Aura Benaras Saree Styling Guide: Discover Your Perfect Diwali Look
Diwali is not simply a festival of lights; it is a celebration of our heritage, family, and the beautiful moments in life. From exquisite diyas to laughter-filled evenings, it is a festival that everyone looks forward to, bringing the whole family together with many opportunities to sparkle in every moment. And nothing says Diwali like a Banarasi saree.
With every weave having a story to tell, at Aura Benaras, our sarees are not mere clothes. Instead, they are heirlooms recreated for the women of today who wish to blend tradition with a modern sense of style. From the rich red Banarasi saree to the majestic blue Banarasi silk saree, there's a beautiful drape to match every celebratory occasion.
This guide will help you find your perfect look, from selecting your saree to the ideal drape, blouse, accessories, and makeup, so that each Diwali moment is picture-perfect.
Selecting Your Signature Banarasi
Your saree sets the tone for your Diwali look. Aura Benaras celebrates age-old weaving traditions with exquisite festive designs, offering a colour and style for every mood and occasion:
Red Banarasi Saree: A timeless symbol of prosperity and tradition, red is perfect for puja ceremonies, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. Deep red silk instantly creates an auspicious and celebratory look.
Maroon Banarasi Saree: Rich, elegant, and versatile, maroon is an excellent choice for evening celebrations and intimate Diwali dinners. Pair it with subtle or statement jewellery for a sophisticated finish.
Golden or Peach Tissue Silk Saree: Lightweight, luminous, and graceful, tissue silk is ideal for daytime festivities, festive gatherings, and relaxed celebrations. Its delicate sheen adds an effortless touch of glamour.
Off-White Banarasi Saree: Understated and elegant, an off-white Banarasi saree is perfect for daytime pujas and family gatherings. Its soft, sophisticated appeal works beautifully with traditional gold jewellery.
Royal Blue Banarasi Saree: Bold and regal, royal blue makes a striking choice for evening celebrations and Diwali parties. Its jewel-toned richness is perfect for those who want to make a statement while maintaining an elegant look.
Choosing a saree is about more than selecting a colour or fabric. It is about finding a piece that reflects your personality, complements the occasion, and captures the spirit of the festive season.
Draping Styles to Make Your Saree Stand Out
A Banarasi saree offers endless styling possibilities, and the right drape can transform your overall look. Here are a few timeless draping styles to consider:
Classic Drape: Timeless and sophisticated, the classic drape beautifully showcases the zari-rich pallu and intricate craftsmanship. It works effortlessly with traditional Banarasi silk sarees.
Gujarati Drape: Draped with the pallu brought across the front, this style highlights the saree's intricate patterns and zari work. It pairs especially well with rich red and maroon Banarasi sarees.
Bengali Drape: Known for its distinctive pallu styling and graceful silhouette, the Bengali drape adds a touch of old-world charm. It looks particularly elegant with red, maroon, and royal blue Banarasi silks.
Flowing Style: Perfect for lightweight tissue silk and ivory-toned sarees, this relaxed drape allows the fabric to flow naturally while beautifully catching the light.
Pro Tip: Use quality safety pins to secure your pleats and pallu without disturbing the saree's fall. When you feel comfortable, you carry yourself with confidence—and confidence is what truly completes a festive look.
Draping the Red Banarasi Saree
The red Banarasi saree is always a popular choice during festivals. The bright shade represents auspiciousness, happiness, and celebration. Aura Benaras' signature Red Pure Kora Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree and the Red Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree exemplify this enduring spirit - combining the craftsmanship of heritage textiles with festive flair.
Here are some ways to drape your red saree creatively:
Blouse Options: Pair with a red or gold brocade blouse for traditional sophistication, or experiment with bold, modern cuts, such as halter-neck, high-neck, or backless styles with embroidery.Â
Jewellery Variations: Classic gold jewellery, such as tiered necklaces and bangles, is perfect with red. To maintain a contemporary style, consider using emerald or silver jewellery for a striking contrast.
Makeup: A makeup look featuring bold makeup, winged eyeliner, and red lips perfectly complements the saree's richness. To achieve a subtle look, keep the lips nude or glossy and emphasise metallic eyeshadow.
Hair Styles: Low bun or simple braid adorned with gajra for tradition, or loose curls for a young, modern look.
The red Banarasi saree is perfect for Diwali puja ceremonies or family occasions and conveys warmth, tradition, and grandeur.
Styling the Maroon Colour Saree
A maroon saree showcases regal sophistication and a hint of charm - great for night parties or smaller-scale Diwali celebrations. The Maroon Pure Kora Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree drapes softly and gracefully. The Maroon Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree has a deeper sheen that adds to its festive richness. Together, they represent the subtle strength and charm of Banarasi craftsmanship.
Blouse Options: Mix and match with a plain silk or metallic blazer in brown, champagne or antique gold colour. Adding some sequined sleeves with sparkle or velvet edges gives the outfit modern flair.Â
Jewellery Options: Silver or diamond jewellery is perfect. Minimalist chokers, statement earrings, or simple pearls keep the limelight on the saree.
Makeup Look: Kohl-lined eyes, berry or nude-colored lips, and subtle bronzer provide balance and enhance the depth of maroon.
Hair Styles: Twisted buns accented with jewelled pins or low waves provide sophisticated, chic elegance.
Maroon Banarasi is all about balance - it pairs playful accessories with an elegant, regal stature.
Styling the Golden or Peach Tissue Silk Saree
For light-as-air elegance, the tissue silk saree is unbeatable. Its radiating texture promises an easy glow and festive elegance. Whether it’s the soft shimmer of the Golden Pure Tissue Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree or the gentle warmth of the Peach Pure Tissue Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree, each piece captures luxury in a subtle way.
Blouse Inspiration: Simple silk or satin blouses in neutral colours keep it simple. Delicate sequins add a touch of modernity.
Jewellery Inspiration: Less is more. Pearls, rose-gold or silver ornaments, or tiny studs work well with the shimmer without overwhelming it.
Makeup: A makeup look featuring rose-gold shimmering nuance on nude colours, highlighting the eyes and cheeks, lends a festive, fresh glow.
Hair Styles: Half-tied hairstyles, tight bun or soft waves allow the lightweight drape to flow freely, ideal for comfort through the night.
Tissue silk sarees are perfect for day functions or casual Diwali parties where comfort and sophistication go hand in hand.
Styling the Off-White Banarasi Saree
The Off-White Banarasi saree embodies understated elegance, making it perfect for day pujas or family gatherings. The Off white Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree
showcases a soft, flowing drape, while another variant of the Off white Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree highlights a delicate sheen that catches the light beautifully, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of Aura Benaras.
Blouse Suggestions: Metallic brocade, the colour of the saree border, or embroidery-infused blouses pair well with the pale colour. Subtle embellishments give a contemporary touch.
Jewellery Options: Strapped pearls, dainty or antique gold, or subtle earrings add to the elegance of the saree. Opt for not-so-bulky pieces.
Makeup Look: A peach or nude-coloured foundation with gentle shimmer, glossy or nude lips, and cheekbones defined with highlighters maintain the freshness and glow.
Hair Styles: Loose waves, braided buns with a low profile, or floral detailing add elegance with a touch of femininity.
The Off-White Banarasi is ideal for women who appreciate understated chic with a touch of celebratory style.
Styling the Royal Blue Banarasi Saree
Blue Banarasi Silk: A Regal Choice for Festive Occasions
A bold blue Banarasi silk saree makes a striking statement at any festive celebration. The Royal Blue Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree features a rich, lustrous drape that adds to its regal appeal. In contrast, the Royal Blue Pure Kora Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree offers a lighter, crisp texture with an elegant fall that beautifully reflects the light. Both sarees showcase the artistry and timeless heritage of Aura Benaras.
Blouse Options: Pair blue Banarasi silk with contrasting shades such as mustard, ivory, off-white, or gold. High-neck blouses, elbow-length sleeves, and subtle sequin detailing can add a contemporary touch.
Jewellery Options: Gold, pearls, and diamonds complement blue silk beautifully. Choose statement earrings or a sleek choker for a refined, regal finish.
Makeup Style: Smoky or metallic eyes paired with nude, berry, or soft pink lips create a sophisticated festive look.
Hairstyles: Sleek ponytails, side-swept waves, or elegant buns adorned with jewellery or hair accessories can complete the ensemble.
Blue Banarasi silk sarees are particularly suited to evening celebrations, formal Diwali gatherings, weddings, and occasions where you want to make an elegant impression.
Blouse Trends to Elevate Your Banarasi Saree
The right blouse can transform a traditional saree into a contemporary statement. Consider these styling trends:
Backless Blouses: Tie-up details can add a bold, modern edge.
High-Neck Blouses: Embroidery, zari, or subtle sequin work creates a polished look for formal occasions.
Statement Sleeves: Embellished sleeves featuring beads, zari, or delicate detailing can add visual interest.
Contrasting Shades: Jewel-toned sarees can be paired with red, maroon, mustard, ivory, or gold blouses for a fashionable contrast.
Styling tip: If the saree features elaborate embroidery or heavy zari work, choose a relatively understated blouse. For simpler or lightweight sarees, an intricately designed blouse can become the focal point.
Celebratory Accessories & Jewellery
Accessories should enhance the saree while allowing its craftsmanship to remain the centre of attention.
Gold Jewellery: Ideal for red, maroon, ivory, and traditional Banarasi sarees.
Diamonds or Silver: Particularly striking with blue and jewel-toned sarees.
Pearls: A graceful choice for tissue silk and pastel-toned sarees.
Clutches: Choose embellished clutches with richly woven sarees, while metallic or pastel styles work well with lighter fabrics.
Footwear: Embellished juttis, metallic sandals, or elegant heels can complete the festive ensemble.
Hair Accessories: Fresh flowers or a gajra create a traditional look, while jewelled pins and crystal clips offer a more contemporary finish.
Remember: Let the saree take centre stage. Accessories should complement its beauty rather than overpower it.
Makeup to Complete Your Diwali Look
Your makeup can be coordinated with the colour, texture, and richness of your Banarasi saree.
Red Banarasi Saree: Bold red lips, winged eyeliner, and defined eyes create a classic festive look.
Maroon Saree: Kohl-rimmed eyes, berry-toned lips, and softly bronzed cheeks add warmth and depth.
Tissue Silk Saree: Metallic eyeshadow, nude lips, and luminous highlighted cheeks complement its natural sheen.
Off-White Saree: Soft peach tones, subtle shimmer, and coral or glossy lips create a fresh appearance.
Blue Banarasi Silk Saree: Smoky or metallic eyes paired with berry or nude lips beautifully balance the richness of blue silk.
The key is balance: When the eyes are bold, keep the lips subtle, and vice versa.
Quick Styling Tips for a Stress-Free Diwali Look
Prioritise Comfort: Secure your pleats and pallu neatly so you can move with confidence.
Create Balance: Pair heavily embellished sarees with minimal jewellery, while lightweight sarees can be styled with statement accessories.
Blend Tradition with Modernity: Give a heritage Banarasi saree a contemporary edge with a modern blouse, stylish clutch, or statement jewellery.
Experiment with Colour: Contrasting or complementary blouse and accessory shades can instantly refresh a classic Banarasi look.
Above all, wear your saree with confidence. The most beautiful festive look is one that feels authentic and effortless.
Why Choose Aura Benaras?
Aura Benaras brings together the timeless heritage of Banarasi weaving and contemporary elegance. Each saree celebrates traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern aesthetics, allowing you to wear a piece of Indian textile heritage with confidence and style. Whether you choose a red Banarasi, rich maroon, luminous tissue silk, elegant off-white, or regal blue Banarasi silk saree, every creation reflects artistry, heritage, and enduring elegance.
Final Thoughts
Diwali is the time to glow, and a Banarasi saree from Aura Benaras will make you do so with ease. With the perfect drape, blouse, accessories, and makeup, you can create a look that's festive, unforgettable, and uniquely yours.
This Diwali, let your saree speak for you. Because while diyas light up your house, your Banarasi saree will light up every space you walk into. https://aurabenaras.com/blogs/aura-journal/aura-benaras-diwali-saree-styling-guide
