20+ Dupatta drapes to embrace for your bridal look
From elegant receptions to Sangeet festivities high on dancing, find the perfect dupatta styling for every lehenga and occasion.
Lehenga, check! Jewellery, check! Shoes, check! Dupatta styling…. confused?
We hear you! While finding the perfect lehenga for every function is paramount, how you style your dupatta can make or break your look in terms of fashion quotient, comfort, aesthetics and vibe. Much like makeup, accessories and hairstyles, different lehenga designs and occasions call for different styling. Moreover, various unique dupatta drapes can also completely change the look of your attire, giving you a brand new ensemble every time. Be it a heady Sangeet, a quirky mehndi or a classy reception, our curated list of different dupatta styles is sure to help you find your perfect drape.
1. Loosely draped over elbows and flowing forward
This soft, feminine style is perfect for contemporary lehenga designs. The relaxed drape is ideal for dinner or cocktail functions.
Photo Courtesy: Fotografia9
2. Going across the front in a loose drape, pleated on the opposite shoulder
A breezy, no fuss option for intricately embroidered or embellished lehengas as the style would not steal focus from the detailed work.
Photo Courtesy: The Royal Affair
3. Draped over the head and coupled with a contrast shawl/dupatta openly pinned and draped over one shoulder
This regal style is perfect to unleash your inner queen on your big day.
Photo Courtesy: Oragraphy
4. Tucked into one side and loosely draped over the opposite shoulder in an open-pallu Gujarati style saree drape
This is perfect to lend a soft, feminine touch to a traditional lehenga.
Photo Courtesy: Sabyasachi Mukherjee
5. Pleated in front over one shoulder and secured with a belt
The perfect drape for a Mehndi or Sangeet to be able to dance freely. It is also a great way to add some ornamentation with a heavily embellished or bejewelled belt.
Photo Courtesy: Sam & Ekta
6. Draped over both shoulders like a cape
This breezy bohemian style is perfect for a beach or pool side party.
Photos Courtesy: WhatKnot
7. Pleated and worn in Gujarati style saree drape over right shoulder, paired with a dupatta gently draped over the head and topped off with a contrast shawl over left shoulder
This intricate, layered style is perfect to add some richness to minimalistic lehenga styles.
Photo Courtesy: Ombre by Harsheen Jammu
8. Pleated in front on the right shoulder, paired with a dupatta draped over the head
This is an ideal way to add some poise to a beautifully detailed blouse that you want to show off and not cover.
Photo Courtesy: Ivy Weddings
9. Softly draped over left shoulder and right elbow, flowing forward
An elegant option for a low-key tea-party or dinner which would not include dancing.
Photos Courtesy: Anita Dongre
10. Pleated over the left shoulder, softly draped around the body and held over the left elbow
An eclectic style for the quirky bride for a chic Mehndi party.
Photo Courtesy: Lovers Films
11. Diagonally wrapped over the chest and pleated in front
A unique, hands-free style perfect for dancing the night away.
Photo Courtesy: Anita Dongre
12. Softly worn on the left shoulder in an open flow
When you want to infuse the classic elegance of a saree in your dupatta drape.
Photo Courtesy: Artcapture Productions
13. Draped over the head and shoulders like a cape
A rustic yet chic look that’s perfect for the bold bride on her big day.
Photos Courtesy: The Photo Diary
14. Veiled in front of the face in a “dulhan” drape and trailing behind
The classic bridal way to go.
Photo Courtesy: Cupcake Productions
15. Draped from the middle of the head and over the shoulders and let loose over the back
Classic and clean, it is the perfect way to show off an intricate blouse or neckline and statement necklaces.
Photos Courtesy: Melissa Gayle (left); Moni & Adri Photography (right)
16. Draped across the front and pleated on the right shoulder teamed with a second dupatta draped over the head
A classic double dupatta choice for the big day.
Photos Courtesy: D’silva Films
17. Pleated over the shoulder and belted, teamed with a second dupatta draped over the head
The layering and accessorising is a smart way to add some richness to solid hues, minimal prints and contemporary styles.
Photo Courtesy: House on the Clouds
18. Draped over the head and gathered before tying in a cowl across the front, paired with a contrast shawl over one shoulder
An elegant way to add some coverage for a modest, yet royal look.
Photo Courtesy: Anju Modi
19. Pleated on the right shoulder in a Gujarati style saree drape, paired with a second dupatta over the head and gathered over the opposite elbow
This fluid draping is sure to add a wow element with a monotone, minimalistic lehenga. Play with textures to make it interesting. Avoid this style with multiple colors or contrasting prints.
Photo Courtesy: Sabyasachi Mukherjee
20. Affixed to the bridal bun and left open in a trail
A classic, fuss-free and statement drape to style with heavily detailed blouses.
Photo Courtesy: Giuseppe Marano , Monica Leggio
21. Draped over one shoulder and let loose
Not only is it a great way to show off the intricacies of your attire without drawing focus, it is also the perfect style to show off an elaborate dupatta, without any creases or folds hiding its beauty.
Photo Courtesy: Shades Photography
