How to Wear a Shrug with a Saree: 6 Easy Looks

A shrug over a saree is one of the easiest ways to make a saree feel new. It covers a sleeveless blouse, keeps you warm at an evening function or in air-conditioning, and turns a traditional drape into an indo-western look. Here's how to wear a shrug with a saree for a wedding, a party, the office and a festive day.

First, decide what to do with the pallu

There are two ways to wear a shrug with a saree, and they look quite different:

• Pallu out, shrug open. Drape the saree as usual, pin the pallu, and wear the shrug open over it. The pallu shows down the front and the shrug frames it. This is the more traditional look.
• Pallu tucked, shrug as the layer. Pleat the pallu narrowly and pin it neatly on the shoulder, or tuck it in at the waist, and let the shrug do the work of the pallu. This is the modern, indo-western look, and it's easier to move in.

Either way, wear the shrug open. A closed shrug hides the drape.

1. A long sheer shrug over a plain saree

A sheer long shrug adds pattern without hiding the saree underneath. The Black & White Floral Leaf Print Long Shrug has a sheer fabric and a calligraphy-style leaf print, which works over a plain black, white or grey saree. If it's sold out, the Black Floral Rayon Long Shrug is knee length with loose bell sleeves.

2. A velvet shrug for an evening wedding

For a wedding reception or a sangeet, a textured shrug looks rich over a silk or georgette saree. The Black Velvet Brasso Party Shrug has a raised velvet pattern on a semi-sheer base and an asymmetric hem. Wear it over a jewel-toned saree, like emerald, wine or royal blue, and let the pallu show down the front.

3. An embroidered shrug for a party

The Black Embroidered Drawstring Shrug has embroidery down the front and wide sleeves. It works over a plain saree for a party or a winter function. Leave the drawstring loose so the pallu can fall through the front.

4. A white shrug over a coloured saree

A white shrug is a fresh contrast over a bright saree for day functions and pujas. The White Rayon Shrug with Colorful Tassels has cheerful multicoloured tassels. The White Rayon Shrug with Red Border is hip length, with a red and orange border that goes well with a red, orange or yellow saree.

5. A long shrug for a cotton saree at work

For the office, a long shrug covers a sleeveless blouse and keeps you warm in air-conditioning. The Navy Blue Rayon Cold-Shoulder Long Shrug falls below the knee and ties at the chest, and navy goes with most cotton and handloom sarees. Tuck the pallu neatly and let the shrug be the layer.

6. A kaftan shrug for a festive day

For a family function or a festive lunch, a kaftan shrug gives a relaxed, flowing look. The Red & Black Print Kaftan Shrug works over a plain black or red saree. The Navy Blue Rayon Kaftan Shrug has a tasselled border and goes over a white or pastel saree. For a bolder look, the Orange & Green Floral Long Shrug has a striped border that looks good over a plain green or cream saree.

Quick tips

• Print on plain, plain on print. A printed shrug looks best over a plain saree, and a solid shrug over a printed one.
• Match the shrug to the border. Pick up one colour from the saree's border for a polished look.
• Choose your length. A hip-length shrug shows off the pleats. A knee-length shrug looks more dramatic and suits taller women.
• Sleeveless blouse? A shrug is perfect. It covers your arms for a temple visit, the office or older relatives.
• One size fits most. All the shrugs in this guide are one size and layer easily over a saree.

Shrug and saree questions

Can I wear a shrug over a saree?

Yes. A shrug over a saree is a popular indo-western look. Wear it open, and either let the pallu show down the front or tuck it in and let the shrug be the layer.

Which shrug is best for a party wear saree?

A velvet or embroidered shrug for evening parties and weddings. For day functions, choose a white shrug with tassels or a bright kaftan shrug.

How do I wear a shrug with a saree for a wedding?

Choose a textured shrug, like velvet, over a silk or georgette saree, wear it open, and let the pallu fall down the front. Keep the jewellery simple so the two don't compete.

What do I do with the pallu when I wear a shrug?

Either drape and pin it as usual and wear the shrug open over it, or pleat it narrowly and tuck it in at the waist for a modern look.

Can I wear a shrug with a saree in winter?

Yes. A long or full-sleeve shrug, like the velvet or embroidered shrug, keeps you warm at evening functions.

See all our shrugs, black shrugs and white shrugs, or read how to wear a shrug with a kurti. Free shipping on orders above ₹599.