How To Wear Ghagra Style Saree

“When life gives you six yards, drape it with love and grace.” 

Saree today are much more than just traditional drapes. Among the many contemporary draping styles, the most trendy and festive one combines two all-time favorite ethnic wears,  the saree and the ghagra. This stylish fusion is popularly known as the ghagra-style saree drape or lehenga saree drape.

Let’s understand in detail how exactly to wear a ghagra style saree. 

How to wear a ghagra style saree:

The ghagra-style saree is a fusion of saree and ghagra.Hence it must have two essential elements: 

  • The pallu of the Saree
  • The flare of the Lehenga

There are two ways to achieve this look, such as:

  • Lehenga Saree: Wearing your saree was a lehenga.
  • Saree with Lehenga: Using your saree like a lehenga dupatta. 

Let us go into the details of how to ace both these ghagra style saree 

Lehenga Saree -

To wear a saree like a lehenga, you need to pleat your saree like a lehenga skirt and then take the pallu as a dupatta. For the best results, choose lightweight sarees with embroidered borders or sequins.

Step 1: Start with a high-waist flared petticoat that matches your saree.

Step 2: Tuck the plain end of the saree into the petticoat from the left. Make even pleats all around your waist, like a lehenga skirt and take a full circle.

Step 3: Leave a little saree. Pin your pallu from the right, on to your left shoulder. 

Step 4:  Take the remaining saree that you left and tuck it in middle at the back

Step 5: For final touch up, spread the pleats gently to enhance the lehenga-like flare .

If you’re unsure about how to make neat pleats, read our detailed blog on How to Wear a Saree

Saree with Ghagra -

 A ghagra-style saree can also be worn by pairing a saree with a lehenga skirt. This versatile look offers multiple styling options based on how the saree is draped.

Common Steps for All Styles:

  • Choose a saree that contrasts or complements your lehenga.
  • Wear your blouse and lehenga.
  • Start pleating from the pallu, drape it across the front, and pin it on the left shoulder, keeping it slightly long.
  • From the pallu, trace the pleats towards the other end of the saree and take the fabric to the back.

Styling Variations:

  • For a Half-Saree Ghagra Style: Create a neat U-shape at the back and tuck the pleats on the left hip.
  • For a Lehenga with Saree as Dupatta Style: Take the pleated pallu from left to right and tuck the other end of the saree below your navel. Take the upper edge of the remaining saree, pleat and tuck them neatly at the back.

Conclusion:

Why choose between a saree and a lehenga when you can have the best of both? With the right pleating, kambarband, statement jewelry, and stylish blouse,the ghagra-style saree will definitely become your go-to choice for special occasions.


At Tajore, we have a vast collection of all traditional, modern and fusion styles of sarees as well as lehengas. Browse our collection online at tajore.com or drop by our store in Malad for an exclusive styling experience.

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What are the mistakes while wearing a saree?

A poorly tied petticoat, untidy pleats, and excessive accessorizing are some of the most common saree-draping mistakes.

Should a saree touch the floor?

Yes, your saree should just touch the floor or sit ½ inch above the floor for a perfect look.

How to hide tummy fat in saree lehenga?

For a slimmer silhouette in saree and lehenga, opt for fabrics that hold their shape well, ensure clean pleats, and choose darker tones. You can cleverly drape the pallu to hide your tummy.

What is a Ghagra style saree?

A Ghagra style saree is draped to resemble a lehenga or ghagra, with wide pleats that create a flared, skirt-like silhouette while retaining the elegance of a saree.

Which sarees work best for a Ghagra style drape?

Light to medium-weight sarees like silk blends, organza, georgette, chiffon, or soft Banarasi sarees work best, as they allow easy pleating and a graceful flare.

Do I need a special underskirt for a Ghagra style saree?

A flared or lehenga-style underskirt is recommended to achieve the full ghagra effect. However, a normal petticoat can also be used with extra pleating.