Choosing the perfect saree

Saree is the quintessential Indian traditional wear, which women can carry off with great panache. Every woman can look good in this wonderful garment, provided she chooses it well. So, here are some tips that will help you zero in on a saree, which will compliment your body type. Pear-shaped body Women with pear-shaped body have a heavier bottom compared to their upper body. So, they should go for fabrics like chiffon and georgette, as these would balance out their upper and lower part. Always stay away from mermaid cuts that would add unnecessary attention to your lower part. Bold and bright colours will suit you the best. You can opt for beautiful borders, small prints and embroidery work. Apple-shaped body If you are heavy around your bust and stomach, then you have an apple-shaped body. That is why; you should opt for sarees with beautiful embroidery work, which will complement your body type. To cover your waist, you must go for a longer blouse that will cover your problem areas. Alternatively, you can also wrap your saree a little higher. Silk is a fabric you should pick out for yourself. But, avoid sarees in net. You can also opt for blouses whose colours contrast with your saree to create a dramatic effect. Overweight women Cotton and other stiff fabrics are your biggest enemies if you are overweight. They tend to make you look broader and bigger. Opt for chiffon and silk sarees as they will give your body a balanced shape, and will draw attention away from your problem areas. Dark colours look best on you. You need to concentrate on the way you drape your sarees, as that would make a lot of difference to your look. You can go for full sleeves and long blouses as they would help to hide your flabs. Voluptuous figure Georgette, chiffon and net fabrics will suit you best. They will snugly wrap around your body, highlighting your curves. You should opt for dark colours while buying a saree. Your saree should never be very heavy. It can have delicate embroidery and bead work, but it should never be too stiff. It should have a good fall, which will make you look slimmer. You can also wear a blouse with criss-cross strings holding it together. It will definitely increase your oomph factor. Slim figure The saree is slowly but surely making waves in Kigali especially at traditional weddings (gusaba). If you are slim, then you should pick up cotton, silk and organza sarees. They will give you a fuller figure. You can opt for sarees in lighter colours and heavy embroidery. Go for brocade or bead work. Since you are slim, you can opt for big and bold prints in a variety of colours. Slim women can carry off backless, sleeveless, halter neck and tube blouses really well. Tall and slim women Taller women can carry off heavy borders really well. You can also opt for big bold prints in a variety of colours, as it tends to divert the attention from your height. Short and slim women If you are short in height you should avoid big prints and heavy borders. Short and thin women should opt for sarees with a thin border as it will make you look tall. Small to medium-sized prints will look great on you as well. Other things to keep in mind •Always play close attention to your pleating. If it is not done properly, you will end up looking shabby.•Accessorise your saree intelligently. Clutches, shoes and statement necklaces can make or break your look. If your saree is too heavy, opt for pretty danglers.•While choosing your blouses, follow this simple rule, heavy blouses should be accompanied with lighter sarees and vice versa. The art of wearing a saree 1. Make a knot on the top corner of the plain end of the saree and tuck the knot into the left side of the petticoat. Make sure the embroideries on the saree are facing out. 2. Make a complete turn from the right to left. The lower end of the saree should be slightly above the floor. 3. Tuck in the fabric around the waist into the petticoat neatly. CAUTION: If you are a beginner, make sure the bottom of the saree shows only your toes. Tying a saree that exposes your ankles will make you look less elegant. On the other hand, letting the bottom of the saree to reach the floor could result in you tripping over it.

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Choosing the perfect saree