What makes a sari sexy?

Sonam Kapoor in Anamika Khanna

1) The fabric:

Georgette, chiffon, satin… any of these fabrics makes a sari stunning. Sexy saris should have a translucent touch that enhances the ‘it’ factor. Equally important is the embroidery. Minimal and trendy translates into sexy. Also, traditional embellishment can channel a young and fun look if played around placement-wise.

Priyanka Chopra in Manish Malhotra

2) The blouse:

Remember, the sexiest bit about the sari is the blouse. Backless, halter, strapless, low-cut, deep-back… the sari can soar on the sexy meter piggybacking on just a choli. Bikini blouses are a big no-no though, because when it comes to a sari, itsy-bitsy doesn’t always mean sensuous! Pick an Anamika Khanna blouse for that perfect balance between sexy and scandalous.

3) The drape:

This really can make a world of difference. Take a cue from our desi divas — the pallu piled on the shoulder — showing off toned abs and back. Leave the pallu loose and you lose the sex appeal. Period.

Gauri Khan in Tarun Tahiliani

4) The accessory:

Trendy saris need trendy accessories. Bollywood tends to favour earrings but neckpieces work just as well. Statement rings and a string of diamonds around the neck are some of the sari must-haves. If you want to experiment, go for a sleek bajubandh or even a cummerbund. See how Gauri Khan’s key ring (picture left) adds bling and ups the glam.

5) Hair and make-up:

Curls and waves, hairstyles caressing just one shoulder, a modern take on the bouffant, smoky eyes (matched by a nude mouth) and red lips (teamed with eye liner for the peepers) complete the sexy look.

 

You know it’s too much when there is....

1) No cleavage control: When your bust is bursting out of your blouse. A plunging neckline and a back are fine, but a bikini blouse looks plain tacky.

2) You resemble a Christmas tree: Yes, that’s Bipasha Basu (picture right)!Too much embellishment is passe, even in a bridal ensemble. Balance is the key.

SONAKSHI SINHA

Vidya Balan & Rekha

What makes a sari classic?

1) The fabric:

Be it silk or cotton, as long as it is woven, it’s classic. These saris are simple, time-tested, and increasingly rare. Which makes it that much more special. They could be plain, embroidered (zardozi, gota patti, phulkari) or dyed (bandhni, leheriya).

2) The blouse:

The neckline is by and large modest though the back can plunge. The sleeve length is crucial — till the elbow or below — and which may or may not be embroidered.

3) The drape:

Cover-up is the key to a classic sari with the pallu playing the purdah. Some like to drape the pallu over the shoulders for a shawl effect. If you want to go the Vidya Balan or Rekha way (pictures right), let your pallu hang. Carefully casual.

4) The accessory:

Traditional it is. Jhumkas are a sari’s BFF. Or bangles. Timeless gold and silver sets are often teamed with these classic yards, but diamonds are a rare spotting!

5) Hair and make-up:

Less is more (unless you are Rekha). Some kohl and a dash of lipstick and you are good to go. Bindis look beautiful with a classic sari. And when it comes to tresses, nothing complements classy better than a low bun.

Don’t force the look....

1) Just 18 and in a classic sari?

No! A classic sari will look truly classy when you’re of the right age, have the right body language and know how to work the look. That, unfortunately, comes with time alone.

2) A bit ‘gimmicky’ on some: Force the look and it’ll look as if you’re trying too hard. Stick to your persona and go for the appropriate style — sexy or classic. You can’t imagine Mallika Sherawat in a Mangalagiri!

Sexy or classic — they love ’em both. here’s how five of our sari stunners get the drape right!

 

I love wearing saris and I love wearing it both ways! Though the sexy or classic quotient depends where I am wearing a sari to, I must admit that there is a hint of sexiness, however traditional the occasion is! I love experimenting with my cholis. They are the real oomph-providers!
Swastika Mukherjee

 

For me, it depends on the occasion but I think the sari is very sexy. If someone has a good body, then even if she is wearing it the classic way, that sexy tinge will be there. Personally, I like wearing handloom saris a lot. Cotton is my favourite. Ethnic saris, when carried properly, can also look very sexy. On the other hand, you may be dressed in a sheer chiffon and not look sexy at all! You can look sexy even without revealing too much. If I am wearing a Kanjeevaram I’ll go for traditional gold jewellery, and if I am wearing something in handloom, maybe I will try oxidised accessories.
Arpita

 

I usually combine the classic and the sexy, depending on the occasion. During the day, I prefer to go less sexy. So, a nice blouse that covers my arms... long sleeves, maybe a three-quarter blouse. The back can either be exposed or covered. When I am going to a function where people expect me to dress up, I go for the sexy. I wear sleeveless blouses and mostly chiffons. But now I like the classic more, I love the chiffon-and-pearls look. My mother (Moon Moon Sen) has given me a lot of her saris, so I will be wearing them more often.
Raima Sen

 

Sexy or classic depends on the occasion. If it’s a wedding, it’s always a classic look. The sari has to be traditional and woven, teamed with ethnic jewellery. If it’s a party, then it’s a nice chiffon sari with a sleeveless or backless choli.
June

 

 

I love to combine the sexy with the classic every time I wear a sari. The blouse is where the sexiness comes in. The cut of the back of my blouse is almost always deep! And isn’t the fact that you can choose how much to hide and how much to show the best thing about a sari?! That said, a sari is such an ensemble that it always ends up looking very classy.

Sanjukta