Ooze royalty and poise with this Punjabi style dupatta.
One of the most underrated yet significant ways to change the look of an ensemble is by the way the dupatta is draped.
Known as a significant component of a South Asian outfit, the dupatta allows the wearer to experiment and explore its versatility.
From heavy detailing to sheer and simple dupattas, there is a scarf to suit every draping trend.
To bring out the best in your look, creatively draping your scarf allows you to opt for a more traditional look or something a little more modern and in vogue.
We explore fifteen ways to style and drape a dupatta to achieve a different look every time.
Over the Elbow
Draping your dupatta over your elbows will leave you feeling and looking regal.
This draping trend is certainly one of the most popular styles which are loved by women of all ages.
Place the dupatta through your arms so it is placed over your elbows.
With this look, you do not have to pin the scarf in place as the flowy look is preferred.
One Shoulder Style
This is probably one of the simplest yet most effective dupatta draping trends.
Simply place your dupatta over your chosen shoulder. You can either fold the scarf in half or multiple times for a more structured look.
Alternatively, you can allow the dupatta to loosely drape down the side on your body.
To ensure the scarf does not move out of place, be sure to pin the dupatta onto your outfit.
Jacket Style
Why not drape your dupatta as a jacket over your outfit? This quirky trend is the perfect way to amp up a plain outfit.
For this style, it is best to have an embroidered dupatta to flaunt the lavish work on the scarf. This trend looks stunning with a lehenga.
Alternatively, this style can also work well with a plain or a sheer scarf.
Place the dupatta over your shoulders and let it cascade down your body. This allows for ease of movement.
Waist Belt
Add a modern appeal to your ensemble with a waist belt. One of the best aspects of this draping style is that you can pair a belt with almost any dupatta.
Whether it is sheer or a shawl, pairing it with a contrasting colour belt will elevate your overall outfit.
Another advantage is that the waist belt will ensure the dupatta does not move out of place leaving you free to carry on with your activities without the hassle of managing your scarf.
Saree Style
Change up the flair of your outfit by wearing the dupatta in a saree style. This hack will cleverly allow you to get two outfits out of one.
Pleat the dupattas as you would the pallu of a saree. Place it over the left shoulder to achieve a saree look.
In particular, this draping trend is best suited with a lehenga as it can be easily transformed to mirror a saree.
Double Dupatta Style
Why only settle for one dupatta when you can have two?
Get two scarves, each of contrasting colours, this will help bring out the colours in the outfit.
You can either drape the dupattas on each shoulder or place one over the head and the other on the shoulder.
With various ways to style this look, you can experiment with your scarves to find the one that you like best.
Over the Head
If you are into traditional wear then this style is perfect for you.
Keep things simple and place your dupatta over your head. You can leave the sides to flow down or place one side across the opposite shoulder.
This look is popular with South Asian brides and elder members in the community.
In many cultures on special occasions, it is often considered mandatory to cover your head.
This style works best with lightweight materials as they allow for a more effortless drape.
V-Shape Drape
This style lets you showcase the beautiful work on your dupatta, especially if it has a striking border.
Pin the scarf across the shoulders. Then fold the border into a v-shape across the chest.
Another great style involving the v-shape drape is wearing it over the head. This will further elevate the heavy embroidery on the dupatta.
U-Shape Style
Similar to the previous style, the u-shape draping trend works equally as well to show off the stunning embroidery on the dupatta.
The u-shape style can be donned with a fully embroidered scarf or a lightweight one.
If you prefer a flowy style with more pleats across the chest then a lightweight scarf is ideal.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more structured u-shape drape then a scarf with heavy detailing works best.
Drape Diagonally
Pair this dupatta style with a fitted blouse or a cropped choli and low-rise skirt or flared trousers.
Place the scarf over the shoulder and drape it across the body tucking it into the skirt of flared trousers at the back.
This look will add dimension to the outfit.
Pinned and Pleated over One Shoulder
This drape style is slightly different from the classic over the head look. For this, you need to tie your hair into a low bun.
Once your hair is styled, pin the scarf over it to secure it into place.
Create pleats on the side you wish to place over your shoulder. If the dupatta has an elaborate border, make sure it is visible.
Around the Wrist
Add a touch of sophistication by wrapping the dupatta around the wrist.
This trend is perfect for a modern bride or a party-goer.
It can be worn in two ways. The first being pinned in place on the head with the one side pinned to the wrist.
Alternatively, you can wear the dupatta over the arms with one side pinned on to the wrist.
Around the Neck
If you want your outfit to do most of the talking with your scarf simply completing the overall look then drape your dupatta around the front of the neck.
This style works best with heavily embellished ensembles with a plain or sheer dupatta. In particular, a lightweight scarf will allow for a graceful flow down the back.
This look can be donned at home or for formal occasions and weddings.
Gujarati Style
Delve into the Gujarati flair with this Gujarati pallu drape making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you are Gujarati or appreciate the culture, this style is for everyone.
Interestingly, the Gujarati dupatta drape mimics a saree style. The scarf is tucked in at the waist and brought around from the back and spread across the torso.
For extra support, you can use a waist belt to secure the dupatta in place.
Punjabi Style
Ooze royalty and poise with this Punjabi style dupatta. The wrap-around look works perfectly with Patiala ensembles and lehengas.
Gather large pleats, place over your left shoulder and pin into place. Be sure to keep the pleated side slightly shorter.
Take the other side across the right shoulder or over the head and bring it back around. Neatly pull on the dupatta at the chest to form a cowl shape.
This draping trend is commonly worn in Punjab and by many Punjabi women worldwide.
Our selected list of fifteen amazing draping trends will certainly revamp any outfit. It will also give the same outfit a new look with the scarf draped in various styles each time.