Lehengas are a quintessential part of Indian fashion, worn by brides, bridesmaids, and anyone who wants to make a statement at a special event. While the traditional lehenga choli is beautiful on its own, adding a few innovative twists and tricks can elevate your look and make you stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re attending a wedding or celebrating a festival, experimenting with these “strange” lehenga styling tricks will completely transform the way you wear this classic outfit.
In this blog, we’ll cover 12 strange lehenga twists and tricks that actually work wonders. From unconventional draping techniques to accessories and styling tips, these tricks will help you create a unique and fabulous lehenga look every time.
1. The Off-Shoulder Lehenga Trick
Why It Works:
An off-shoulder blouse with a lehenga is not a common pairing, but it works wonders for creating a chic, modern look. This styling trick shifts the focus to your collarbones and adds a touch of glamour and sophistication to a traditional outfit.
How to Style It:
- Opt for a lehenga with a heavily embroidered or simple design depending on your preference.
- Pair it with an off-shoulder blouse, preferably with statement sleeves or a subtle frill.
- You can also add a statement choker necklace to complement the off-shoulder look.
Tip:
Keep the rest of the accessories minimal, allowing the blouse and the lehenga to be the focal points of the look.
2. Lehengas with Sneakers
Why It Works:
While lehengas are traditionally worn with heels, pairing them with sneakers is one of the most stylish and comfortable ways to break the mold. This “strange” pairing can add an element of fun and make your lehenga more wearable, especially for long events.
How to Style It:
- Go for a lehenga that has a more relaxed, modern design. A simple, flowy lehenga paired with a cropped blouse or a plain lehenga with a light dupatta works well with sneakers.
- Choose classic white sneakers or opt for metallic ones to complement the intricate designs of the lehenga.
Tip:
Keep the sneakers simple and neutral to avoid clashing with the rich embroidery and prints of the lehenga.
3. The Draped Dupatta as a Shawl
Why It Works:
Instead of draping your dupatta traditionally, try draping it over your shoulders like a shawl. This unconventional trick works wonders by keeping the look effortless while still maintaining an elegant and refined style.
How to Style It:
- Drape your dupatta loosely over one shoulder, letting it fall gracefully on the other side.
- You can pin the dupatta at the back for added security, or let it float freely.
- Pair this look with a modern blouse design or a lehenga with subtle embroidery.
Tip:
For a more regal look, opt for a heavy dupatta with intricate detailing or mirror work to add a royal touch.
4. Asymmetrical Blouse with Lehenga
Why It Works:
An asymmetrical blouse adds a contemporary touch to a traditional lehenga, making the overall look more edgy and fresh. This twist on the classic blouse design works wonders when paired with a clean, minimalistic lehenga.
How to Style It:
- Choose a blouse with one side longer than the other or one with an asymmetrical neckline.
- Pair it with a lehenga that has clean lines and a neutral or metallic base.
- You can accessorize with statement earrings or a cuff bracelet to highlight the asymmetry.
Tip:
Keep the bottom of the lehenga simple, as the blouse should be the focus of the outfit.
5. Double Dupatta Styling
Why It Works:
Traditionally, a single dupatta is draped over the lehenga, but doubling up on dupattas can create a beautiful layered effect, giving your lehenga a regal, elevated look. It also adds volume and drama without overpowering the outfit.
How to Style It:
- Use two dupattas of different fabrics and colors. For instance, pair a sheer dupatta with a heavier, embroidered one.
- Drape one dupatta around your shoulders and let the other hang over your head.
- Play around with different draping styles, such as pleating one dupatta and letting the other flow freely.
Tip:
For a more coordinated look, make sure both dupattas have at least one common color or design element.
6. Lehenga with a Crop Top
Why It Works:
While blouses are the go-to choice for lehengas, swapping the blouse for a chic crop top is a modern twist that offers an edgy, youthful vibe. This style works wonderfully for anyone who wants to give their lehenga a more contemporary and fashionable edge.
How to Style It:
- Pair your lehenga with a crop top that has an intricate design or minimalistic details.
- Choose crop tops with embellishments like sequins, embroidery, or thread work to complement the lehenga.
- For a more traditional look, opt for a blouse-like crop top with a high neckline or a boat neck.
Tip:
This look works best with lehengas that have a flared silhouette, creating balance between the crop top and the voluminous skirt.
7. Belt It Up!
Why It Works:
Adding a belt to your lehenga is a surprising but effective way to enhance your look. A statement belt cinches the waist, adding structure and definition while also introducing an unexpected element of style.
How to Style It:
- Choose a statement belt with intricate designs, such as mirror work, gemstones, or metallic accents.
- Wear the belt at the waistline, just above the lehenga’s skirt. It works especially well with lehengas that have a voluminous or layered skirt.
- You can also pair the belt with a cropped blouse to further emphasize the waist.
Tip:
Keep the rest of your accessories subtle to ensure the belt remains the focal point.
8. Layering with a Kurti
Why It Works:
If you’re looking to add some drama to your lehenga, layering it with a kurti can do the trick. A long, flowy kurti worn over a lehenga choli can add a unique touch, making you stand out while keeping the look traditional yet fresh.
How to Style It:
- Choose a short lehenga choli and wear a long, flowy kurti over it.
- Ensure the kurti has a high slit to showcase the lehenga’s skirt.
- Go for a kurti with intricate embroidery or work that complements the lehenga’s design.
Tip:
Add a belt or waist accessory to cinch the waist and add structure to the look.
9. Lehenga with a Denim Jacket
Why It Works:
This is one of the most unconventional yet chic tricks—pairing a lehenga with a denim jacket. The contrast of casual denim with the traditional Indian wear creates a unique fusion that’s perfect for contemporary brides or those attending a wedding reception.
How to Style It:
- Go for a cropped denim jacket to avoid overwhelming the lehenga.
- Make sure the lehenga has a simple design, allowing the denim jacket to stand out.
- You can add a statement necklace or earrings to elevate the look.
Tip:
This look works best with lehengas that have a more minimalist design, keeping the balance between the traditional and modern elements.
10. Pairing a Long Coat with Lehenga
Why It Works:
A long coat worn over a lehenga adds drama and elegance, creating a chic, high-fashion look. This twist is perfect for winter weddings or events where you want to keep your lehenga look elevated yet practical.
How to Style It:
- Choose a coat that complements your lehenga in terms of color and fabric. For instance, a velvet coat pairs beautifully with a rich, embroidered lehenga.
- A floor-length coat works best with a fitted lehenga choli, as it will highlight the silhouette while maintaining balance.
Tip:
If the coat is heavily embellished, keep the lehenga simple to avoid clashing.
11. High Neck Blouses with Lehenga
Why It Works:
A high neck blouse offers a sophisticated, regal look, adding an elegant touch to your lehenga. This twist is perfect for those who want to add a modern touch to their traditional lehenga while maintaining a classy appeal.
How to Style It:
- Pair a high-neck blouse with a lehenga that has a light, airy fabric to keep the look balanced.
- Opt for a blouse with intricate embroidery or embellishments to add interest to the neckline.
- You can also add a statement choker necklace to accentuate the high neck.
Tip:
This look works best with lehengas that have a flowy silhouette, which adds a contrast to the structured blouse.
12. Lehenga with a Tulle Skirt Layer
Why It Works:
Adding a layer of tulle under your lehenga creates a voluminous, fairy-tale effect, making you look like a princess. This trick is perfect for those looking to make a statement with their lehenga and add a bit of drama.
How to Style It:
- Choose a lehenga with a flared skirt, and layer it with a tulle underskirt to create volume.
- Make sure the tulle layer is of a similar or contrasting color to your lehenga, depending on the effect you want.
- Pair the voluminous skirt with a fitted blouse to balance the overall silhouette.
Tip:
Avoid heavy embellishments on the lehenga if you’re using a tulle layer, as the volume of the tulle can overpower intricate designs.
Conclusion
Lehengas are timeless, and with these 12 strange lehenga twists and tricks, you can make your lehenga look even more fabulous and unique. Whether you’re looking to add a modern twist with sneakers or experimenting with off-shoulder blouses, these styling tricks will help you create a fashion-forward look while embracing the traditional beauty of the lehenga. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these unusual techniques—after all, fashion is all about finding what makes you feel confident and beautiful.