Different Ways To Drape And Style A Chunni

Lehenga chunni is a timeless dress and no lehenga is ever complete without a perfect chunni. A chunni adds grace and elegance to your lehenga. It is an essential part of lehenga, a must have for completing your lehenga look. A perfect matching chunni adds a touch of elegance and pride to your attire. 

Whether you’re a bride, bridesmaid or wedding guest attending a wedding or family function, the way you style your chunni with the lehenga can completely transform your look. The art of chunni draping can change the entire lehenga look but the same draping style becomes monotonous. 

There are so many easy, elegant and creative ways to wear or drape a chunni over your lehenga. Here are some chunni draping styles that will elevate your look and enhance the overall lehenga look on various occasions.

Chunni Draping Styles On Lehenga

1. Single Chunni Draping Styles 

  • Classic shoulder drape - It is one of the most popular style. This style involves draping the chunni over both shoulders equally, letting it fall evenly on both sides. It gives you a timeless and elegant look, preferred for traditional occasions. 
  • One sided pleated drape - In this style, put one side of pleated chunni neatly on one shoulder and let the other side fall naturally or it can be tucked at waist also. Good for mehendi, sangeet, etc. 
  • Over-the-head traditional drape - In this style, chunni is placed over the head which gives a traditional and regal look. Especially for weddings and bridal looks.
  • Anarkali style drape - Inspired by Anarkali suits, this draping involves pleating the chunni and draping it over one shoulder, with one end pinned on the other shoulder. It gives a royal and feminine look.
  • Gujarati style aka Front pallu drape - In this style, one end tucked at waist in the back, other end over shoulder and falling in front like a saree pallu. Best for festive traditional lehengas.
  • One shoulder side drape - In this style, one end of the chunni is taken over a shoulder while the other end is allowed to flow freely or can be pinned on the opposite side of the waist.
  • Elbow length flow drape - It is a simple drape in which a single chunni is draped and it falls to your elbows. Good for highlighting your lehenga’s embroidery and embellishments.
  • Simple straight fall drape - In this style, one end is wrapped around the waist from the back and the other end is allowed to fall freely in the front. It adds glamour to the outfit, especially if the chunni has a contrasting colour.
  • Cape style drape - In this style, chunni is draped like a cape over both the  shoulders. Letting it loose and flowy. Great for parties.
  • Neck wrapped aka Choker style drape - In this style, chunni wrapped around the neck like a choker and rest flows like a cape or wrapped around the arms. Best style for engagement, receptions etc.
  • Arm loop drape - In this style, chunni goes over one shoulder and then loops across the opposite arm.
  • Belted drape - In this style, chunni pinned on one shoulder then draped over the shoulder and belted at waist. Good for receptions, modern and official occasions.
  • Free flowing back drape - Chunni draped to flow behind like a trail. It gives a dramatic effect.
  • Saree style Drape - Inspired by the way a saree is draped, this style involves wrapping the pleating chunni around the waist and then taking one end over the shoulder. It blends the elegance of a saree with the charm of a lehenga.

2. Double Chunni Draping Styles 

This style uses two chunnis - one overhead for traditional or bridal vibe. Other draped over the shoulder or waist for a royal, attractive look. Popular for bridal and grand events. 

  • One chunni on head and other one on shoulder.
  • One chunni on head and another one draped like a saree pallu.
  • One pleated chunni on the shoulder and let the other one flow openly.
  • One chunni as a cape and the other one in traditional style.
  • One chunni pinned at the waist and other one over the head.

Styling Tip

Try the contrast of heavy and light double chunni style. 

3. Bridal Special Draping Styles 

  • Complete head cover bridal drape.

  • Royal bridal drape with a long trail.

  • Center-head pinned bridal style.

  • Opt for structured bridal drape with pleats.

  • Don a heavy chunni over your head with a light Chunni on the front.

4. Some Other Modern and Fusion Draping Styles

  • Jacket style chunni drape - In this style, the ends are pleated from the back to the front like the look of a stylish jacket in short lengths on both sides.
  • Stole or Shawl drape - This style involves draping two chunnis. One chunni is draped over the shoulders in a traditional manner, while the second one is wrapped around the arms like a shawl or stole.

Different Types of Chunnis 

Various types of chunnis you can wear with a lehenga. 

Fabrics and Materials

  • Banarasi Chunni - Rich, heavy. Best for weddings.
  • Silk Chunni - Formal and elegant. For special and ceremonial occasions.
  • Chiffon Chunni - Light and flowy. Suited for pre-wedding events.
  • Georgette Chunni - Sheer and graceful. Suitable for semi-formal events.
  • Net Chunni - Light and modern. Best paired with heavy embroidered or Bridal Lehengas.

Some Other Fabrics of Chunnis 

  • Organza Chunni
  • Velvet Chunni
  • Cotton Chunni
  • Embroidered Chunni
  • Plain lightweight Chunni
  • Heavy embellished Chunni

Some Styling Tips 

  • Balance your heavy lehenga with a light chunni.
  • Wear matching bangles with chunni(s).
  • Use pins, brooches or belt for comfort and stability.
  • If you are wearing a heavy necklace or earrings keep a balance between chunni and jewellery.
  • Choose a contrast chunni because pairing a heavy embroidered designer lehenga with a textured plain chunni can help highlight one piece or vice versa.
  • Wear waist belts to hold chunni at one place.
  • Remember to prioritize your comfort first blended with style.

Conclusion 

A chunni can change the entire look of the dress with the right styling. There are countless ways to style your lehenga with elegance and flair and with the different draping styles your look will surely enhance. 

Whether you are going for weddings, festivals or any other special occasion. Don't forget to experiment with different ways to wear the chunni on lehenga. The way you drape your chunni can completely restyle your lehenga, so it is essential to choose a correct style that complements your outfit and occasion. 

The perfect fabric, fit with various draping styles can surely glam you up. The right draping method will make you look elegant and feel confident at any occasion. Don’t forget to flaunt your smile with confidence.

We have a wide range of exquisite Lehengas at Tajore at different price ranges for every Occasion

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What fabrics are popularly used for lehenga chunni?

Silk, chiffon, georgette, net, velvet and cotton are some popular fabric choices for Lehenga.

Is it really necessary to wear a belt with the front drape style?

No, a belt is just an option but it can surely give you a unique look.

How do I ensure my chunni stays in a fixed style?

Use pins or a belt to keep your chunni secure at one place.

What are the most popular ways to drape a chunni?

Some popular styles include single-shoulder drape, double-shoulder drape, Gujarati style, front-flow drape, and over-the-head bridal drape.

How can I style a chunni with a lehenga?

You can drape it on one shoulder for a modern look, across both shoulders for a traditional vibe, or over the head for a bridal touch.

How do I drape a chunni to look slimmer?

Go for a vertical front-flow drape or neatly pleated single-shoulder style to create a lengthened silhouette.