How to Style Contemporary Sarees for Every Occasion: From Workdays to Parties

Contemporary sarees have redefined the versatility of Indian fashion, offering a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. At Navyasa by Liva, we recognize that women today expect their wardrobes to flex effortlessly across work settings, festive gatherings, and late-night celebrations. With our roots in sustainability and a focus on creativity, our saree collections are designed to let you freestyle your way through every occasion. Here’s a comprehensive guide on styling contemporary sarees taking you from productive workdays to unforgettable parties, all with confidence and artistry.

What Makes a Saree "Contemporary"?

Contemporary sarees shift away from heavy embroidery and ornate fabrics, favoring clean lines, modern prints, abstract motifs, and innovative materials. They celebrate fluidity, bold colors, and experimental draping, making them as perfect for Metro city professionals as they are for creative fashionistas. At Navyasa, our sarees are crafted with LIVA, a nature-based, lightweight fabric known for its comfort, breathability, and sustainability, giving each piece a modern edge and easy movement.

How to Style Sarees for Workdays

• Select the Right Fabric: For office wear, LIVA Georgette or LIVA Crepe sarees offer a crisp fall and remain comfortable all day. The Graphic Noir Saree in grey, with its subtle geometric accents, pairs polish with understated flair—ideal for Monday meetings or business lunches.
• Pick Subtle Hues and Prints: Muted pastels or monochrome palettes, like beige, navy, or lavender, project professionalism. But don’t be afraid to introduce gentle prints; sarees such as the Scenic Seaside Saree in pink strike a balance between fashionable and formal.
• Blouse Styles: A tailored blouse with elbow-length or three-quarter sleeves, a boat neck, or a clean high-neck design enhances your office-ready look. Steer clear of deep necks or extra-embellished sleeves.
• Minimalist Accessories: Think single-strand pearl necklaces, small studs, or a silver-toned watch. Keep handbags structured and footwear practical with low-block heels or dressy flats.

Styling Sarees for Casual Day-Outs & Brunches

• Play with Color and Prints: Day occasions are a canvas for creativity. Opt for vibrant hues, nature-inspired prints, and experimental draping. The cheerful Liquid Lilies Saree in sea green, with its floral motifs and lightweight feel, is perfect for brunches or daytime shopping sprees.
• Experiment with Drapes: Explore modern draping styles like the palazzo saree (worn over pants), the front-pallu drape, or the casual pleat-tuck at the waist for a more relaxed, playful appearance.
• Accessorize for Fun: Add statement earrings, quirky rings, or stackable bangles. Try the Azure Glimmer Scarf as a cool scarf-belt for your saree or as a trendy neck tie.
• Footwear & Hairstyles: Slip into metallic sandals or even sneakers for a true fusion vibe. Messy buns, side ponytails, or loose waves keep the look effortless.

Dressing Up Contemporary Sarees for Festive Celebrations

• Opt for Textured & Embellished Fabrics: Festivals invite celebration. Sarees like the Moonflower Magic Saree (black with white moonflowers in Jacquard) or the Vintage Woodland Saree (peach with metallic hints of zari) bring together opulence and comfort.
• Jewelry Pairing: Mix heirloom jhumkas or enamel bangles with a contemporary saree for an Indo-Western effect. Keep either your jewelry or your saree the highlight to maintain balance.
• Classic Draping Rules: The Nivi drape, with immaculate pleats and a flowing pallu, remains the go-to. Elevate your ensemble with a waist-belt or cinched band for structure.

Glam Up for Parties and Cocktails

• The Power of Shimmer & Bold Designs: Night events crave excitement—use sarees in shimmer, satin, or eye-catching prints. The glitter in the Radiant Reflections Saree or the striking Scenic Seaside Saree in bright green creates instant drama.
• Statement Blouses: For parties, experiment with off-shoulder, cape-style, or deep back blouses to make your look stand out.
• Accessorizing Boldly: Choose crystal-encrusted clutches, sculptural earrings, or stacked bangles. Smoky eyes or jewel-toned lips add the final touch of glamour.
• Chic Drapes: Try the saree-gown drape, cape over saree, or belt at the waist. LIVA fabrics are fluid so they lend themselves perfectly to experimental styling.

Attending Weddings: Contemporary Saree Elegance for Guests

• Luxe Fabrics and Jewel Hues: Wedding functions are the moment for metallics, deep blues, or maroons. LIVA Jacquard offers a plush look while ensuring comfort through ceremonies and dancing alike. The Geometric Passion Saree in cream with vibrant motifs is both unique and wedding-worthy.
• Ornate Jewelry: Layered necklaces, chandbalis, or a sophisticated maang tikka complete your ensemble. Coordinate metallics to harmonize with your saree’s palette.
• Flawless Draping: Enlist a friend or stylist to help with even pleats and a secure pallu for those long hours. Pin everything discreetly to avoid mid-ceremony slip-ups.

Seasonal Saree Styling: Stay Fashionably Comfortable Year-Round

• Summer Styling: Go for lighter colors and airy fabrics like pastels, ivory, or sky blue. A saree like Garden of Fragrance Saree feels like a breath of fresh air. Pair with minimal jewelry and soft buns or ponytails.
• Winter Styling: Embrace deeper hues like emerald, charcoal, or gold. Layer your saree with a solid shawl or even a quirky jacket for the jacket-saree look—a rising city trend. The "Ombre Lines Saree in green provides just the right winter depth, layered with a soft stole for warmth.
• Monsoon Hacks: Opt for shorter saree lengths and darker prints. LIVA dries quickly, making our sarees practical during showers. Wear wedges or block heels for grip and keep a sleek ponytail or braid as your go-to.

Accessories 101: The Art of Perfect Pairings

• Match with Intent: Geometric sarees like the Scenic Seaside Saree love angular or metallic jewelry, while floral sarees work well with nature-inspired motifs.
• Bag Choices: Workdays call for structured totes in solids, parties for metallic clutches, and brunches for artistic crossbodies. The Azure Glimmer Scarf can even double as a chic bag accent.
• Shoes: Comfort is key. For events, go for dressy block or kitten heels; everyday, choose sleek flats or sandals in matching or neutral tones.

Caring for Your Contemporary Sarees

• Storage: Fold along natural creases and keep in breathable cotton or muslin. Avoid hanging heavy embellished sarees for long periods.
• Cleaning: Most LIVA sarees do best with dry cleaning. Air them out before stowing away and use gentle steam for wrinkle removal.

Creating a Multi-Occasion Saree Wardrobe

• Essentials to Own: Start with classic shades (black, ivory, navy), add at least one festive jewel tone, a geometric and a floral print, and a versatile shimmer saree for evenings.
• Blend of Fabrics: LIVA Georgette for daytime, LIVA Crepe for mobility, LIVA Jacquard for weddings, and LIVA Shimmer for all things celebratory ensure your collection is ready for anything.

Styling Wisdom from the Navyasa Approach

• Contrast & Coordination: Use an accent color in accessories to bring out tones in your saree. Pair printed sarees with solid blouses for balance. A saree like the Fluid Canvas Saree with its bold ink-splatter begs for a classic, solid blouse for visual relief.
• Flow with Personality: The most memorable looks are those that align with your unique style. Let the saree express, not overshadow, your individuality.

Ready to Step Into Your Next Occasion?

Contemporary sarees unlock expressive style for every facet of your life. At Navyasa by Liva, we celebrate this fusion, empowering you to make every moment at work, with friends, or on the dance floor, uniquely yours. From the sharp lines of our Graphic Noir Saree to the playful vibe of the Liquid Lilies Saree, our range is created to help you style your life, one occasion at a time.

If you’re ready to experiment with styling or just want to build a wardrobe that transcends the everyday, our online store is open for inspiration, exploration, and self-expression. At the end of the day, you don’t just wear a navyasa saree—it celebrates you, your creativity, and your journey through every occasion.