5 easy ways to repurpose your bridal attire

Your bridal lehenga perhaps tells the story of your most memorable, if not the most beautiful, day. Yet it’s such a shame that this ensemble that you so carefully picked is always kept hidden away in your wardrobe. The reality is, it deserves to be more than just a ‘one-hit wonder’, and there are multiple ways that you can style it for every occasion! Your wedding lehenga is a wearable memory, and by repurposing it, it’s almost as though you’re writing new chapters of your life while proudly carrying along the old ones—be it your first karwa chauth, Diwali, or even your best friend’s wedding!

Let celebrities like Alia Bhatt be your inspiration when it comes to re-wearing your wedding day attire. “Your bridal lehenga is not just a one-time affair; it's a treasure chest of emotions and memories. Repurposing it is not just a choice but a beautiful tribute to those heartfelt moments”, says Shalini Jaikaria, creative director of Geisha Designs. After all, the stunning sartorial choice from your big day deserves to be flaunted as often as possible!

Below are some of our favourite ways to seamlessly repurpose your bridal attire.

Repurposing the blouse

Consider turning the choli into a stylish, embroidered blouse—making it the perfect pairing for a luxurious, solid-coloured saree. You could even pair it with an ornate chantilly lace look for your next cocktail party. It's an ode to tradition, yet an amalgamation of old and new.

Mix and match the dupatta

Pair your bridal dupatta with a simple kurta set—instantly elevating it. One could even don it with a contrasting anarkali set to achieve a look that’s sure to make heads turn. The dupatta can be draped in numerous ways, making every look feel fresher than the last. 

Styling the skirt

How about pairing the heavy bridal skirt with a simpler blouse? You can go easy with the jewellery and accessories, letting the lehenga revel in the limelight! This makes it a fun look fit for every occasion—breaking away from stringent tradition yet holding true to its purpose. 

Experiment with silhouettes 

If you’re willing to take the plunge, you can transform your bridal ensemble into a saree or even a sharara set—completely switching up its original silhouette. Voila! you have a brand new stunning statement piece on your hands. 

Removing the can-can

If you’re not ready for a drastic change, you can start by removing the can-can from under your lehenga—revealing a lighter, more manageable look. The folds will flow and fall more naturally, while the ornate skirt won’t leave you feeling overdressed anymore!