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The Tradition of the Saree
The saree is the traditional garment worn by most Indian women. It makes a woman look graceful and dignified. The sari comprises over 30% of total textile production in India. There are innumerable types of fabrics, design patterns, weaving techniques, methods of dyeing etc. that go into saree-manufacturing. Nowadays even though there is a lot of western influence in the way people dress, the sari has evolved into a fashion statement over the years.
History of the Saree
The saree is one of the world’s oldest and perhaps the only surviving unstitched garment from the past. The saree is traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, during 2800-1800 BC. It is one of the most sensual attires of a woman in India. History says that the raw material cotton and the way of weaving it into lengths of fabric dates back to the Mesopotamian civilisation. Men and women of those times wore pieces of cloth wrapped around their bodies. These were called loin cloths and were very similar to sarees. This style of clothing was also found in civilisations in Egypt, Sumer and Assyria. It was brought to India with the Aryans who came through the North Indian rivers into India. Slowly but steadily this one piece if cloth evolved into a three-piece garment comprising of the blouse, skirt and saree.
Versatility of Sarees
There is no dress which can beat the versatility of a saree. It can be worn in hundreds of styles. One can create different looks with the same saree by changing the drape. It is an asset that we inherit. Once bought, it will not go out of fashion. It will always fit around you. And, if you have a good figure, there is no dress that would compliment you more. Not only this, sarees can be worn by women of every age and culture. Since there are a lot of draping styles in a saree, it can be adapted to all climates and seasons. The saree is also adapted by different regions in India by changing the drape and the accessories that go along with it. The versatility of a saree is the main reason it is such a popular item of clothing. It can be worn every day, for formal functions and even for parties. Celebrities also wear it on the red carpet
Sarees That are Perfect for Gifts Below Rs.200
Exclusive georgette, chiffon, art silk, cotton silk and many other Indian sarees are available online and offline during sales at very cheap rates and are perfect to be given as gifts for events like birthdays, anniversaries, mothers’ day, festivals, ceremonies etc.
KSH Trendz Mysore Art Silk Saree with Blouse
This saree is made of Mysore Silk and includes a blouse piece of the same fabric. It is perfect for a party, ceremony, business or any other occasion. The colour of the saree is pink and is available at Amazon under the brand name. It has to be hand washed in normal cold water. The cost of the saree is Rs.179.
Perfectblue Women`s Cotton Checks Designer Saree
This is a beautiful cotton checks designer saree with a blouse piece. It can be worn for any occasion but particularly suited for daily wear. This saree can be dry cleaned or hand washed in cold water. It is a genuine product and is available for Rs.199 at Amazon.
GLE Women's Art Silk Sarees
These sarees are available in 20 colours and designs with a blouse piece. Pick a colour combination that enhance your complexion and look. The sarees are made up of soft Art Silk fabric. It can be mildly hand washed or machine washed. It is perfect for any party or function and costs Rs.149 on Amazon.
Fabpandora Striped Bollywood Polycotton Saree
A woman draped in a beautiful saree is a dream! This striped saree is on trend this season. Available for just Rs.150 at Amazon, it can be teamed with accessories and lovely sandals to give it a rich and elegant look. The length of this saree is 5.5 metres and comes with a blouse piece that can be stitched to your measurements. It is a luxurious and on trend saree, that has beautiful eye-catching patterns. It is also a great gifting option that can be light on your wallet.
Kirtida Designer Art Silk Saree
This is a Pink Patta coloured Cotton Silk saree with a blouse piece and comes in 20 different designs. Pick and choose the design depending upon your taste. if you want to gift it, you can also pick a design that you know would suit them. It is very attractive and can be worn for any ceremony or occasion. This saree has to be dry cleaned only. Please do not use bleach or brush it. It is available for Rs.179 on Amazon.
Color Var Saree
This beautiful satin blend saree is very elegant and perfect for any party or formal wear. The length of the saree is 6.3 meters including the blouse piece for Rs. 199 on Flipkart. It can be dry cleaned or lightly hand washed.
Banarasi Silk Saree
Banarasi silk sarees never go out of trend. Buy this coloured, eye-catching banarsi silk saree on Flipkart for just Rs.187 Available in a stunning blue colour that will catch the eyes of every onlooker this saree is a steal. You can dress it up by adding matching accessories like earrings or a necklace to give it a traditional feel.
Yashika Women's Art Silk Kalamkari And Bhagalpuri Style Saree
This beautiful Kalamkari and Bhagalpuri saree is made of soft Art silk fabric and includes a blouse piece. It is colourful and perfect for any occasion. It can be mildly hand washed or machine washed. The cost of the saree is Rs.199 on Amazon.
BlueGene Women's Cotton Silk Saree
This beautiful black cotton silk saree comes with a blouse piece. It is available on Amazon for just Rs.199. Elegant and sophisticated, this saree can be worn for any ceremony or party. It can be dry cleaned or hand washed in cold water. The black colour of this saree makes it the ideal saree to dress up or down depending on where you wear it to. It also makes for a lovely gift.
Reinventing the Saree within a Budget of Rs.200
There are a million variations of the saree across India. India has a saree type for every region and culture. There was a time when women wore the saree and covered their head with the pallu and did all the household chores. Today for the younger generation, the saree remains a traditional outfit and is worn only for weddings and festivals or a special occasion.
Today’s designers are coming up with innovative drapes, unusual blouse patterns and each element of the saree is redesigned, giving the same old saree a new breath of life. Reinventing a simple piece of cloth into an elaborate outfit is not as difficult as it sounds. If you have a low budget of around Rs.200 the saree can still be made to look expensive and decorative. Here are a few tips to elevate your Rs.200 saree.
- Designing the Blouse
The most essential part of the saree is the blouse. Blouses can be designed depending on the look of the saree. Depending on the blouse, the saree can be worn in a million different ways. The blouse is getting a makeover and there are many designs to choose from. A heavily embellished and adorned saree tends to go well with a simple but embroidered blouse. You can have a patchwork, cutwork, lace borders, beaded borders and different neck designs to choose from. A gold or silver coloured blouse can be matched with most of silk sarees. - Experiment with Different Drapes
Draping the saree seems to have been reinvented. Designers are doing everything differently and coming up with different innovative ideas of wearing the saree. The classic saree petticoat has given way to dhoti pants and hot shorts. Palazzo pants with pleats that resembled a saree are teamed with suspenders. The chunri saree over dhoti pants, that creates more fluidity and ease of movement. More compact saree are teamed with skin- fitted capris and cigarette pants. - Use a Sash or Belt
Thin leather belts worn around the waist of a compactly draped saree is the newly invented saree accessory that seems to be getting a lot of attention. It defines the waist and keeps the pallu from sliding off. It gives the saree more structure and definition. The pallu is no longer draped along one arm but can be draped around the neck like a scarf or pleated and tucked away under the belt. The saree can no more be termed traditional but is breaking all rules and inventing new codes of dressing. By adding just, a simple belt that you have in your closet it can make the saree look like another garment all-together. You can also add a belt with stones and decorations to a plain and simple sari to make it stand out and to make you look divine.
The Ever Evolving Garment: Different Trends in Saree
Across India, you are sure to see a million variations of the saree. In the south are the unique drapes of the Kodavas, from the lightweight Mangalgiris and Patolas to the heavy silk Kanjeevarams – India has a saree type for every state and culture. The most essential part of the saree is the blouse. Depending on it the saree can be worn in different ways.
Top saree designers have come up with different out of box ideas like peplum-bearing wispy blouses to tunic length sheer blouse, the little blouse got more visibility. The neck of blouses also has seen myriad variations from the peter pan, printed bolero jacket style, polo neck and shirt style blouse with collar has given the saree a western twist without taking away its charm.
The addition of a jacket over the saree is also another trend drawing attention away from the pallu and towards the pleats at the waist with rich embroidered jackets worn over the saree. The saree is breaking all rules and can no longer be termed traditional. It has started its journey back into the daily wardrobe.
Recommendations on Dressing up in a Saree on a Budget
- Look for Sales and Discounts
During festivals and stock clearance, there are many sales and discounts available on different kinds of sarees like georgette, chiffon, art silk, cotton silk, Bhagalpuri silk, Kanchipuram, Chanderi etc. These discounts can be availed online on many common websites like Snapdeal and Amazon and are delivered at the doorstep. Sales and discounts can be availed in retail and wholesale shops also. - Collect Coupons
Coupons are often advertised on products and magazines or phone books. One can search online for different ways to get coupons. Coupons are often found on food products, teas, magazines etc. so check before throwing them away. It can also be found on labels of canned food and jars or lids of bottle caps in sodas. - Decorate Your Old or Plain Sarees
A plain saree can be decorated by adding a colourful border or it can be brightened by gold, silver or any coloured sequins or motifs. Any ordinary saree can be converted into a designer piece by adding a brocade or sequined border. A saree can also be decorated with embroidery as per your choice.
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It's all in the drape
Saree is a traditional yet versatile garment. You can either wear it the traditional way and shine like an ethnic Goddess or give it a modern twist and stand out from the crowd. You don't need a saree that is priced in thousands to look cool and trendy. Even with a saree that is priced as low as Rs.200, you can look trendy and cool. It's all in the drape. You can either belt it up or wrap your pallu around your neck in a scarf style. Or you can go edgy and pair it with trousers. In a nutshell, it is all in the drape. Traditional or modern or edgy, you can achieve your look in a saree with a simple twist.