South Asian women’s fashion staple, sarees, have stood the test of time, with many Bollywood celebrities like Deepika Padukone, Anushka Sharma, and Sonam Kapoor frequently donning them for formal events. One type that has gained immense popularity is the Kanjivaram silk saree, crafted in South India. These exquisite pieces are perfect for dressing up for special occasions and can be paired with modern blouses to give them a chic makeover.
Experimenting with bold colors or traditional embroideries adds an extra layer of beauty, while mixing and matching different hues or prints allows for endless styling possibilities.
What Blouse To Wear With a Silk Saree?
When selecting a blouse to pair with your Silk Saree, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. A statement-making blouse can elevate a simple saree, while a minimalist design can complement a more elaborate one. Don’t be afraid to show some skin by opting for low-back or cut-out designs that add visual interest. You can also create contrast by pairing your saree with a blouse in a bold, contrasting color. For petite frames, consider longer sleeves to create the illusion of length.
To really make your outfit pop, add some flair with tassels or other embellishments at the back of the blouse. Finally, don’t be afraid to incorporate modern trends into your traditional blouse design, such as off-the-shoulder or ruffled details.
↓ 20. Backless Blouse
For a traditional Indian look when wearing a saree, consider pairing it with a classic backless blouse that features a wider back. This design element allows for endless opportunities to add embellishments and make the look truly stunning. While traditional methods involve using tassels, modern trends incorporate cutwork embellishments and danglers. In this example, a beautiful silk saree is paired with a plain black blouse, making it suitable for both daytime and evening events.
The addition of gold tassel danglers provides just the right amount of detail to complete the look. For those looking to stay on-trend, consider exploring these 25 ideas for wearing pants-style sarees.
↓ 19. Cape Blouse
Adorning a silk saree with threadwork and embroidery can elevate its overall aesthetic appeal. One popular option is the cape-style blouse, which has gained traction among saree enthusiasts. Although it’s not yet a staple in everyday wear, it’s been spotted at formal events and occasions. The tiny tassel detailing adds a charming touch to the overall look. To showcase the stunning embroidery on the front of the cape, it’s best to style it in a way that highlights its beauty.
Interestingly, some beautiful cape blouse-type sarees involve wearing the blouse over the saree pallu, allowing the blouse to take center stage while the saree remains subtly underplayed.
↓ 18. Statement Blouse
The focal point of a saree blouse is often its intricate design on the back. One of our most popular and trendy designs for pairing with silk sarees is particularly stunning. The traditional and unique detailing is a true masterpiece, making it an ideal choice for brides-to-be looking to make a memorable impression on their special day.
For those unfamiliar, the back design depicts the classic Indian wedding motif, ‘doli’, which adds an extra layer of cultural significance to this already glamorous blouse. When wearing this piece with silk sarees, it’s essential to balance its boldness by pairing it with something understated, allowing the blouse to be the true star of the show.
↓ 17. Peacock Embroidered Sleeves
The intricate embroidery on this blouse is truly captivating, especially with its vibrant multi-coloured threadwork that effortlessly elevates the overall style. A perfect pairing opportunity arises when matching the blouse with an elegant Rekha-style Kanjivaram saree or a plain silk saree in hues of pink, blue, or green to harmonize with the embroidery’s colours. Given the peacock’s cultural significance in Indian folklore, this stunning piece pays homage to the revered animal.
To achieve a striking balance between the blouse’s opulence and the simplicity of the saree, pairing it with a simplistic one is ideal. This ensemble makes for a fabulous choice for bridesmaids or even brides who prefer a more understated yet still elegant look on their special day.
↓ 16. Diamond Shape
↓ 15. Statement Sleeves
One way to breathe new life into traditional sarees is by incorporating modern touches, such as puffed sleeves and back bands. This combination creates a truly contemporary blouse that can be paired with both contrasting and matching saree colours for an elegant look. The puffed sleeve trend has made a comeback in recent years, having been popularized during the 1980s and 1990s. It’s now commonly seen in both Eastern and Western fashion.
For those who prefer understated designs, this style offers a stylish alternative to intricate embroidery or embossed motifs. Actress Anita Hassanandani, a prominent figure in Indian television, often flaunts her impeccable sense of style by pairing stunning sarees with modern blouses.
↓ 14. Wide Sleeves
To create a casual yet stylish look when wearing a silk saree, consider pairing it with a plain Western-style blouse. As seen in this example, a tie-dye saree has been draped elegantly around the blouse, with the various shades of blue coming together to form a visually appealing ensemble. The incorporation of wide sleeves into the basic blouse adds a trendy touch, giving the overall look a statement-making flair.
Furthermore, the pompom lace provides an eye-catching contrast against the blue lace and red hues, making for a truly stunning combination.
↓ 13. Layered Blouse With Floral Saree
Transforming a classic silk saree into a modern masterpiece is an exciting venture. Gone are the days of monotone designs; today’s trendsetters opt for bold combinations that make a statement. Floral prints have taken center stage, adorning dresses, shirts, pants, and now, sarees. A stunning layered and ruffled peach blouse with delicate details adds a touch of sophistication to a simplistic saree. The carefully chosen color ensures a harmonious marriage between the print and the saree’s design.
For a relaxed yet elegant look, this saree is an excellent choice, blending simplicity and poise in perfect harmony.
↓ 12. Embroidered Blue Blouse
↓ 11. Celebrity Style
Sonam Kapoor is renowned for her fearless fashion sense and impeccable style, which has earned her a reputation as a game-changer in Bollywood’s fashion landscape. Her recent appearances have showcased a newfound appreciation for traditional Indian attire, with her wedding to Anand Ahuja marking a significant shift towards more cultural ensembles.
In one striking example, Sonam was spotted wearing a stunning printed silk saree, paired with a minimalist blouse that allowed the bold prints to take center stage. This particular saree can be found at Jodi for INR 16,990. The key to successfully pulling off such a bold look lies in striking the right balance between the printed fabric and the simplicity of the blouse.
In Sonam’s case, her effortless wavy hairdo and statement jewelry perfectly complemented the overall look, which could be easily replicated by pairing a printed silk saree with a plain or embossed blouse. For an added touch of glamour, consider accessorizing the outfit to enhance the overall aesthetic and draw attention to the saree.
↓ 10. Square Neck
Elevate your blouse style by experimenting with unique shapes and colors. The ‘deep low neck’ design offers a fresh twist on the classic backless blouse, featuring a square silhouette that’s distinct from both front and back views. The addition of a boat neck detail adds an extra layer of visual interest. To completely transform your look, pair a light-toned saree with a vibrant blouse for a striking combination.
Alternatively, consider adding organza to give the blouse a subtle sheerness at the back. With these styling options, you can effortlessly update your wardrobe and stay on-trend in modern fashion.
↓ 9. Bow Detailing
Elevate your classic blouse by infusing it with modern western flair. The pièce de résistance is this asymmetrical number featuring stunning bow accents that add an air of sophistication. Furthermore, the striking combination of silver-gray and pistachio green hues creates a truly show-stopping ensemble.
↓ 8. Round Neck Blouse
↓ 7. Back Embroidery
For a understated yet stylish combination with your silk saree, consider pairing it with a modestly covered blouse. The trend of backless and high-neck blouses is currently sweeping the fashion world, as seen on many celebrities, including Deepika Padukone who opted for a full sleeved, high neck blouse at her reception. A green and pink combination with delicate detailing creates a harmonious ensemble.
The elephant motif, often featured in Indian embroideries, can also be incorporated into the design. Since the front of the blouse is concealed by the saree pallu, focus on adding details to the back of the blouse instead. The pink and gold threadwork beautifully complements the silk saree’s color. To add a touch of elegance without overpowering the outfit, incorporate a flower accessory in your hair, as seen in the picture below.
However, avoid over-accessorizing an already embellished blouse or saree.
↓ 6. Peekaboo Sleeves
The peekaboo sleeve, reminiscent of the cold-shoulder style, has gained popularity in Eastern fashion circles. The teardrop shape creates a subtle yet striking display of skin, complemented by intricate embroidery. This traditional Indian silk saree in a rich pink hue is beautifully contrasted with a deep blue shade, making it an ideal choice for day weddings. The exquisite sequins and zari work add a one-of-a-kind touch, expertly capturing the essence of traditional Indian embroidery.
Meanwhile, the blouse is worth investing in, as its versatility allows it to be worn in various colours and fabrics, making it a valuable addition to any wardrobe.
↓ 5. Danglers
In this revised take on the classic backless blouse, stunning dangler detailing steals the show. The square shape of the blouse offers a breathtaking view of the back, while the gold danglers cleverly match the intricate embroidery adorning the sleeves and neck region. This lightweight masterpiece is effortlessly paired with both light and dark-hued sarees, making it an ideal choice for daytime weddings or receptions.
Notably, the boat neckline provides a broad, stylish silhouette that can be beautifully accented with chokers – perfect for skipping earrings altogether or opting for shorter danglers instead.
↓ 4. High-Neck Blouse
While high-necklines are not as ubiquitous as other styles, they offer a unique opportunity to add statement pieces. For those who prefer understated elegance, however, the focus can be on simplicity rather than bold jewelry. The elbow-length sleeves imbue the outfit with a regal quality, while the delicate overall aesthetic is elevated by the gold embroidery, which diverges from traditional zardozi work.
The sleeve embroidery harmonizes beautifully with both the blouse and saree, creating a cohesive and refined look.
↓ 3. Lace-Up
For those seeking a moderate amount of skin exposure without going for the bold, backless blouse look, lace-up designs offer a stylish solution. This trend has gained popularity over time and is now being seen on various garments, from shirts to dresses and even shoes. The latest incarnation of this trend is on blouses, which feature intricate lacing details that add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
At the base of these laces, delicate tassels have been expertly tied, providing a beautiful and eye-catching focal point at the back. Meanwhile, the saree’s understated color palette has been cleverly complemented by a vibrant shade of orange worn as an accent piece.
↓ 2. Rectangular Detailing
The interplay between fashion and geometry has become increasingly apparent in recent blouse designs, with many featuring striking rectangular cutouts on the back. This unconventional design element adds a touch of uniqueness to an otherwise classic silhouette. The bold color palette, meanwhile, is equally impressive, boasting a versatility that makes it suitable for both spring and summer ensembles.
↓ 1. Dual Colored Blouse
This stunning dual-colored saree blouse exudes elegance, effortlessly mirroring the tones of the accompanying two-toned saree in a harmonious blend of pink and blue hues. The intricate gold embroidery and delicate cutwork add a touch of timeless traditionality, infusing the overall design with an air of ethnic sophistication.
