Accessorizing Your Traditional Look: Jewelry and More
Indian traditional outfits hold a unique charm and elegance, offering endless ways to style and accessorize. While the outfit itself is the focal point, the right jewelry, footwear, and additional accessories can elevate the entire look, transforming it from beautiful to breathtaking. Accessorizing plays a crucial role in enhancing traditional wear, adding that touch of glamour, personalization, and completeness to your ensemble. This guide explores the best ways to pair traditional outfits with jewelry, footwear, and other accessories for a perfect head-to-toe look.
Jewelry: The Soul of Traditional Attire
Jewelry has always been an inseparable part of Indian fashion. Whether it’s the bold look of a bridal set or the subtle elegance of minimalist pieces, jewelry helps create a balanced look for any occasion.
Necklaces and Chokers: A heavily embellished lehenga or saree with intricate detailing pairs best with a statement choker. The beauty of chokers is that they bring attention to the collarbone and complement high-neck or boat-neck blouses perfectly. For more open-neck styles, go for a long necklace with traditional motifs.
Earrings: Earrings add a refined look and frame the face beautifully. Chandbalis, jhumkas, and statement studs are the go-to options for most traditional outfits. If you’re opting for a heavy necklace, consider simpler earrings to avoid an overwhelming look.
Maang Tikka and Matha Patti: Perfect for weddings and festive occasions, a maang tikka or matha patti adds a regal touch. These pieces are particularly beautiful with open hairstyles, bringing focus to the forehead and completing the bridal or festive look.
Bangles and Kadas: No traditional outfit is complete without bangles or kadas. From gold and silver to glass and stone-studded designs, bangles are the epitome of femininity and charm in Indian attire. Match them with the color scheme of your outfit for a cohesive look.
Footwear: The Foundation of Elegance
Choosing the right footwear is crucial for completing your traditional ensemble. The ideal footwear not only enhances your attire but also ensures comfort and confidence.
Juttis: Originating from Punjab, juttis are embroidered flat shoes that pair well with lehengas, sarees, and Anarkalis. They add a splash of traditional style and come in various colors and designs to match any outfit.
Kolhapuris: Named after the town of Kolhapur, these open-toed sandals are perfect for sarees and suits. Their simplistic yet elegant design, often enhanced with metallic tones, works wonders for both casual and formal looks.
Heels and Wedges: For more formal events, heels or wedges can add a sophisticated touch, especially with sarees. Wedges are a more comfortable option that still provides the height, while heels are ideal for giving a streamlined look to the outfit.
Hair Accessories: The Finishing Touch
Hair accessories have a timeless appeal in Indian fashion, often used in both traditional and contemporary looks. They can be as subtle as a gajra or as extravagant as a jeweled headpiece.
Gajra (Flower Garlands): Fresh flower garlands, especially jasmine, are iconic in traditional South Indian weddings. Draping them around a bun or along a braid adds a delicate, fragrant element to the hairstyle.
Hair Pins and Clips: Decorative hair pins, clips, and barrettes with intricate detailing can elevate a simple hairstyle. Opt for pieces that match your jewelry to create a cohesive look.
Jeweled Hairbands and Tiaras: Jeweled hairbands, often adorned with pearls or crystals, add a modern twist to traditional hairstyles. These pieces work beautifully with wavy or half-up, half-down styles.
Dupattas and Stoles: Adding Flair and Elegance
A dupatta or stole is not just an accessory but an integral part of many traditional outfits. How you style it can make a significant impact on the final look.
Draping Styles: For lehengas, a side drape or pleated shoulder drape adds grace, while sarees can be double draped for a fusion look. Experimenting with draping styles allows you to add personal flair to the outfit.
Embellished Dupattas: Heavily embellished dupattas with mirror work, sequins, or zari embroidery add a royal touch. If your outfit is more minimalistic, an embellished dupatta can become the focal point.
Bags and Clutches: The Perfect Companion
No outfit is complete without a stylish bag or clutch. They’re not only functional but also serve as a fashion statement.
Potli Bags: Potlis are small drawstring bags that are often intricately embroidered or embellished. They’re the perfect accessory for weddings and festive events, adding a traditional touch to your look.
Embellished Clutches: If you prefer a more sophisticated style, go for an embellished clutch. Choose one that complements the color of your outfit and has just enough sparkle to add charm without stealing attention.
Miniature Sling Bags: These bags have recently gained popularity for their compact and stylish design, making them ideal for modern bridesmaids or wedding guests who prefer hands-free convenience.
Belts: A Modern Twist to Traditional Wear
Adding a belt to a traditional outfit is an unconventional yet highly stylish choice. Bridal lehengas and sarees can be cinched with belts that are adorned with jewels, creating a structured, modern look that’s both flattering and unique.
Kamarbandh (Waist Chains): A kamarbandh, or waist chain, is a traditional accessory that brings attention to the waist and enhances the shape of the outfit. It works well with sarees and lehengas, adding an extra layer of elegance.
Embroidered Belts: For a more contemporary look, an embroidered belt can be paired with sarees or lehengas. These belts often come with intricate beadwork or embroidery that complements the attire and adds a touch of sophistication.
Accessorizing traditional outfits with jewelry, footwear, and other details is all about creating harmony between the pieces. Each accessory serves to enhance the outfit, highlighting its beauty and cultural significance. With the right accessories, you can create a look that is not only stunning but also true to your style, transforming traditional attire into a fashion statement that feels authentically yours.