Glam Up Your Look With Bollywood Sarees

One of the major influences on fashion trends in India are the clothes worn on-screen by actors and actresses. Their outfits may spark new styles, revive interest in vintage outfits and become iconic garments remembered and loved for many generations. Obviously, sarees have been amply represented in Bollywood over the years.

In fact there was once a time when a majority of heroines only wore sarees, as these were considered not just the most beautiful but also the most ‘appropriate’. Even now when western fashions have exploded on the screen, nothing can beat the grace and attraction of a saree. This is why many women love to buy Bollywood sarees or sarees inspired by the ones worn in the movies.

Bollywood replica sarees are those which exactly duplicate the on-screen style. Thus designers will specifically recreate Sridevi’s plain but pretty chiffon saree in Mr. India or Aishwarya Rai’s bridal saree in Devdas. Such a Bollywood saree replica is often purchased by fans who want to emulate their favorite stars, especially on an important occasion like a wedding. Thus they would want to exactly get the look from head to toe worn by their favorite actress and that would include the saree as well.

Inspirations for glamorous closet

Other women prefer the Bollywood saree connection to be more subtle. They do want to flaunt a Bollywood saree but one that is suited to their own body type, skin color and personal tastes. They will then seek out sarees inspired by the trends set in movies rather than the exact saree itself. For instance, Sushmita Sen’s ‘prom’ saree in Main Hoon Na was a bit of an innovation, with the thin stole like pallu and tightly fitted silhouette.

It was a bold take on the lehenga sari style which came into prominence around then. Women wanted to look glamorous and beautiful like Sushmita, but with more choice in terms of the color and patterns. In fact Bollywood latest sarees’ collections also feature a version of this style of saree, inspired by the even more daring style which was recently worn by Deepika Padukone in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

Sushmita Sen also ushered in the trend of wearing multi-hued chiffon sarees with low-cut, back-less blouses. However these are the more ‘casual’ styles, which can be worn for parties and semi-formal events. The most ornate sarees are the Bollywood designer sarees which are influenced by only the most luxurious on-screen outfits.

The styles witnessed in period movies are often a source of major inspiration for designers; alternatively, designers contribute their exclusive pieces to these movies. Either way, such sarees get a lot of publicity and gain an almost ‘iconic’ image in the public’s mind.

Obviously when going in for an ornate look on-screen, even more rich designs and heavy embroideries would be required than usually seen off-screen. This is why designer Bollywood sarees utilize extensive stones, sequins and beads designs as well as extensive work of cut dana, aari, booti, zari, Resham, zardosi and patch work. Many of the more luxurious saree looks popular today, like the layered net sarees, were popularized by stars on-screen.

Trends to look forward

When it comes to the saree, Bollywood has inspired many trends over the years, both on-screen and off-screen. Yash Chopra movies are the main reason chiffon sarees are so popular today while Kanchivaram sarees gained not just national but international fame thanks to actresses like Rekha and Vidya Balan donning them.

One can take tips on accessorizing them also from the movies, especially if being trendy and in-vogue is a priority. For instance, chiffon sarees can be worn for various semi-formal and formal occasions but should be accessorized in a simple and subtle manner. The addition of a statement silver necklace or stone studded pendant and/or pearl earrings is a good way to emphasize the feminine elegance of the saree.

Too much or too rich jewelry will simply look odd. Kanchivaram sarees also do not need a lot of accessories; however, the pieces added must be gold. As seen on the red carpet, a pair of ornate gold earrings or a gold set Kundan necklace is the best way to complete the look.

A Bollywood actress in saree styles that are more modern will often go for glamorous pieces like diamond necklaces and stone studded earrings. Such pieces will also match well with a Bollywood designer saree.

A Bollywood saree’s replica is typically accessorized in the same way it is in the movie, in order to get the exact final look. For instance, to complete Aishwarya Rai’s bridal saree look from Devdas, add all the ethnic jewelry reserved for brides like the nose-ring, kaleera, anklets and hair ornaments as well as the typical Kundan necklace, Thewa necklace, Meenakari bangles and dangling earrings.