Draping dupatta is a work of art! Be it a lehenga choli or a dress, draping the right style of dupatta can elevate your entire appearance. There are different stunning styles to drape your dupatta to get that perfect look!Here are ten ways in which you can flaunt your dupatta with desi outfits… Drape it up!

Dupattas give that oomph to traditional outfits like lehenga cholis, salwar-kameez and gowns. They form an essential part of Indian ethnic attire and add elegance and grace to the outfits.Every now and then we observe someone draping different styles of dupattas, especially during wedding ceremonies. Even for brides – adding a dupatta or re-draping an old one is a surefire way to stand out.

Dupattas are the one thing that can make or break any desi outfit! There is so much you can do with just one dupatta.If you know how to wear a dupatta right, you’ve got every traditional outfit covered, because it is the one key item needed to instantly elevate your outfit. We have clipped together some most trending dupatta styles that will make it look not only stylish and elegant but also ace your desi look effortlessly!

Drape dupatta around the elbows

This is one of the easiest and hassle-free ways to drape your dupatta! This lustrous ensemble lets your heavily embellished lehenga shine without getting in the way and sets a wave of pleasantness and at ease.  In fact, carrying the dupatta around the elbows works wonder while posing for a full mode shots.

 Belt it up at the waist

Styling dupatta with a waistband or belt has become a massive trend. Waistband is a stunning accessory that if styled right can complement your gorgeous lehengas. This contemporary style that is usually designed with stunning embroidery and embellishments can transform the entire look of an outfit. In fact, accessorizing lehenga with a belt accentuates your waistline and makes it look sleek. It’s the best style to keep your hands free and fix your pleats in place. Moreover, it also manages to keep the dupatta secured at one place.

Hold it across your wrist

An epitome of royalty, the arm-style dupatta draping can be a classy, stylish and comfiest accessory. Opt for the style where you can just pin up your dupatta at your wrist. You may even pin the dupatta with a bangle to hold the dupatta in place. This style is best for ceremonies where you have to do activities like dancing at the wedding, making it excellent for snazzy events!

Asymmetrical Drape

Asymmetrical style refers to draping one end of the dupatta on the elbow and the other side cascaded down the shoulder. Those who cannot pick between the shoulder drape and the elbow drape can always opt for this asymmetrical drape, as it is a perfect combination that gives you the best balance between both alternatives! This style is famously worn with chaniya cholis during Navratri. It a perfect balance between an elegant and classy look and an easy breezy drape. This style is most preferred as it keeps the dupatta out of the way and ensures a fuss-free experience!

Pleated it on One Side

The alternative to draping a dupatta in asymmetrical style is to pin it on just one side. You can pleat it neatly and stack it on one side in a simple yet elegant way. So for those wondering how to wear a dupatta with salwar kameez or with a lehenga without it constantly coming in the way, the answer is to securely pin it to one side.

Free Falling Style

Now this style is basically inspired from a Punjabi style of draping dupatta on salwar kameez. Styling the dupatta on either shoulder to let it fall naturally in a simple and subtle way, gives a more free-flowing and easy breezy look. This look is great if you want to flaunt the heavily embroidered dupatta or the detailing along the border. You can even pin it on the shoulder and forget about it.  In fact, this hassle free style is getting popular with brides off late, as it gives an elegant and royal touch.

The Shawl Style

This is basically a free falling style in the reverse order. Here the dupatta is draped like a how a shawl is worn. For this, open your dupatta and wrap it behind your back. You can hold the fabric on the elbows and pin it on the shoulders if need be. This casual dupatta draping style does not require any pleating or complex dupatta draping. If you want to flaunt your lehenga and blouse design, a shawl style of draping is best for you. 

Pinned on the Head

This style is best if you want to give a traditional and ethnic touch to your contemporary outfit. You just need to pin the dupatta on the top of the head and bring the other end forward through the other elbow. This is a regal style of draping the dupatta and is very famous especially with the brides. In fact, you can pin the dupatta on the head and let the rest of the dupatta flow free, if you want to show off that waist of yours!

Pleated Around the Neck

This look has such a chic and girly feel to it. If your dupatta fabric is light and has no specific work on it or your outfit doesn’t have a necklace, scrunching it around the neck is the ideal style to opt for. You can even pin up the dupatta loosely on the shoulders for more freedom of movement. This is the most modern ways of wearing a dupatta.  This style looks extremely pretty and simplistic while also drawing attention to your outfit, ensuring you have the best of both worlds.

Double Dupatta Styles

This is a very elegant style that comes with two dupattas, usually one dupatta pleated over the shoulder like a saree and the other covers your head. Now this is the style specifically for brides. This Mughal-inspired style goes perfectly with the wedding lehenga for brides who do not prefer to carry a heavy dupatta on their heads. You can use this dupatta draping style with an Anarkali or a lehenga, as it complements both very well. The benefit is that the dupatta that covers the head does not come in front or make it difficult to manage. This style gives you freedom of movement and shows off your beautiful lehenga too. Experiment with fabric and patterns if you’re trying this style!

The Cowl Style

Now this style is the latest and modern take on saree-style draping. The cowls style is contemporary, chic and elegant at the same time. It is worn like a sash with cowls on one side. It is a perfect choice especially for bridesmaids, as it looks stylish and hassle-free. All you have to do is to pleat it neatly so that every fold is visible separately. And instead of pinning the dupatta on both sides of the shoulder, pin it on one side and tuck the other on the opposite side at the waist.

So what are you waiting for… Flaunt the inner fashion diva in you with these unique draping styles. However, no matter which style you choose,make sure each drape will ooze out your best persona. Good luck with the selection!