Comprehensive Guide For Saree Blouse Design

Basic Saree Blouse Designs

I posted the dos and dont's of saree blouse designing yesterday so it will be a basic guide for what not to do when selecting a saree blouse design. However, for those of you who need visual aid for designing saree blouses I thought I would put together this comprehensive saree blouse design guide.

When I say 'comprehensive' I do mean 'comprehensive'! This guide will be split into three different categories. The first is the 'Basic Saree Blouse Designs' category. I think the title is self-explanatory. The second category will be called the 'Contemporary Saree Blouse Designs' and will feature hip and happening designs as well as a how-to guide for achieving each look. The third category is the 'Designer Saree Blouse Ideas' column. These will feature some of the hottest designs and a how-to guide for achieving each look.

Here are a few simple, elegant and timeless designs that should get you well on your way to looking like a million bucks.

Here is a simple, contrasting, well cut saree blouse. There's nothing fancy about it. It's your basic, everyday saree blouse, but because it's structured so well, it looks fabulous. The basic sweetheart neck can be widened according to taste and occasion. The see through sleeves and the silver trim add a little bit of flair to this timeless creation.

Achieving this looks is quite simple. All you need is a bit of silver trim (or any other metallic hue that matches your saree), contrasting georgette fabric and cotton lining.

You can find trim at any local fabric store.
Here's what it will look like.

This is an extremely simple and yet extremely sexy back design that any tailor should be able to duplicate. You don't need anything fancy, just the fabric that came with your saree for the purpose of being made into a blouse. The knotting at the top not only adds a little flair of pizazz, but also keeps the blouse from falling off your shoulders.



When in doubt about where to have the saree blouse opening, always choose to have it on the back. It will make the front (the part that most people will see) look smooth and simple. This basic scoop neck looks so good because it sits just right. This is where a good tailor can come in handy. When you have fabric bunching under your arms or the neckline is too loose, it looks extremely unprofessional no matter how good the original design is. The short ruffled sleeves add a touch of playfulness to this look.

This is just another illustration of what a simple, the deep back (quare this time) can do to spice up your saree blouse. Add a knot at the top to keep the shoulders from falling off and you're good to go.

Contemporary Saree Blouse Designing

So you're not a beginner and you know what works. Now you want to know what kind of designs are in now and how you can get that look. This is fairly simple....if you know a few trade secrets.

Knots

Simple front and back knots (ties, bows, etc.) are all the rage. These are extremely easy to achieve and will have you looking like a pro star.

Here's a basic knot for the back. The neck is a simple 'U' and the knot is so easy to reproduce that most tailors will have no problems with it.

I know most of you aren't going to be ripping off your pallu and singing duets in the Alps. However, front knots will looks super hot with net and other sheer sarees. Keep the knot small and simple so it doesn't bulge against the saree.

Here's a knot, well more of a bow, that's a little more elaborate than the ones above. If you want to try this look out, make sure your saree blouse material isn't too stiff. Most georgette materials should be able to handle this kind of knotting. Also, this bow takes more fabric than the average knot so be sure to provide your tailor with plenty of it.

Here's another simple knot. This one should be the easiest to reproduce with minimal effort on your tailor's part. It's also a little bit more conservative, if that's what you want to achieve.

Off-the-Shoulder

Another hot look right now is the off-the-shoulder kind.

This is the boat neck off-the-shoulder look. This is the most common one you'll see.

This is the sweetheart neck off-the-shoulder look. The sleeves are attached separately almost like a band. Although the border of the saree is used here, you can use other kinds of trim if your saree's border isn't suitable for this look. Here are a few examples.

Wide, patterned trim.

This one is my favourite. It's a simple off the shoulder blouse with the added touch of spaghetti straps. You can find all kinds of trims and sequins at your local fabric store to use for the straps.

Halter Neck

Halter necks are highly fashionable now. You'll see them on all the Bollywood leading ladies. Here are a few different kinds of halter necks. Just remember not to wear a necklace with your halter saree blouse.

The classic halter. No special instructions necessary.

The 'V' halter. You can use your saree's border for the 'V' if it's small enough. Otherwise you can use trim.

The crossed halter neck. Again, you can use your saree's border for this, but if you want to add more personality to your look you can opt for wide, sequined trims from your local fabric store.

Strings

Strings have been in for a while now and they still haven't gone away. There are many different looks, but here are a few that are guaranteed to work.

You don't necessarily have to tie the strings. Have the opening of your blouse in the front instead of the back and you won't have to worry about tying the strings.

This is a classic look that a lot of people try, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't. It's classic because it works well.

So you've done these looks with the strings and you're getting tired of it. Here are a few ideas to add some pizazz to your worn out string look. Why not use upholstery cord instead of making the string out of your saree blouse fabric? It saves your tailor time and you'll end up looking sexier. Or go string-happy with matching or contrasting rat tails. Your local fabric store should have both.

Use these metallic or colour cords.

Designer Saree Blouse Ideas

You can achieve designer quality looks without the designer. Your local tailor and some imagination is all you need. These looks below will have you looking like you belong in a Bollywood movie premiere!

The Pallu

One way to achieve a designer look is to tuck the pallu of your saree at your waist instead of throwing it over your shoulder. This way, you can design the saree blouse in many different and unique ways. Here are a few ideas.

This is such a great look. You can dress up a simple saree with a super sexy blouse like this. You can buy this kind of blouse fabric from any Indian clothing store. All you need are some floral trim and a string of pearls, which can both be bought at any fabric store.

This double colour crossover blouse will have you looking like a million bucks. You can use whatever fabrics you have, but bright, vibrant colours will work best. Also be sure to match them to your saree. Use cord or trim for the straps and you'll be looking like a Bollywood starlet. You can try this blouse with a sheer or net saree as well.

Use these kinds of trim as straps for your blouse to achieve that designer look.

Hot and Sexy Professional Looks

This hot number looks stunning and is also fairly simple to achieve. All you need is sheer nude fabric, silver trim and a butterfly (or another kind) clasp. All of this you can find at your local fabric store.



Instead of boring spaghetti straps, try jewelled straps instead. You can use a string of pearls, beads or stones. If you can find flat ones, even better.



Here's a risque look that's bound to turn heads. All you need is sequined fabric, see through straps and a little bauble. Use an old, unused neckalce if you have it.

Sleeve Designs

What's one way to dress up a traditional Kanjeevram saree? With a sexy blouse, of course. These sleeves are fabulouse and you can do them in any length and shape.



Try an inverted 'V' sleeve. Add a little sparkle with a few drop beads.



Try a cap sleeve like this one here instead of a regular sleeve. It's hot, it's sexy and it's definitely in!

I'll post a more comprehensive sleeve design style guide another time because I think it needs it's own post. There are too many designs and variable to take into account, but these will do for now.

So I hope these helpful tips will guide you well on your saree blouse designing endeavours. Now you have no excuse for looking like a Desi fashion disaster.