Ethnic fashion has an enduring charm and one of the critical elements of that charm is a blouse. A blouse can really take your outfit to another level. One major trend in blouses that you can see everywhere is full sleeves. Full-sleeve blouses have witnessed a resurgence, thanks to their timeless appeal and ability to cater to various fashion sensibilities. It has gained immense popularity and has made strong fashion statements.
Whether you prefer a classic look or want to experiment with modern styles, full-sleeve blouses offer a lot of possibilities. They exude elegance and are super versatile in case you’re looking for a transition from casual to grandeur. Because of its long sleeves, it offers a canvas to showcase delicate embroidery, sequins and prints. We have put together types and styles of full-sleeved blouses that you can pair with sarees, lehengas or pants. Whether it’s a wedding you are attending or just an intimate festive celebration, these tips will add sophistication and style to your ensemble.
Traditional Embroidered Full Sleeves
Handwork such as zari, kantha, or resham embroidery can transform a full-sleeve blouse into a work of art. They add regal elegance to your outfit making them absolutely perfect for weddings, festivities and even formal occasions. Go for vibrant colours and intricate embroidery with contrasting saree or lehenga for weddings. While lighter and more muted colours with a matching saree for formal events. Pair it with traditional jhumkas or a choker necklace. Add laced wedges or gold heels to complete the look. Pro tip: Pair a heavily embroidered full-sleeve blouse with a plain saree or lehenga to let the blouse shine.
Sheer Elegant Full Sleeves
Fabrics like net and organza give you the perfect sheer look. They add a touch of sensuality to your traditional ensemble. Follow Katrina Kaif’s footsteps in her wedding attire and embrace the elegant charm of sheer blouses. Opt for a blouse that is similar to hers, with floral motifs embroidered on the sleeves in subtle colours similar to the shades of your blouse. It could be adorned with sequins and small details for extra beauty. This style strikes a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary fashion and can be worn for festivals too.
Peplum Blouse
Peplum sleeves or waists add a slight twist to the regular full-sleeve blouse. The flared waistline adds a playful touch to your ensemble. If you’re looking to make a bold fashion statement at parties and receptions, this style is perfect for you. With this, wear chandelier earrings or chaandbalis and tie your hair up in a sleek bun – this will let the peplum details show. For footwear, you can go for either heels or the traditional juttis. A light peplum blouse can double up as a top for a contemporary look with jeans.
Kaftan-style Full Sleeves
The most comfortable silhouette in ethnic wear is the kaftan. From kurtis to tops, the kaftan style is very popular among all women. They are comfy yet do not compromise on style. Alia Bhatt is wearing a maroon bandhani printed kaftan dress that she has styled with just heavy traditional earrings, and is looking stunning. You can also get this look by adding kaftan-style tops, kurtis, blouses and dresses to your wardrobe. Style your kaftan blouse with a neatly pleated crisp saree to get a sophisticated yet dressy look. Don’t forget to accessorise well with minimal makeup.
Classic High-neck, Full-sleeve Blouse
A full-sleeve blouse with a high neck exudes sophistication and grace. It is the perfect outfit for formal events or for office wear. This style works beautifully with both sarees and lehengas. They come in a variety of fabrics from basic cotton to glamorous organza. You can either go for intricate patterns and sequins or for a simpler and more minimalistic design such as a printed one. You can style this with a statement watch, small hoops or jhumkas and a compact clutch to finish the look.
Bell-sleeve Blouse
Some bell sleeves widen as they reach the wrist while some are fitted all along your arm till they flare. They add drama to your ethnic look and create a captivating silhouette. If you want to draw attention to the sleeves, pair the blouse with a plain saree or pants with minimal embellishments. Make sure to wear a chunky bracelet along with this, that will peek through the bell sleeves. There have been innovations in bell sleeves like slits or the fabric being tissue-like with a pre-pleated saree. Pair a bell-sleeve blouse with minimal accessories to let the sleeves steal the spotlight.
Full-sleeves Shirt Blouse
One person who has consistently wowed us with her impeccable ethnic style is Deepika Padukone. Her full-sleeved blouse designs have been a treat for the eyes. Her choice of muted, earthy tones for her blouses enhances her overall look. Take a cue from her by getting a heavily embellished power suit set to stand out from the crowd. You can pair its blouse which is a shirt with a simple saree or skirt in a similar shade for an understated yet elegant appearance. Style it with minimal jewellery and slick back hair. You can also wear the blouse with jeans and heels to achieve a party look.
Experimental Necklines with Full Sleeves
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has a knack for experimenting with her ethnic outfits. She often chooses full-sleeve blouse designs with unique necklines, such as high collars or boat necks. Here, she has chosen an off-the-shoulder full-sleeve blouse. To channel her style, pair a full-sleeve blouse with an unconventional neckline and pair it with a statement skirt. This combination will make you a trendsetter at any gathering. Since your shoulders will be highlighted, you can try wearing dainty necklaces and experimenting with hairstyles.
You’re now well-equipped to enhance your ethnic wardrobe and make a lasting impression on any occasion. Whether you prefer traditional elegance or a fusion of modern and classic styles, full-sleeve blouses offer endless possibilities for creating stunning ethnic ensembles.