45+ Lehenga Dupatta Draping Styles - Learn Different Ways
BY The WMG Bride | 05 Feb, 2024 | 486986 views | 15 min read
Every time one plans to invest in a designer bridal lehenga, common thoughts that often arrive in the mind are 'Is it worth investing since I won't be able to wear it more than once' or 'how to wear a lehenga dupatta in different styles so that it can be repeated again'!
Well, nothing changes up your look faster than a dupatta drape (nothing non-surgical anyway)! ;) You could have worn your anarkali/ lehenga once and had your photos all over Facebook but change up the drape the next time, and it will look like a spanking new outfit. Even for brides - adding a new dupatta, or re-draping an old one is a surefire way to stand out. While there are some standard drapes that everybody knows- we compiled the mother of all lehenga draping styles in one post! Plus, as a bonus, we even have different dupatta draping styles based on materials!
How To Wear Lehenga Dupatta In Different Styles
While those are double dupatta draping styles, we take you through all the ways we know- single, double- all the gyan we can give, put together for you to browse and compare at a glance!
- Single dupatta drapes
- Double dupatta drapes
- Different dupatta material draping styles
Dupatta drapes with open bridal hairstyle
As more brides ditch the updos for that easy-breezy vibe, figuring out what to do with the dupatta becomes a real head-scratcher. No worries, we got you covered! Here are some cool ways to drape it for all you open-hair brides out there.
1. Pinned low on the bun, and left as a long trail
Image via House On The Clouds
Toss tradition out the window and go for a low-key vibe, just like this bride! Stick that dupatta low on the sleek open hair, and let it trail behind you like you own the place. Easy, breezy, and slayin' it!
2. Pinned on the head and other dupatta pleated around the neck in a U-shape
Image via House On The Clouds
Want to keep it chic and comfy like Parineet Chopra? Then, pin one dupatta on your head like a boss and let the other one play around your neck in a cool U-shape pleat. Super fresh & celeb-approved!
3. One dupatta pinned on the head & a patterned dupatta loosely pleated like a saree pallu
Image via The Blemished Tales
For that ultimate head-turner look, rock one dupatta pinned on your head like a crown. Then, take a patterned dupatta and casually pleat it, letting it hang loose like a saree pallu. It's all about that effortlessly stunning vibe – you'll be turning heads, no doubt!
4. Single dupatta pinned on the head, draped around the shoulder and arm
Image via The Wedding Files
Keep it sleek and stylish with just one move – pin that dupatta on your head, then let it play double duty by draping it casually around your shoulder and arm. Effortless glam, all in one!
5. Single dupatta pinned on the head and a contrasting dupatta over one shoulder
Image via Photo Phactory
Keep it simple yet striking: pop one dupatta on your head with a pin and let it frame your look. Then, throw some contrast (read: banarasi) into the mix by casually draping another dupatta over one shoulder. It's the perfect blend of easygoing and eye-catching!
6. Over the head and brought to the front on one side
Image via Colorblind Production
Easy elegance, right there! Throw that dupatta over your head and bring it to the front on one side. Pair it with some sleek, straight hair, and you've got that effortlessly chic vibe nailed down!
Single Dupatta Draping Styles
Here are all the single dupatta draping styles we recommend for brides- these are usually popular for smaller functions, but some brides choose a single dupatta even for the wedding day.
7. Just pinned on the top of the head and brought forward on the arms and chest
Images via zehrajagani and @throughthebarrel
This is a lovely style for the wedding day, and very modern if you just want to take one dupatta and show off that stunning blouse and your waist!
8. Same dupatta draped over the head and chest
Image via Tanaz and Harjinder, Sutej Pannu and Jasmeet Kapany Hair and Makeup
This is a very traditional way of taking a single dupatta which is pretty popular with Sikh brides but looks very elegant.
9. Pinned on the head, and one side pinned to the wrist
Image via @saraidrees_, @ajstudioofficial
We love this look because it has such a gypsy feel to it. And because the dupatta is pinned at the wrist and on the head, you know it’s not going anywhere. Also, you don’t need any accessories for the wrist the dupatta is pinned on. Another advantage.
10. Pinned low on the bun, and pleated over one shoulder
Image via @aashnaparikh27
This is a good style for the sangeet, ring ceremony or mehendi ceremony. The dupatta stays pinned up and you don’t have to worry about it restricting your movement.
11. Single dupatta is taken around the neck and left loose on the other side
Image via stylemeupwithsakshi
This look has such a girly feel to it. It is ideal for the mehendi or any day function. However, adopt this style of draping the dupatta only if it is a light one and not very heavy. A heavily embellished dupatta gets difficult to handle if draped in this style.
12. Draped over the head, over one side and brought forward through the other elbow
Image via @palwashaaminhas
The shoulder to the front and the other side draped over the other arm. This is such a royal and regal style of draping the lehenga dupatta and you can wear the dupatta this way for any wedding function, and even the wedding itself.
13. Single dupatta taken over the shoulders
Image via Stories by Joseph Radhik & Anjali and Ishaan
This style of draping the dupatta looks very formal. If your lehenga has a dupatta that is the focal point of the outfit, then this drape is a great way to show it off. You can pin it for hassle free movement or simply put it on, totally based on how you like it.
14. Hold the single dupatta around the elbows
Images via Tarun Tahiliani & Abhishek and Ekakshara
One of the oldest ways to drape your dupatta! This one lets your lehenga shine since the dupatta isn't covering any bit of it. However, it may restrict your movement a bit, because it cannot be pinned anywhere.
15. Dupatta over one shoulder and arm
Image via DelhiVelvet - By Divishth Kakkar, @theweddingshades and Mehendi and Shivam
This is another easy way of draping the dupatta and doesn’t require too much handling. You can just pin it on the shoulder and forget about it.
16. Pleated neatly and small over one shoulder
Image via Shutterdown - Lakshya Chawla
This is also one of the ways we have seen getting popular with brides off late, and it's pretty fuss-free and does the job well!
17. Pinned on the head and taken over the elbows
Image via The Candid Theory
A beautiful yet simple single dupatta draping style for Sikh brides who do not like to experiment much. If your dupatta has a beautiful design and an even better border, this drape will showcase the whole of it effortlessly.
18. Pinned around both the wrists
Image via Ritika Kadam
Pick a lightweight dupatta (it shouldn't be very long in length), and try this drape for your Sangeet/ Cocktail and burn the dance floor!
Double Dupatta Draping Styles
Here are some double dupatta draping styles we have been loving off late, some of which are tried and tested, some of them, new!
19. One pinned low on the bun, and the other pleated over one shoulder
Image via Rovena and Karan and @rounickarimonn
The result is a sophisticated and polished appearance that effortlessly combines neatness with a touch of contemporary freshness.
20. One over the head, the other left loose on the shoulder, and brought forward, around to the wrist
Image via @saraidrees_ and @naqshphotography
Now, this seems to be one of the most popular double dupatta draping styles, and it does look very 'bridal' and traditional!
21. One over the head and over the shoulders, the other pleated over one shoulder
Image via Ministry Of Memories & Cupcake Productions
This double dupatta style on the lehenga looks very pretty and is ideal for the bride on the wedding day.
22. One over the head and shoulders, & the other pleated like a saree, secured with a waistbelt
Image via The Wedding Story
The waistbelt cinches the dupatta at the waist, making it easy for the bride to either walk down the aisle or dance her heart out.
23. One over the head and brought to the front on both sides, the other draped like a deep U
Image via Sam & Ekta - Sonder Frames
This style is a very Mughal-inspired style and looks absolutely lovely. You can use this dupatta draping style with an Anarkali or a lehenga, as it complements both very well.
24. One draped over the head and chest, and the other let loose on one shoulder
Image via Reelsandframes
While this drape looks like the one above, it is really different. Here, you get one edge of the head dupatta over the chest and pin it to the shoulder, and the other is simply hanging loose. Experiment with fabric and patterns if you're trying this style!
25. One over the head, the other diagonally like a pleated saree pallu
Image via Artfoto Studios and Tanvika and Arya
This style is a little different, because the dupatta that covers the head does not come in front over the shoulders, but stays at the back. This style gives you freedom of movement and shows off your beautiful lehenga too.
26. One dupatta draped over the head and the other tightly with a part tucked in the front
Image via Reelsandframes
This is an interesting take on the dupatta draping styles we have already discussed. Keeping one dupatta behind the shoulder helps show your lehenga while the other one is draped tightly across the front like a sari pallu with one end tucked in the front of the lehenga skirt.
27. One over the head, the other left pleated straight over one shoulder
Image via Srishti and Shivam and @aligphoto
This is a unique and simple way of lehenga dupatta draping. It shows off your outfit, while also affording you the freedom of movement and not restricting you in any way. We especially like the contrasting colours of both the dupattas. While the bride can wear both on her wedding day or even during her Shagan ceremony, later on, she can choose to wear the lehenga with either of the two dupattas.
28. One over the head, the other with just a short pleated side over the shoulder
Image via Fotowalle - The Story Folks
This is very similar to the style we discussed above, except the dupatta that is draped on the shoulder is shorter to show off the skirt of the lehenga.
29. One pleated like a saree, the other over the head and brought forward from one side
Image via Badal Raja Company and Baraati Inc
This style of lehenga dupatta draping is quite popular, and we think it shows off both the dupattas beautifully and is pretty flattering too.
30. One over the head, and the other over the shoulder and arm from behind left home
Image via Shashank Issar and Wedding Art
The dupatta that the bride has taken over the head is made of net and is lighter. The dupatta that is draped across is much heavier with heavy work and embellishments. This adds an interesting contrast to the bridal outfit and is an interesting way of wearing two dupattas with one lehenga.
31. One over the head and brought in front tied on the wrist, the other like a pleated saree
Image via Harsohena and Jeewandeep and WeddingNama
A dupatta when draped like a saree can give you the best of both worlds.
32. One over the head, and the other one brought diagonally, but low, and taken over the elbow
Image via Sunny Dhiman Photography
Such a pretty picture this bride makes with her 2 dupattas. Both the dupattas are different in colour and complement the lehenga beautifully. Her style of draping the dupatta too looks very elegant. You can use this style with lehengas, anarkalis and even shararas.
Different dupatta material drapes
Bridal dupattas are of a lot of different materials and types, and while some draping styles are common, others can differ due to the hold and the fall of the material. Here are some draping styles for single and double dupattas, categorised by the dupatta material.
Net dupatta drapes
One of the most popular dupatta materials for brides, especially for the one over the head, thanks to how light and dainty looking the material is.
33. Simply over the head and brought to front on both sides
This style of draping the bridal dupatta is the most common. It is also very easy to handle, thanks to how light the fabric is.
Image via @milighosh and DotDusk Studios
34. One over the head, one over the chest
In this case, both the dupattas are very light and easy to carry. One has a thick border while the other has scalloping on the edges.
Image via Sutej Pannu and Sunny Dhiman Photography
35. Open drape around the neck and chest
This is again a very simple style and is perfect for day functions such as mehendis and sangeets. It looks light and airy, making it a breeze for the wearer of the outfit.
Image via Shutterdown - Lakshya Chawla
Georgette dupatta drapes
A very flowy material, this one needs to be pinned well to be kept in place but looks very elegant.
36. Single dupatta is taken like a cape
Image via Ombre by Harsheen Jammu and Mahima Bhatia Photography
37. Dupatta opened up and draped over the body diagonally
Like the pallu of a sari, if pinned up properly this style is very comfortable to carry off. This style of lehenga dupatta draping is ideal for a sangeet or a mehendi.
Image via Beginnings For You
3. Lace dupatta drapes
These are not so common with Indian brides, but they do look amazing, and mostly come on the net.
38. Lace dupatta on the head left loose on the sides to show it off, the other tightly around the chest.
Lace and chikankari dupattas are so pretty, that they must be shown off, so draping them on top of the head works best. The other dupatta can be a net or georgette, or even velvet if you prefer.
Image via @lucier.photography and Drishti and Kavin
4. Silk dupatta drapes
Very very flowy and silky, this one needs to be kept in place! Benarasi ones are easier to handle though.
39. Over both the elbows from behind, but draped over one of the arms too.
This helps to keep this rich fabric in place.
Image via @ishamultani
40. Over the shoulders
In this dupatta drape, you can see that the net dupatta is draped over the shoulders from the back, leaving shorter pallus in the front. The heavier, silk dupatta/ stole is also draped from the back over the forearms. A rich-colored silk dupatta looks lovely with a pastel-coloured lehenga.
Image via Through The Barrel
Printed dupatta drapes
They are the new dupattas on the block and are very trendy right now. Printed dupattas are great for pre-wedding functions and have a fun playful, look to them.
41. Dupatta pleated and pinned to a shoulder, and then other corner pinned to lehenga near the bottom
The printed dupatta offsets the embroidery on the lehenga, giving it a lighter yet still formal look. Pinned and tucked in all the right places, this dupatta drape is easy to carry.
Image via The Royal Affair
42. Tucked into the waist and taken over the opposite arm and shoulder
This printed lehenga and dupatta are perfect for a Mehendi ceremony. The pastel colour is lovely for the daytime, and the style of the dupatta draping looks young and girly.
Image via Artfoto Studios
Velvet dupatta drapes
A staple for winter weddings, this one has a very heavy look, so has to be included in the bridal look wisely.
43. One over the head, and the velvet dupatta draped loosely over the chest to show the blouse
The velvet dupatta is heavy so is generally not draped over the head, because it will pull your bun down. Drape it on the shoulder and let it fall like a pallu. The lighter net dupatta is perfect for draping over the head.
Image via Oleg & Diipa
44. One over the head and then brought over shoulders, the other draped like a Gujarati saree
Both the dupattas are of different colours and materials, giving the bride the option of choosing between a lighter or a heavier look when she wants to wear the lehenga later on.
Image via The Wedding Story
Embroidered dupatta drapes
They look lovely, but can look too busy sometimes with the bridal look, so need to be draped wisely as well.
45. Over pleated neatly or loose on the shoulder left to show off the embroidery
As you can see, a lot is happening in this lehenga with a heavy blouse and a very heavy skirt. The dupatta can be plain with just the borders embroidered. This kind of dupatta drape shows off the embroidery to the maximum.
Image via @ibtida.co andInfinite Memories
46. Over the shoulders neatly on both sides like a jacket
The contrast dupatta is a perfect foil to the skirt of the lehenga. The drape of this dupatta shows off the embroidery as well as the colours of this lovely outfit. This dupatta wearing style is an ideal drape for pre-wedding functions, your own, or even if you are attending any function as a guest
Image via @rohan.foto
So out of all these unique dupatta draping styles for lehenga, which ones did you love?
ALSO READ - From Scallops to Prints: Different Dupatta Designs You Can Team Up With Your Lehenga!
*Updated by Garvita Garg
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