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Saree Style Guide: Pro Tips for the Perfect Work Look

Date 17 April 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins

Saree at work? Why not! Gone are the days when office wear was limited to boring pantsuits. The 9-yard wonder is having a major career moment. But wait, before you reach for that heavily embellished silk, let's talk office-appropriate sarees. After all, you want to make a statement, not raise eyebrows at that 9 am meeting!


So whether you're a saree newbie or a draping pro, we've got you covered with tips on choosing the perfect sarees for office wearsaree draping methods and nailing that professional look.

Understanding the Importance of Professional Attire

First things first, why does your office look matter? Well, like it or not, your appearance plays a role in how you're perceived at work. Dressing professionally shows that you mean business. It conveys a sense of competence, credibility and attention to detail. Plus, when you look good, you feel good - and that confidence can take you places!


Why Choose Sarees for Office Wear

Now, let's address the elephant in the room. Why sarees for office wear? Here's the deal: Sarees are a beautiful blend of tradition and versatility. They allow you to express your cultural identity while looking absolutely on point. And with so many fabrics, prints and draping styles to choose from, there's a saree for every personality and body type.


The key is to pick the right sarees for office wear and style it appropriately. Opt for fabrics like cotton, linen, georgette in muted colours or understated prints. The goal is to look polished and put-together, so choose your saree draping techniques wisely!


Different Saree Draping Techniques for a Professional Look

Now for the fun part - saree draping! There are so many ways to wear a saree, and different saree-wearing techniques lend a different vibe. For the office, you want to keep it neat and fuss-free. Here are some popular saree draping techniques that work well for a professional setting:

  1. The Classic Nivi Drape: This is the most common saree style, where the pleats are tucked neatly at the waist and the pallu is draped over the left shoulder. It's a timeless look that never fails.
  2. The Front Pallu Drape: In this style, the pallu is brought to the front and draped across the chest, either pinned at the shoulder or left loose. It's a great option if you want to show off a pretty border or highlight your saree blouse.
  3. The Bengali Drape: One of the classic saree draping methods you can't miss! It involves making a box pleat at the front, with the pallu draped twice around the body and tucked in at the back. It creates a clean, no-nonsense look that's perfect for the office.
  4. The Butterfly Drape: One of the popular saree-wearing techniques, in this drape, the pallu is pleated and pinned at the shoulder to create a butterfly-like effect. It's a feminine, playful twist on the classic drape that still looks professional.

Step-by-Step Guide to Saree Draping Methods for Office

If you're new to saree draping methods, don't worry - it's easier than it looks! Here's a quick step-by-step guide to the classic drape for office:

  1. Start with the saree on your right side, with the plain end tucked into your petticoat at the waist.
  2. Make 5-7 pleats, about 5 inches wide each, and tuck them into your petticoat at the navel.
  3. Wrap the saree around your waist once, moving from right to left.
  4. Make a few more pleats and tuck them into your petticoat at the back.
  5. Bring the remaining fabric (the pallu) around your torso and drape it over your left shoulder.
  6. Adjust the pleats and pallu until you're happy with the drape, and secure with safety pins if needed.

With a little practice, you'll be a saree-draping expert in no time! And remember, there's no one "right" way to wear a saree. Have fun experimenting with different saree draping methods until you find what works for you.

Tips for Choosing the Right Saree for Office

Do you wear a patterned saree or a colour blocked saree? When it comes to picking sarees for office wear and saree wearing techniques, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Fabric: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that are easy to drape and comfortable to wear all day. Cotton, linen, georgette and crepe are all great options.
  • Colour: Stick to neutral or muted colours like white, beige, grey, navy, or pastels. If you do go for a print, keep it small and subtle.
  • Pattern: Opt for simple, understated prints like dots, stripes, checks or geometric patterns. Printed sarees are always in style.
  • Embellishments: Keep embellishments to a minimum. A simple border or a bit of embroidery is fine, but avoid heavy zari work, sequins or bling.
  • Blouse: Choose a blouse that's not too low-cut or revealing. High-neck, collared or sleeveless blouses work well for the office. Make sure it fits well and is comfortable to wear.

Not sure how to experiment with saree wearing techniques? Check out Mohey's collection of office-appropriate sarees for some inspiration.


How to Accessorise Your Office Formal Saree Look

The right accessories can really elevate your office formal saree look. Here are some tips:

  • Jewellery: Stick to minimal, delicate jewellery like small earrings, a thin chain, or a simple pendant. Avoid chunky, flashy pieces that can be distracting.
  • Watch: A classic watch is a great way to accessorise your office formal saree look and add a professional touch.
  • Footwear: Opt for comfortable, closed-toe shoes like pumps, flats or wedges. Avoid anything too high or strappy.
  • Bag: Choose a structured, medium-sized bag that's big enough to hold your essentials. A leather or faux-leather bag is a safe bet to pull off with your office formal saree look.

Remember, less is more when it comes to accessorising for the office. You want your accessories to complement your saree, not compete with it.


Maintaining Your Saree: Care and Storage Tips

Sarees are delicate garments that require a bit of TLC to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for caring for and storing your sarees for office wear:

  • Washing: Most sarees for office wear should be dry-cleaned or hand-washed in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid machine-washing, as it can damage the fabric.
  • Drying: Always hang your sarees to dry in the shade. Avoid drying them in direct sunlight, as it can cause the colours to fade.
  • Ironing: Use a cool iron on the reverse side of the saree to avoid damaging any embellishments or prints. If your saree has a delicate fabric like silk or georgette, use a pressing cloth.
  • Storage: Store your sarees for office wear in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Fold them loosely and store them in a cotton bag or muslin cloth to allow the fabric to breathe.

With proper care and storage, your sarees for office wear will stay looking crisp for years to come. Thanks to these saree wearing techniques, you'll be able to ace the formal look!

Stay Saree-ously Stylish at Work

So there you have it - your complete guide to styling sarees for office wear! With these saree draping techniques, styling tips and a little bit of confidence, you'll be the best-dressed employee in the office.


Remember, the key is to choose the right saree draping methods and accessorise minimally. And if you're ever in doubt, just check out Mohey's collection of work-ready sarees and saree wearing techniques for some serious saree inspiration.


Embrace the office formal saree look and show your colleagues how it's done. Trust us, you'll be the talk of the office - in the best way possible!

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