Take cues from these Bollywood celebs to repurpose your lehenga

No, you don’t actually need a new outfit for the wedding you’re attending.

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No, you don’t actually need a new outfit for the wedding you’re attending.

Lehengas, with their layered flares and embellished dupattas, are a popular choice for Indian weddings. Consequently, it’s common to accumulate more lehengas than needed, partly due to their status as essential wedding attire and our inevitable desire to dodge repeating outfits. Over the years, Bollywood celebrities have inspired us to experiment with ethnic wear beyond the traditional norms. Taking this as a source of inspiration, here are five ways to reinvent your lehenga without needing a famous designer.

Pairing your lehenga with a long kurta

With the growing appreciation for sleek silhouettes, pairing a monochrome A-line or Anarkali-style kurta with a flared lehenga creates a complementary look, much like how Kareena Kapoor Khan has styled it. You can achieve a similar effect by adding a statement necklace, which will give you a simple yet traditional look suitable for a wedding function or a cocktail party. Trust us, this styling trick will never go out of fashion. 

Wear it with a cape 

Take a break from the usual dupatta look and opt for a cape with your lehenga instead. You can use a contrasting cape from your wardrobe or find one that matches and blends well with your lehenga. Experiment with different textures, patterns, and styles—this will make it seem like you’ve created a completely new outfit. Finally, accessorise with minimal jewelry, and you’re all set.

Repurpose the heavy dupattas of your lehenga with a kurta set

Lehengas often come with long, heavily embellished dupattas, but reusing them is simpler than it seems. Choose a plain kurta set and pair it with your ornate dupatta to add charm and character to your outfit. The contrasting effect will make it perfect for a party or social event and is an excellent way to repurpose your lehenga.

Wear it like a saree

Sarees are also a popular choice for weddings, and you can create a fresh look by repurposing your old lehenga into a saree. And fret not, you don’t need a designer for this—simply pleat the dupatta and drape it around like a saree. This is a popular way to add a stylish edge and a more sophisticated look to your outfit. You can also drape a contrasting-colored saree over a solid lehenga to significantly enhance its appearance.

Pair it with a white shirt 

If you ask us, this hack is always a winner—you can’t go wrong with it. Choose your lehenga and pair it with a crisp white shirt from your wardrobe; you can either tuck it in or knot it for an added edge. Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, and Kriti Sanon have all embraced similar looks, and they’ve been hits every time. Just complete the look with a soft glam makeup and some accessories, and you’re all set.

Lead image credit: Janhvi Kapoor// Instagram

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