Lehenga Styling Tips: How to Look Perfect on Your Special Day

A lehenga is a fabulous and traditional Indian dress. As a traditional ensemble, it radiates charm and splendor. Women can wear this gorgeous dress with pride on special occasions. Weddings and festivals, to mention some special occasions. In fact, women can look impressive on special days following lehenga styling tips.  In this post, we’ll shed light on wearing a lehenga, especially in style on your special day. 

What are Lehenga Choli?

When it comes to the most popular traditional Indian dresses for women, lehenga choli stands out alongside a saree. Mainly adored for elegance, the lehenga choli remains a popular dress for weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. Even the collection Mannat ~ Mother Daughter Edit is worth exploring to find dresses to wear on special occasions.
Now, let’s talk about the history, evolution, and components of lehenga choli.

The History of Lehenga Choli

The history of lehenga choli dates back to Mughal times. In the Mughal era, queens wore the decorated versions of this dress. In fact, they wore lehenga cholis extravagantly, symbolizing wealth and prestige. 
Pakistani bridal dress for barat. Dress to wear on formal occasions, like weddings.
Similar to lehenga cholis, there are other options for excellent formal wear dresses, too. In fact, the formal wear we want to mention next is for all and sundry. Not just for a woman and a young girl. Like Adena ~ Festive Edit collection. 

The Evolution of Lehenga Choli

Over time, lehenga choli has evolved from extravagantly luxurious to simple designs. Nowadays, designers produce this classic dress with simple designs. In fact, designers make lehenga cholis in hybrid styles. They use lighter fabrics to produce lehenga cholis, unlike the luxurious fabrics of the Mughal times.

Today, lehenga cholis are available in a variety, including traditional, modern, and hybrid. A-line lehengas in traditional style, Indo-western lehengas in modern style, and mermaid-cut lehengas in hybrid styles, for example. 
Further, Rajasthani and Gujarati lehengas are popular in these regions for their own reasons. We have shared those reasons below, too, for their popularity:

• Rajasthani Lehengas - Popular Because of Their Vibrant Colors & Detailed Embroidery 
• Gujarati Lehengas  - Popular Due to Mirror Work

Key Components of Lehenga Choli: Skirt, Blouse, and Dupatta

women adore the lehenga choli because of its grace and design. And, tradition is another word that defines what this dress means to women. 
Furthermore, you may love exploring luxurious ready-to-wear dresses as a woman. Then, we recommend you explore the Luxury Pret collection for any occasion.

Styling Tips for Lehenga Outfits

Lehengas are a wardrobe must-have when it comes to fashion. In particular, Indian fashion. Lehenga outfits are elegant and versatile. For the same reason, you can style them in different ways to accomplish different looks.

Moreover, there are lehenga styling tips from top designers that you can follow. We have shared those tips below, too:  

Choose the Right Fabric and Silhouette

Designers and manufacturers produce lehengas from various fabrics. Ranging from silk and velvet to georgette and net. It is important that you choose the right fabric lehenga for your individual style and occasions. For instance, lighter fabric (georgette or net) lehenga is ideal to style and wear at festivals or birthdays.

Moreover, silhouettes of lehenga play a crucial role, too, for styling. For example, a lehenga with a flared skirt and fitted choli is perfect for styling and achieving a flattering look.  

Accessorize the Dress

Lehenages often come with intricate embroidery and embellishments. For this reason, you need to carefully accessorize your lehenga for style. That is to say, choose a few key jewelry pieces to complement your lehenga looks. As an example, a bold necklace and earrings are enough to accessorize your lehenga dress for style. 

Use Innovative Dupatta Draping Techniques 

Another way to stand out wearing a lehenga is dupatta draping. As a matter of fact, there are endless options for innovative dupatta draping. We have mentioned some to help you wear a lehenga in style:

Gujarati Style

Gujarati style dupatta draping allows for flaunting your dupatta design with an ethnic appeal. Here is how it works:

• Drape your dupatta across the chest and pin your dupatta on the opposite shoulder.

Veil Style
Dupatta draping in veil style is a favorite of brides. Moreover, here is how this technique works:

• Drape the dupatta over your head.

• Then, let the dupatta fall over your shoulders similar to a veil.  

Selecting the Perfect Bridal Lehenga

Selecting the perfect bridal lehenga is not only one of the most exciting tasks. But also a daunting one, with so many options available for lehengas. However, it is crucial to choose the perfect bridal lehenga reflecting the personality of the bride. And also fits the occasions. So how do you choose it? Let’s find out the answer to this question next.   

Current Trends in Bridal Lehenga Designs

You can choose the perfect bridal lehenga while capitalizing on bridal trends. Not to mention, bridal trends are all about innovative designs, intricate embroidery, and bold colors. We have talked about below the popular and current lehenga trends for brides:

Classic Red and Pastel Hues

Red reigns supreme as a go-to color for bridal lehengas. In addition, lehengas in softer pastel shades for brides are trending these days. Peach and blush pink, to mention some of those shades.

Monochromatic 

Monochromatic lehengas for brides are trending these days. That is today, the blouse, skirt, and dupatta are all in the same color. Not to mention, monochromatic lehengas create a sleek and contemporary look for brides. 

Traditional Yet Modern

Traditional lehengas are one of the current trends for lehengas with a modern twist. These lehengas not only feature intricate embroidery and Banarasi weaving. But also stylish cuts and fusion silhouettes for a modern look. 

Fabric and Fit: Finding What Suits You Best

Both the fabric and fit matter for selecting bridal lehengas. Not to mention, the lehenga fabric affects both the comfort and style of brides. Brides looking for a comfy yet elegant look can opt for lightweight fabric lehengas. Silk, gorgettes, and chiffon are excellent examples of lightweight and elegant fabrics. 
On the other hand, brides can have a luxurious feel in lehengas made from velvet or satin. Also, the Velveteen ~ Luxury Fall Collection is worth checking for women for the fall and winter to upgrade their seasonal wardrobe. The same holds for velvet dresses, such as lehengas made from velvet.  

Apart from the fabric, the fit also matters for bridal lehengas. By the same token, bridal lehengas should fit a bride well. Contrarily, poor fitting can ruin the appearance of brides and cause them discomfort. 

Personalizing Your Bridal Look: Colors and Design

The color you choose for your bridal lehenga will reflect your personal style. We have already talked about trending colors for bridal lehengas. However, you may opt for a unique color palette for a lehenga to reflect your style as a modern bride. Lehenga in a bold jewel tone or a pastel shade, for example.      

Please remember each lehenga color tells a different story enhancing your visual appeal. And your emotional connection to a special day. So, personalize your bridal look with a lehenga in design and color reflecting your true personality. 

How to Style a Lehenga in Different Ways 

Styling lehengas nowadays has become more than just putting them on. You can find a variety of printed lehengas today. And style these clothing items in different ways, which we shall talk about next.

Styling For Printed Lehenga Cholis

Here are lehenga styling tips to style printed lehengas in different ways:

Choose the Right Print for an Occasion

Every printed lehenga has a story to tell on different occasions. For this reason, you should choose your print for a lehenga accordingly. For example, floral print lehengas are perfect for weddings and festivals. And lehengas with intricate prints are ideal to wear at evening events.     

Smartly Select Blouse Designs 

You can opt to pair your printed lehenga with a statement blouse for a contemporary look. Or pair a lehenga with an intricate pattern with a blouse in a contrasting color to make a strong statement. Why not make that statement with your family on Eid-ul-Adha with Camellia ~ Festive Edit?

Enhance Your Look with Footwear

Enhance your looks with printed lehengas on different occasions with the right footwear. For example, you can wear a printed lehenga with traditional juttis at family gatherings or celebrations. 

Or wear heeled sandals or strappy stilettos with printed lehengas in more formal settings. Further, do not forget to explore Alaya - Festive Formals — a perfect collection for celebrations & formal events.   

Apart from these tips, makeup looks and hairstyles can help you stand out in printed lehengas, too. How? Dewy makeup with earthy tones, like soft pinks can complement lighter-printed lehengas well for daytime events. Smokey eyes or dark lips with dark print lehengas can work ideally for evening events. Further, hairstyles like loose waves or soft curls can provide printed lehengas with a romantic charm at weddings. 

Furthermore, stunning outfits in contemporary designs are worth checking for women for weddings or celebrations. So, do not miss checking out Ruffles ~ Festive Edit and Meiral ~ Luxury Couture collection.

Accessorizing Your Lehenga for a Chic Look

Accomplishing a chic look with a lehenga takes more than just wearing the outfit. That is to say, you need to accessorize your lehenga. In fact, the same holds for luxury casual and matching outfits, like Chique ~ Luxury Casuals and Mother Daughter Collection, respectively. So how do you accessorize your lehenga for a chic look? Follow the tips below, and you are good to go:    

• Put on earrings that match your lehenga colors.

• Wear a necklace complementing your lehenga, like a statement necklace with a deep V-neck.  
• Adorn your arms with gold or glass bangles with a traditional lehenga to achieve a classic look.  
• Wear a kamarbandh (waist chain) that matches your lehenga design to accentuate your waist.

• Carry essentials, like a clutch bag complementing the color and design of your lehenga.

Lehengas are unquestionably a wardrobe staple for women to have. In fact, there are casual outfits for women for everyday wear like Alpha. But do you know there are outfits for men to wear on special days, similar to women? Such as the Zafir ~ Men’s Festive Collection.       

Transforming Your Lehenga into Fusion Wear

You can upgrade your lehenga looks provided that you transform your lehenga into fusion wear. We have mentioned some of the ways to accomplish that for you below: 

Jacket Lehengas 

You can wear a classic lehenga with richly embroidered floor-length jackets. Not to mention, this look lets you ideally strike a balance for a sophisticated ensemble, lehenga.

Peplum Blouse Lehengas 

Pair a classic lehenga with a customized peplum blouse. Wearing a lehenga in this way will add a contemporary touch to your traditional dress.  

Belted Lehengas 

Strategically incorporate a belt into your lehenga dress. It won’t only instantly modernize your look but also refine your outfit.  

Layering Ideas for a Modern Lehenga Look

Below, we have shared some layering ideas for a modern lehenga look:

A Whole New Look with a Slip Top 

Instead of wearing a choli (blouse), consider pairing your lehenga with a long-slit top. Make sure to wear the items in matching colors. The same holds for dupatta. It will let you create a whole new look for your lehenga outfit.   

A Slimmer Look with a Shimmery Belt

You can wear a partywear lehenga with a shimmery belt around your stomach. Then, wear a dupatta on your shoulder. It won't only make you look slimmer but also gorgeous in traditional attire.   

Double Dupatta Look 

To accomplish this look, pick the first dupatta in the same color as your lehenga. Choose the second one in a contrasting color. Wear the first dupatta across your shoulders and let the second one come back from the other shoulder. Also, make sure that the end of the dupatta tucks inside your waist, and you are good to go.

Moreover, keep on exploring the category, New Arrivals for traditional yet modern dresses at Chic Ophical. It can help you get your hands on stylish dresses before your fellow fashion aficionados.

Maintenance Tips for Your Lehenga Choli

You must take adequate care of your lehenga choli to make your traditional outfit last a long period. That is to say, you have to properly clean and store it, which we have talked about next, too.

Caring for Your Lehenga: Cleaning and Storage

We have shared below tips on properly cleaning and storing lehenga choli:

Our Tips on Cleaning Lehenga Choli:

• Carefully read the wash care label of your dress prior to cleaning. 
• Remove any detachable accessories and untangle the dress for the best results with cleaning.
• Do not use a harsh detergent for hand washing your lehenga.
• Use lukewarm water to thoroughly rinse and clean your lehenga choli.  
• Avoid machine washing bridal lehenga choli, especially if the dress has intricate embroidery and prints.  

Our Tips on Storing Lehenga Choli:

• See care instructions for your dress before storing your lehenga choli or consult with your designer.
• Avoid storing the dress on a hanger to ensure it keeps its shape.
• Do not store your lehenga choli unless your dress is as clean and dry as possible.
• Store your traditional outfit in a cool and dry environment, free from moisture where you can safely lay it flat.

Long-Term Preservation of Your Ethnic Wear

Proper cleaning and storage of your lehenga choli will help you last your Indian ethnic wear for a long time. So, make sure you follow the tips above for the long-term preservation of your lehenga choli. 

Conclusion: Create Your Unique Lehenga Look

Now you know enough about the versatile and popular dress for weddings, a lehenga. There are different varieties of lehenga cholis. And you can follow lehenga styling tips from top designers, which we have shared. As a matter of fact, you can create your unique lehenga look. Knowing your body type and personality, you can choose a lehenga in the right style. Or customize a lehenga to wear that makes you stand out on your special day portraying your unique look. 

Additional Resources

Where to Shop for the Best Lehenga Cholis

You can shop for the best lehenga cholis online from a fashion brand. Such as Chic Ophical, a brand that combines modern and traditional outfits to produce unique and adorable outfits.   

Influencers and Designers to Follow for Lehenga Inspiration

We have listed below the names of top social media influencers and designers to follow for lehenga inspiration:

Top 5 Social Media Influencers for Lehenga Inspiration

• Aashna Shroff
• Nagma Mirajkar
• Masoom Minawala
• Riya Jain
• Mrunal Panchal

Top 5 Designers for Lehenga Inspiration

• Sabyasachi Mukherjee
• Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla
• Manish Malhotra
• Amita Dongre
• Falguni Shane Peacock

Our Bonus DIY Tips for Customizing Your Lehenga

• Give your lehenga some sparkle with customized mirror work or beads sewn on by-hand.
• Tie-dye to create a colorful and unique pattern for your lehenga. 

• Add a custom-made belt with embellishments to your lehenga dress for a unique look.

FAQs

How can I make my lehenga attractive?

To make your lehenga look attractive, first understand your body type. Then, style accordingly and show confidence wearing the dress. For example, A-line lehengas complement the hourglass shape body. And flared lehengas complement the pear-shaped body. 
Further, lehengas featuring vibrant colors and embellishments are perfect for weddings and festive celebrations. So, choose a lehenga as per your body type and exude confidence wearing it to make your dress look attractive.

What are the main components of a lehenga choli?

There are three main components of a lehenga choli, which we have mentioned below:

Lehenga (Long Skirt), Reaching Down to the Ankles, in General

Choli (Crop Top Blouse)

Dupatta (Scarf or Shawl)

How do you keep a lehenga up?

There are various ways you can keep a lehenga up. Or prevent your lehenga from falling down or slipping. We have mentioned three of those ways for you below:

1. Invest in undergarments, like a well-fitted petticoat or underskirt to keep your lehenga up.
2. Properly fasten your lehenga with safety pins or hidden clips, for example, to prevent it from slipping.
3. Maintain the right posture and movement while wearing the dress. That is, stand tall with your shoulders back and your abdomen engaged. It will support the weight of your lehenga and prevent it from falling down. 

Can I wear a lehenga for occasions other than weddings?

Of course, there are various occasions when you can wear a lehenga other than weddings. For instance, you can wear this dress at festive and casual gatherings besides office parties.  Thanks to the fact lehenga is a versatile garment. 

Which stuff is good for lehenga?

The stuff or fabric that is good for a lehenga is dependent on occasion, personal preferences, and body type. For example, chiffon lehengas are ideal for summer weddings. And georgette lehengas are suitable for wearing in the day or the evening. Further, silk lehengas are perfect for winter weddings and formal occasions. Furthermore, velvet lehengas are not only ideal for winter weddings. But also for evening events. What’s more?

• A-line lehengas are perfect for complementing the hourglass body type. And high-waist lehengas are perfect for an apple-shaped body type.