The experience of wearing a lehenga is magical – ask any Indian woman. If you’ve grown up drooling over designer lehenga outfits from Bollywood movies, you will agree. We all want to twirl around in a shimmering skirt with a flowy dupatta to add drama, and maybe it will get stuck in the sleeve of your soulmate! Well, it probably won’t, but you can still have the other dreamy aspects of wearing this glamorous outfit.
It is truly a dream come true to wear a lehenga and you should have all the tools you need to make it happen. Whether you are wearing it in India or abroad, keeping a few things in mind before you begin the process of purchasing a lehenga will help avoid any hassle.
In this guide, we share tips on how to prepare before going to the store, get a lehenga fitted, consider price points, and more! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about buying a lehenga and how to style it for different occasions.
What kind of a lehenga do you want?
The first step is to be clear about the look you want. Whether you have a wedding to attend or it’s your own big day, it is good to have a point of reference before you start exploring. Create vision boards, scope out the social media accounts of your favourite celebs, and make sure you know what you want before you even think of entering a shop. There are many options available out there and not having a basic idea of what you want will only end up making the process confusing. This does not mean, however, that you cannot change your mind later. You can always end up wanting something completely different.
Where to go?
There are many stores (online and offline) offering women lehengas, and randomly picking one will not allow you to explore all the hidden gems. Choosing the correct store is an important step. Moreover, everyone has a different budget and nothing is more disappointing than releasing that you cannot afford a lehenga after you have already set your mind on it. Read reviews, and don’t forget to ask your friends where they purchased their lehengas from. Keep this list of online stores and offline boutiques and outlets handy, go forth, and explore.
How fitted is too fitted?
Once you have picked out your lehenga, it is time to get it fitted. Obviously, you don’t want anything that is not flattering but you should also avoid making it too tight. Go for a fit that hugs you perfectly but also leaves room for movement. After all, you will be dancing, eating, and doing all those other things we do amid the festivities. A key measurement you want to focus on is the length. Try on the women lehengas with the footwear (heels or flats) that you will be wearing. The look matters, but being comfortable (and not tripping) is just as important.
What climate are you shopping for?
Dressing according to the weather is a no-brainer but it is especially true when you are planning on wearing something heavy like a lehenga. Try to get an estimated temperature for the day of the event and plan accordingly. Even if the event is indoors, you will be taking pictures out in the open and stepping out occasionally throughout the day. You can also consider a lightweight blouse or chunri to minimise the heat. On the other hand, if it is going to be cold, you need to invest in a shawl or thermal wear that will keep you warm without compromising the look of your lehenga.
What’s the occasion?
In the West, it is well-known that women must not wear white to a wedding. The social etiquette translates to Indian wear as well! Don’t wear your bridal lehenga to your friend’s mehendi or sangeet. Similarly, if you are going for a cocktail night, you might want to style your lehenga to look more modern. If you are planning on wearing women lehengas for a Diwali party, look for floral prints or lighter materials to get an easy-going look. Make sure you dress according to the occasion and follow the dress code, if any.
5 ways to style your dream lehenga
Dupatta draping
The way you drape your dupatta will completely change the look for your overall outfit. You can go for the classic saree-style drape and open shoulder. Cross it over the wrist for added movement. Dupattas draped like a cape are also all the rage right now.
Switch up the blouse
Once you have worn your complete outfit a few times, you will want to refresh the outfit. Pair your women lehengas with a blouse in a complementary colour. You can dress it up with a heavy blouse or turn down the glam with a muted, solid colour.
Shirt/jacket/blazer
Say goodbye to the boring old lehenga blouse and switch it up with a jacket or blazer. You can style your dupatta under the jacket or vest for an elegant yet edgy look. Wearing a button-down shirt with your embellished lehenga is also being loved by many at the moment. Pair this with a statement necklace to complete the look.
Two-piece affair
If you want to go for a bold look, ditch the outerwear or dupatta and keep the focus just on your lehenga and blouse. However, it is essential to make sure that the closure on both your lehenga and blouse is seamless before trying this out. We don’t want zippers poking out when you don’t have the safety of a dupatta or cape covering these up.
Comfy shoes
The classic combination with women lehengas will be heels but it is not always the most comfortable option. Women are now opting to wear customised sneakers with ethnic wear. You can get these in gold, silver, or white, and some even come embellished to give you the perfect combo of festive feels and comfort.
