How to choose a Saree?

A saree is a garment that represents India’s rich history and cultural heritage and holds a special place for women all over the country. It’s the epitome of versatility and elegance; it can be worn for various occasions, from daily wear to grand celebrations. It reflects the wearer’s personal style, preferences and individuality, and has a lot of variety, from handwoven textiles to embroidered and embellished. Buying a saree also helps support traditional artisans and helps preserve art forms.

In this world, skin and body positivity have become more popular. While all skin colours and body shapes are beautiful, there is no denying that they play a major role in deciding the colour and style of the saree. Often these factors lead to doubts such as, “Which saree is best for my skin colour?” or “How to choose a saree for a rectangle body shape?”  

To answer the question, complementary colours that suit the wearer’s skin colour and styles that can show off or downplay certain body features are the best choices. Read on for a guide on how to choose a saree that will be perfect for your skin tone and body shape. 

Understanding Skin Tones and Undertones

Before we get into the guide, let’s understand the types of skin tones, undertones, and identifying features. Knowing this will help you understand which saree is best for you.

• Fair skin tone:
  Pink or porcelain appearance on the skin, sensitive to the sun and burns easily. Fair-skinned individuals often have more freckles on the nose and around cheeks. 
  
  
• Light skin tone: 
  Has a pale but more pigmented look than fair skin, and has a broader range of undertones. Those with light skin a prone to little tanning but can still burn in the skin. 
  
  
• Wheatish skin tone: 
  Medium skin tone, with more pigmentation and a warm, golden or beige appearance. People with this skin tone tan easily and rarely experience burns.
   
• Dark skin tone:
  Deep brown to black skin. They have rich pigmentation with a variety of undertones. Individuals with skin tone also tan easily and have great resilience to sun exposure.

To understand how these skin tones, it is important to know more about undertones, that is, the natural colours present under the surface of the skin:

•  Cool Undertones
  If the individual has hints of pink, red or blue on their skin, then they have cool undertones. Silver jewellery suits this undertone.
  
  
• Warm Undertones:
  Those with this undertone have hints of yellow, gold or peach on their skin. Gold jewellery looks good on warm undertones.
  
  
• Neutral Undertones:
  A mix of cool and warm undertones, both gold and silver jewellery look good on those who have this undertone.

However, another question arises at this point; how to identify what kind of undertone you have? There are four tests you can do to determine this:

• Vein Test:
  If your veins are blue or purple, you have cool undertones.
  If your veins are green, you have warmer undertones.
  If it’s a mix of both colours, then your undertones are neutral.
  
  
• Jewellery test:
  Hold gold and silver jewellery against your skin.
  If gold looks better, you have warm undertones
  If silver looks better, you have cool undertones
  If both look good, it is neutral.
  
  
• White paper test:
  Hold a piece of white paper next to your face in natural light.
  If your skin is rosy or bluish, it means you have cool undertones.
  If your skin shows a yellowish or golden hue, you have warm undertones.
  If it shows neither, you have neutral undertones.
  
  
• Sun exposure test:
  See how your skin reacts to the sun.
  If you tan easily and rarely burn, you have warm undertones.
  If you burn easily and rarely tan, you have cool undertones.
  If you burn and tan equally, you have neutral undertones.

Saree Colour Combinations for Different Skin Tones

Dark Skin:

• Maroon: They are classic, and give a regal and elegant touch to the wedding look.

• Red: The auspicious colour, they represent joy and prosperity.

• Gold: A luxurious choice, it gives a stunning contrast against dark skin.

Wedding saree choices for black skin:

• Bright colours: Magenta, bright blue and yellow give a vibrant contrast and are eye-catching.

• Traditional pattern: Sarees with intricate designs and traditional motifs give depth and richness.

Green saree for dark skin:

• Emerald green: Beautifully compliments dark skin
• Olive green: A unique and earthy shade of green, it adds a sophisticated touch.

Red Saree for dusky skin:

• Crimson red: Elevates the natural warmth of dusky skin and adds a striking, bold touch.
• Ruby: It adds a regal flair to any occasion this colour is worn for.

• Charcoal grey: Elegant and sophisticated, it is perfect for giving a modern twist to tradition.

• Silver Grey: The metallic sheen in this saree gives a touch of glamour to any event it is worn to.

• Deep maroon: Adds elegance and richness.
• Burgundy: Sarees of this colour look stunning against dark skin tones.

However, if you have dark skin, it doesn’t mean your choices are limited to these. Experiment and try some new colours, such as:

• Teal: This shade of blue and green adds a refreshing, bold look, which is perfect if you want to create a statement in the world of fashion!
• Bold purple: Royal purple or plum-coloured sarees are best for a dramatic yet elegant look, and adds a touch of sophistication and mystery.
• Vivid white: A clean and striking contrast against dark skin, this colour is great for daytime events and exudes purity and elegance.

Fair skin:

Some of the best saree colours for fair skin are:

• Olive: The earthly tone of this colour complements fair skin and adds warmth and sophistication to the outfit.
• Light Pink: Enhances the natural blush of fair skin.
• Royal blue: This colour gives a striking contrast against fair skin as well as a regal touch.
• Green: It gives a refreshing and elegant look to the outfit.
• Yellow: Brings out the radiance in fair skin.
• Dark grey: Wear this colour if you want to add a touch of modernity and elegance!
• Tan: Gives a different, chic and minimalistic look to the outfit.

Wedding saree colours for fair skin:

• Soft pastels: Colours like baby pink, mint green and lavender give an ethereal and delicate look.
• Burgundy: If you want to add some drama, yet look elegant, this colour is the perfect choice.
• Peach: Soft and romantic, this colour enhances the natural glow of fair skin.

Best Saree colours for brown skin:

Brown skin often has neutral undertones and those who have this skin tone face a common confusion in deciding the best saree colours for themselves. If you are one of them, don't worry. Here is a list you can refer to!

• Mustard Yellow: It adds a cheerful and bright touch to brown skin.
• Royal Blue: A stunning contrast against brown skin, it adds a regal and elegant touch to the outfit.
• Coral: It’s a lively and fresh colour, and enhances the natural warmth of brown skin.
• Teal: With its rich and bold hues, you can add depth and elegance for a refreshing and stylish appearance.
• Magenta: For a striking look and to enhance the natural glow of brown skin, choose this colour!

Saree Styles for Different Body Types:

There are many different kinds of body types, and each is beautiful in its unique way. Let’s look at three such body types, and the best saree colours, designs and styles for each.

• Rectangle body shape: Also known as the straight body shape, it is characterised by a balanced bust, hip measurement with a less defined waist, and a straight silhouette: the shoulders, waist and hips are roughly the same width.
  
  
• Pear body shape: Those with this body shape have wider hips and thighs compared to the shoulder and bust. They have a well-defined waist and a small upper body. To style this body shape, balancing the proportions is important. Draw attention to the upper body and minimize the hips.
  
  
• Heart body shape: Also called the inverted triangle body shape, it is characterised by broader shoulders and bust, compared to hips and waist. Those who have this body shape have a prominent upper body and a narrow lower body.

To decide on sarees for rectangle body shapes as well as the pear and heart body shapes, here is a guide you can refer to: 

Specific Saree Choices for Weddings

Kerala wedding sarees for dark skin:

Traditional choices:

• Kasavu saree: The white base and golden border on this saree is a striking combination against dark skin.
• White and gold: Enhances the natural glow of dark skin, and gives a serene and elegant look.

Modern choices:

• Rich purple saree with gold work: It’s bold and vibrant, has a modern flair and can be stunning on dark skin.
• Emerald green with gold zari: Gives a rich and luxurious feel, and complements dark skin beautifully.

Kerala wedding sarees for fair skin: 

• White and Gold Kasavu saree: Looks elegant and serene on fair skin.

• Ivory saree with gold embroidery: Enhances natural glow while also complementing the lighter skin tone.

• Pastel Pink and Gold zari: Gives a modern twist while maintaining tradition.
• Mint green and silver accents: Refreshing, this colour suits fair skin very nicely.

Kerala wedding sarees for light skin:

Traditional choices:

• Cream and gold Kasavu saree: Cream adds a slightly deeper and compliments light skin, also adding a warm and elegant look. 
• Beige Saree with gold and red border: Adds a touch of colour to tradition. 

Modern choices:

• Peach saree with gold detailing: A soft modern colour, it enhances light skin tones. 
• Light blue with silver zari: It gives a cool, contemporary look. 

Kerala wedding sarees for wheatish skin:

Traditional choices:

• Off-white Kasavu saree with bold gold border: Enhances the warm undertones of wheatish skin and the gold border adds a rich contrast. 
• Golden Beige saree with maroon accents: Adds warmth and depth to the outfit and complements the natural skin tone. 

Modern choices:

• Turquoise saree with gold embroidery: It makes wheatish skin glow. 
• Lavender with gold highlights: Adds a modern touch and looks stunning on wheatish skin. 

Best saree colours for traditional and modern weddings: 

Traditional: 

• Red: A representation of prosperity and marital bliss.
• Gold: Luxurious and elegant, it gives a rich, opulent look. 
• Maroon: It’s a deep and regal colour that just exudes elegance. 
• Cream and Off-white: Often paired with gold or bright borders, it is a staple in traditional weddings. 

Modern: 

• Pastels: Colours such as pink, peach and mint green add a contemporary touch and help maintain the bridal look. 
• Jewel tones: Emerald, sapphire and deep purple are vibrant and bold and bring a modern and luxurious feel. 
• Ivory and Champagne: Elegant and understated, and give a minimalist sophisticated look. 
• Blush Pink and dusty rose: Modern and chic, these colours give a delicate and stylish look. 

Trendy and modern colour combinations: 

Metallic shades: 

• Rose gold: Adds a contemporary twist to traditional sarees. 
• Champagne gold: Elegant, it is perfect for both day and night events. 
• Silver grey: This modern and sleek colour could also be an alternative to traditional gold.  

Earthy Tones: 

• Terracotta: Warm and rustic, it’s ideal for that natural and sophisticated look. 
• Olive green: This is an earthy and versatile colour that is suited for many occasions. 
• Mustard yellow: This bright and cheerful colour adds a pop of colour to any event. 

Unique and bold colour pairings: 

• Teal and Magenta: This is a vibrant and unexpected pairing, perfect for festivals and if you want to make a bold statement. 
• Navy blue and peach: The contrast of this combo creates a balanced and stylish look. 
• Emerald green and coral: Fresh and lively, this combination is best for summer weddings and parties
• Charcoal grey and gold: This modern and chic pairing adds a touch of luxury and sophistication.
• Plum and mint green: This is considered a unique and elegant pairing.
• Black and silver: The most classic and contemporary pairing, it’s perfect for evening events and formal occasions. 

Seasonal colour changes:

So, the seasons are rapidly changing, and you have no idea which saree is best for it? Don’t worry, here is a list of what to buy as the trees change colours!

Spring:

• Pastel blue and yellow: Fresh and light, this combination is best for daytime events and spring festivals. 
• Mint green and blush pink: This soft and romantic pairing is perfect for weddings and engagements. 

Summer: 

• Coral and white: This is the perfect representation of bright and breezy, and is ideal for summer parties and beach weddings. 
• Turquoise blue and gold: Vibrant and luxurious, you can wear this combination during festivals and evening events. 

• Royal blue and silver: Perfect for that cool and elegant vibe you want. It can be worn for winter weddings and formal events.
• Deep red and gold: Classic and festive, this is ideal for holidays and traditional occasions. 

Conclusion

Wearing a saree is a matter of pride for every Indian; it’s versatile and doesn’t see the occasion, or the person wearing it. You could be wearing a pretty yellow one to your cousin’s wedding, a purple one to your graduation ceremony or that bright Kasavu saree at your wedding. You could have a wheatish skin tone or a pear-shaped body, but it doesn’t matter; the saree you wear will make you feel beautiful, and be part of that memory forever. 

Suvidha Fashions has an extensive collection of sarees for every occasion; weddings, engagements, parties, or festivals. So many choices that you will wonder, ‘How to choose a saree?’ 

Don’t be afraid to experiment. No rule book says that you have to wear a red saree if you have dark skin or a pink saree if you are fair. Try a new colour, pair it with a contrasting blouse, or make it a fusion look by adding a blazer. Just remember one thing. You are beautiful.