How to style handcrafted dupattas for occasion wear and best ways to drape them as wearable art

A dupatta is no longer just about completing an outfit but it’s rewriting tradition with flair. With artful draping, it can become more than an accessory and turns into a symbol of individuality (Image: Canva)

The Indian festive season is all about power dupattas and stoles that are now leading the way as wearable art. Once considered a mere add-on to Indian outfits, the dupatta has reclaimed its status as a fashion statement in its own right. From festive gatherings to wedding soirées, and even experimental high-street styling, handcrafted dupattas are redefining modern wardrobes.

Bollywood’s leading ladies like Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Janhvi Kapoor etc. are often seen styling their dupattas in the most creative ways to prove that it can transform any outfit into a moment of cultural richness and personal flair.

Draping with drama:

Gone are the days when tossing a dupatta over one shoulder was the only styling move. Today, intentional draping elevates the accessory into a statement-maker. Try a royal sash drape across the body for a regal effect or cinch your dupatta at the waist with a sleek belt over a kurta or sari for a structured, contemporary vibe. Add a brooch and suddenly your drape turns into a couture ensemble ready for the spotlight.

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A dupatta is no longer just about completing an outfit but it’s rewriting tradition with flair. Picture a trailing silk dupatta styled as a modern bridal veil, paired with pheran or finished with traditional headgear. The mix of heritage textiles with unconventional styling creates a look that feels rooted yet rebellious. With artful draping, the dupatta becomes more than an accessory and turns into a symbol of individuality.

Unexpected layers:

One of the most exciting trends is layering stoles and dupattas over unexpected silhouettes. Throw it over a blazer, trench, or even a casual pheran for an experimental Indo-Western aesthetic. This high-low fashion mix reflects the new mood—playful, confident, and unapologetically eclectic. For the daring, try the “double trouble” trend: two stoles in contrasting textures or prints layered together. Think stripes against florals, metallic silks against earthy cottons to create a drama.

Western pairings for festive chic:

Who says dupattas belong only to lehengas or anarkalis? Pair a richly woven handloom stole with a sharp blazer, tailored trousers, or even a jumpsuit for a striking Indo-Western blend. When styled cape-like — falling evenly over both shoulders and secured with a belt —  it adds dimension to contemporary silhouettes like dresses or tunics, making it perfect for cocktail nights during wedding season.

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Wrap it, knot it, twist it  — a dupatta styled as a headwrap brings equal measures of culture and drama. Perfect for festive occasions or destination weddings, this look instantly channels both vintage glam and modern cool. Pair it with muted clothing and let the headwrap take center stage for maximum impact.

Textiles that tell stories:

India’s looms are brimming with textiles that deserve the spotlight, and dupattas are the perfect medium. Bandhani dupattas from Gujarat and Rajasthan, with their vibrant tie-dye patterns, are enjoying a strong comeback thanks to social media and pop culture. Digital print chunris in luxurious poly silk add a festive punch, while Chanderi, Banarasi, and Phulkari dupattas continue to be heirloom-worthy investments. This festive season, let your dupatta be the hero and keep the rest of the outfit muted and accessories minimal.