5 Looks You Can Create With a Banarasi Sari

Shimmer, shine and unmatched luxury with the essence of ethnicity are what describe a Banarasi sari. Patronized by royal families since the Mughal era, Banarasi sarees have managed to be a part of every Indian woman’s wardrobe inspite of stiff competition from contemporary designer drapes. Woven in the looms of the holy city Varanasi located on the banks of the river Ganga, these sarees have mulberry silk and zari threads as their basic ingredients. Intricate and precisely woven forms of flowers, buttis and other Mughal inspired artistic forms woven with brocade form the distinguishing characteristic of these ornate drapes that have seen an increasing number of patrons all over the world.

Given the versatility of the Indian saree, one can find a number of assortments of colors, blends and other details for these rich silk drapes. Here’s how you can go about experimenting with the enchanting and endearing appeal of Banarasi silk sarees:

1. The Desi Vibe

Wear your culture on your sleeve – and your tradition with pride! These days, even our globetrotting B-town beauties have been flaunting ethnic wear with zing. A traditional saree from the looms of Banaras with the desi colour palette of red, green, deep yellow, orange or rani pink is absolutely on trend! Take cues from leading fashionistas like Deepika Padukone or Vidya Balan, who know how to gracefully rock these splendid weaves, or from Anukshka Sharma, who walked as a perfect Indian bride in a red Banarasi sari - for her wedding reception.

Accessorize with potli bags, juttis, dupattas in Banarasi stole for an extra oomph.

1. Elegant Shimmer

Give up all assumptions regarding the loudness of Banarasi sarees. These days thanks to our innovative designers, Indian weavers have been making smart and elegant versions of these drapes, which have an element of regalia and flamboyance, without going overboard with shimmery and dazzle. Such silk saris are also available in softer colours like pastels, muted tones and lighter neutrals as well as woven in silver zari. Thus, if you’re keen on creating an elegant look, then it will be quite easy for you to locate a soft pink saree or a pista green one, woven with silver brocade. Such drapes are also available online and that too at very good prices and deals! These saris are apt for resort weddings and even make a stylish pre-wedding (function) saree for modern brides. Lighter Banarasis or the one woven in Cotton, Cotton silk or cotton based organza can be worn for lighter events and day functions.

1. The Trendy Boss Babe

If you thought that a Banarasi saree is meant only for weddings, then you probably haven’t explored the vast assortment of drapes woven in the holy city of Varanasi. These days cotton silk is a fast growing preference in the world of contemporary fashion – and so are the plainer, without zari weaves. As a fashion savvy working woman, you can sport a plain Banarasi silk or cotton silk sari that is edged with a dull golden or silver zari border as a trendy garment for your office meetings and corporate events! Opt for a sleek hair-do, put on a pair of minimalistic stud earrings and be the perfectly stylish boss woman!

For office wear, you can also pick a plain Banarasi art silk sari which will cost you considerably less than a handloom sari.

1. Black Beauty

Nothing can beat the enthralling beauty of a black silk saree. When woven in shimmery brocade, a black and golden Banarasi drape detailed with scenery or with delicate buttis, becomes a captivating statement garment. You can accessorize such an ostentatious garment with golden jhumkis and wear it for a wedding reception. You can also experiment with a white or grey polo neck blouse or if your silk saree is not too stiff then you can wear it with a ruffled designer blouse or a sizzling bustier too!

1. Twirl Delight

Perhaps one of the most comfort-oriented innovations of contemporary ethnic wear is the lehenga saree which has a pallu that looks similar to that of a sari and yet needs no elaborate draping. A multicoloured lehenga saree can be worn to a groovy garba night event. Such silhouettes are usually adorned with gota patti work, thread embroidery, zari and dazzling mirrors and make amazing outfits for weddings and other festive celebrations.

So beauties, it’s time to explore the fashion-friendly world of Banarasi sarees. Before you walk into crowded malls, do check out some reputed websites selling such silk sarees online. I’m surely you’ll definitely find a Banarasi silk saree to suit your unique style and preference!

Ritu is a creative and marketing communications specialist, a devout reader and a passionate writer, who successfully manages an operations role with the popular ecommerce business Saree.com.