Layer Your Outfits Using These 9 Ways To Drape A Dupatta

Dupatta adds colour, layer, style, and charm to every outfit it is worn with. It is very easy to mix and match dupattas, and pair them with anything and everything – from lehengas and pants to skirts and shorts. They can be worn as dupattas or pinned up in different places as a top. From simple looks to elaborate formal ensembles, the draping of a dupatta plays a major role in transforming your appearance and elevating your look. Here are 10 creative ways to drape a dupatta.

Like A Stole

Take the pallu and wrap it like a stole around your neck. It exudes style and sophistication making it perfect for formal events and art exhibits. You can also simply let the dupatta hang around your neck with both ends falling freely on either side. This style can be worn for casual outings and be paired with kurtas and dresses. For an indo-western look, try wearing jeans with a short kurta and a dupatta around your neck. Accessorise with jhumkas and apply some kajal, and you’re done. Take inspiration from Janhvi Kapoor, who has worn a sage green dupatta around her neck on a casual white tank and beige pants outfit.

Double It Up

To exude a regal and opulent look, consider draping two dupattas simultaneously in different styles such that they complement each other. Drape one traditionally over the shoulder while the other over your head. This is often seen at weddings. Or hold one over both elbows and the other tightly pleated in a thin strip to go across your blouse.

You can also drape one in Gujarati style while letting the other dupatta flow on the other shoulder. When your lehenga has a statement dupatta, wear it on one shoulder and let one end touch the hem of your lehenga at the front, taking it around you to tuck it into your waist. This way, the dupatta will be seen more than the lehenga, highlighting its design. Sonam Kapoor has often styled dupattas with her saree to give the illusion of a double dupatta drape.

Belted look

Wear the dupatta around your neck with the two ends falling on each side. Secure it with an embellished belt on your waist, cinching it in. This will accentuate your curves and work well with lehengas, sarees, and anarkalis. You can wear it to wedding functions or festive occasions. You can flaunt the belted drape with elegance and panache on various occasions.

Like a cape

The cape drape is a modern twist on the traditional style. Wear the dupatta around your neck and pin it in the middle near your chest on the front. This will form a cape over your shoulders and will go with dresses, lehengas and sarees. This contemporary look is perfect for cocktail parties and reception events. Ananya Panday often rocks the cape drape with her stunning ethnic outfits.

V-drape

This drape involves neatly pleating the dupatta and securing it at the back in order to create a V-shaped neckline. This complements deep-neck blouses and dresses, offering a sophisticated and polished appearance. It is suitable for sangeet nights and evening soirees. This drape was seen in one of Kiara Advani’s movies.

Royal Drape

Channel your inner royalty by draping the dupatta over your head and shoulders, reminiscent of a queen’s regal mantle. This style is ideal for bridal wear and extravagant celebrations, adding an air of majesty to your ensemble. Accessorise with a heavy layered gold or kundan set, a maang tika, and a stack of bangles. Priyanka Chopra’s royal drape at her wedding festivities became the talk of the town.

Wrapped Around The Wrist

Wrapping a dupatta around the wrist makes it more visible since it moves along with your hand and also makes up for a bracelet. If you want to experiment with non-traditional draping techniques, this one’s for you.

Shoulder to Shoulder

Pin one end of the dupatta over your shoulder, and take it around your body to pin the other end at the same spot too. This style is comfortable, keeping your hands free, and is suitable for weddings and festive occasions.

Cowl Gather

If you love cowl neck, then drape your dupatta in loose gathers around your neck. Let the pleats cascade down your front adding a touch of drama and flair. This style works well with sarees and contemporary outfits. It also adds more focus on jewellery other than the necklace, so make sure you wear statement earrings. Anushka Sharma wore her dupatta in a cowl drape with an anarkali for her movie promotions.

Whether you’re attending a wedding, a casual outing, or a formal event, these nine dupatta draping styles offer a plethora of options to suit your taste and occasion. Experiment, accessorise, and embrace the elegance that a beautifully draped dupatta brings to your look.