A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Saree: Fabrics, Occasions, Colours and Styling Tips

Few outfits are as elegant, or as versatile, as the saree. One length of fabric can look regal at a wedding, relaxed at a family lunch and glamorous at a party. With so many fabrics, colours and styles to choose from, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks it down so you can choose a saree you will love wearing.

1. Start with the occasion

• Weddings and receptions: rich silks, heavy embroidery and zari borders. Browse our wedding wear sarees.
• Festivals and pujas: silk or art silk in bright festive colours. See our festive wear sarees.
• Parties and evening events: sequins, shimmer and lightweight georgette. Explore our party wear sarees and sequin sarees.
• Work functions and daytime events: soft crepe, printed georgette or light cotton with minimal embellishment.

2. Choose the right fabric

Silk

Silk is the classic choice for weddings and big celebrations. It holds pleats well, has a natural sheen and pairs beautifully with gold jewellery. It is heavier and warmer, so it suits evening events and cooler months. Shop our silk sarees.

Georgette

Georgette is light, flowing and easy to drape. It is forgiving on every body shape and comfortable for long events or warm Australian days. Shop our georgette sarees.

Crepe

Crepe has a soft, slightly textured finish and resists creasing, which makes it a great choice for travel and all-day wear. Shop our crepe sarees.

Net and embroidered fabrics

Net and embroidered sarees feel modern and glamorous. They are ideal for receptions, cocktail parties and sangeet nights. Shop our embroidered sarees.

3. Pick colours that suit you

• Warm skin tones: mustard, rust, maroon, emerald and gold look beautiful.
• Cool skin tones: royal blue, wine, fuchsia, silver and pastel pink work well.
• Neutral skin tones: you can wear almost anything, so choose by occasion and mood.
• Daytime events: pastels and lighter shades feel fresh.
• Evening events: deep jewel tones and metallic accents shine under lights.

4. Think about the border and pallu

A wide, heavy border makes a traditional statement and suits taller frames. A thin border or a borderless saree looks sleek and elongating, which is a great option if you are petite. The pallu (the loose end draped over your shoulder) is often the most decorated part, so choose one you love.

5. Don't forget the blouse

The blouse can completely change the look of a saree. A contrast blouse adds personality, a matching one looks classic, and an embellished or sleeveless style feels modern. Check whether the saree includes a blouse piece or a ready-made blouse and what size it is.

6. New to sarees? Try ready-to-wear

If you are wearing a saree for the first time, or you simply want to save time, a ready-to-wear saree comes pre-pleated and drapes in minutes. It is a favourite for busy wedding days and for anyone who has never draped one before.

7. Styling tips

• Pin the pleats and the pallu securely with safety pins so you can move freely all day.
• Wear heels or wedges with the saree hem just skimming the floor.
• Match jewellery to the zari: gold with gold borders, silver or oxidised with silver work.
• Carry a potli bag or a small clutch to complete the look.
• In cooler Melbourne or Canberra weather, a matching shawl or a longline jacket keeps you warm without hiding the drape.

Buying sarees online in Australia

At Sakhi Fashions you can browse our full range of sarees online, from everyday georgettes to wedding silks. Our ready-to-ship sarees are stocked at our Perth store and ship Australia-wide to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and beyond.