Conclusion

Accessorizing sarees and lehengas is an art that enhances the beauty and elegance of these traditional outfits. With the right jewelry, footwear, and styling elements, you can create a look that is both sophisticated and memorable. At Anwitha Elegance, we believe every accessory has the power to transform your outfit and elevate your style. So whether you’re attending a wedding or celebrating a festive occasion, follow this guide to find the perfect accessories and make a lasting impression.

Discover our collection at Anwitha Elegance and find exquisite sarees, lehengas, and accessories that let you shine with traditional beauty.