Party and evening wear

When it is worn

Party sarees are worn to receptions, cocktail evenings, film premieres, anniversaries and dinners, and to the sangeet and other pre-wedding events. They are lighter in weight and shorter on tradition than a bridal silk, and they are usually chosen for how they look under evening light. Many women wear one with a bold or backless blouse, a corset or a jacket. Others prefer to keep it quiet, with a plain net saree and a rich blouse. Taste and family expectations differ, and what is party wear in one circle may be ordinary in another.

What is chosen: cloth and colour

Georgette, chiffon, net, organza, crepe and satin are the common cloths, because they drape lightly and take embroidery well. Black, wine, emerald, midnight blue, gold and silver are favourites, along with pastel pinks and ivory. Chikankari, zardozi, sequin work, mirror work and sequinned borders are common decoration. Light handloom silks such as Chanderi and organza Banarasi are also worn, especially by women who like a handmade piece. Some designers work with the saree as a base and add cut work, appliques and metallic threads.

Drapes and styles

The Nivi drape is still the usual choice, but evening wear has encouraged many variations. The pre-stitched or ready-to-wear saree, which has the pleats sewn in, is popular for those who do not want to drape it. Lehenga sarees, dhoti sarees, cape sarees and sarees with a belt are other options. Some women wear the pallu loose and others pin it back for dancing. A good fit in the blouse and a well-balanced pleat matter more than the cloth. Beginners often practise the drape beforehand with the shoes they plan to wear.

Buying and caring for party sarees

Sheer and embroidered cloth is delicate, so check the stitching on the border and sequins before you buy. Heavy embellishment can drag on a light georgette and distort it over time, so fold the saree with tissue and store it flat or hung from the folds. Dry clean it and avoid wearing perfume directly on the cloth. Keep a petticoat in a matching shade, as sheer cloths show the colour beneath. Many women hire or borrow party sarees for a single event, which is a practical choice for cloth that is not worn often.

Worth knowing

• Chiffon saree: A light, flowing cloth associated with the Hindi cinema of the later twentieth century.
• Net saree: A sheer, embroidered saree for evening wear.
• Zardozi: Metal thread embroidery used on heavier party and bridal wear.
• Chikankari: White-on-white or coloured thread work from Lucknow.
• Pre-stitched saree: A ready-to-wear saree with the pleats sewn in.

Good to know

• Dry clean embroidered and sequinned sarees, and fold with tissue.
• Store flat or hung from the folds so that heavy work does not drag the cloth.
• Check hooks and borders for loose threads before each wear.

Sources and further reading

• Sari on Wikipedia
• Chikankari, Wikipedia