How to Incorporate Vintage Saree Prints into Modern Looks

Ever wondered why some things are never out of fashion? It is because they become close to your heart. Vintage saree print styling is one of those. They aren’t just printed fabrics; they are memories and stories.  

Regardless of which generation you belong to, we know your heart misses vintage prints that bring grace and elegance to your look. At Dwarkadaas Shaam Kumar, we have curated a collection that is not only culturally rooted but can be seamlessly styled in a modern way.

How can vintage saree prints be styled in a modern way?

Vintage saree prints carry stories, craftsmanship, and artistry, but they can be styled in a contemporary way without losing their traditional or ethnic glam. Here are some ways to style vintage sarees in a modern way.   

1. Pair them with a contrasting contemporary blouse silhouette. It will enhance the traditional look with a glam finish.
2. You can experiment with different draping techniques, such as an open pallu or soft pleats.
3. Use belts, Kamar bandhs and modern minimal jewellery to elevate the look.
4. You can even layer the saree with a blazer, a coat, a shrug, or a shawl. This gives a bold and contemporary look.
5. If the saree is in a vintage print, you can experiment with your hair and makeup.
6. Keep the jewellery minimal for a new-age look.
7. Ditch the traditional sandals and complete your saree look with pointed heels, strappy sandals, block heels, or flat sandals.
8. Mixing different eras would also give you a chic look. Wear a vintage floral silk saree with a plain black sleeveless blouse, small studs and a low bun. Complete your simple yet contemporary look with pointed heels.
9. You can also play with multiple contrasts, such as high-neck blouses, sharp boat necks, or denims.   

Are vintage saree prints still in fashion?

Traditions and culture never go out of fashion. Fashion is cyclical. Vintage saree prints still trend, with minor variations. Vintage prints like polka dots, block prints, retro florals, etc., are still in trend, bringing out a nostalgic feel while adding a modern twist.  

Vintage prints are still chosen for festivities, occasions, and weddings because they offer versatility. They give a nostalgic feeling through their impressions and borders. Vintage Sarees can easily be paired with minimal jewels.  

However, these vintage prints can look modern today with the perfect pairing. Fancy neck blouses, hair and makeup that reflect a trendy tone, accessories and draping style can elevate the look even further.  

What blouses go best with vintage saree prints?  

Vintage sarees feature polka, floral, and temple motifs. These sarees should be paired with subtle, minimal blouses or something that balances the saree and blouse look. Make sure that these blouses don’t hide or overpower the vintage print. Rather, they should be able to bridge the gap between retro and refined.  

Below are some types of blouses that can be paired:  

• Boat neck blouses complement classic florals and heritage prints beautifully while keeping the look polished.
• A Sleeveless blouse or a cap-sleeve blouse creates a clean, balanced silhouette.
• Elbow-length traditional and puffed-sleeve blouses offer that edge between modern and vintage.
• Solid-coloured and minimal-print blouses complete the look of the saree. Contrast works best in such sarees.
• Corset blouses are the Indo-Western addition to the saree. But pair it with some jewellery, and you have a whole new contemporary look.
• Shirt-style blouses are also what you are looking for when defining the line between modern and vintage.
• Velvet or raw-silk blouses paired with vintage sarees will create the royal appearance you were looking for.
• Closed-neck blouses are perfect for modernising the vintage prints. It gives an old-world saree a sharp, contemporary edge without losing its grace.  

Can vintage sarees be worn casually?  

Yes, vintage sarees can be worn casually too. In fact, if we carefully pair them with a perfect blouse and minimal accessories, they create an ideal, presentable look.  

Everything depends on what fabric and print you have chosen and what modern approach you have used. Here’s how a vintage saree works for casual wear:  

• They are timeless and give an effortlessly casual look.
• Sarees made from soft cotton fabric with minimal vintage prints make the perfect casual look.
• Pairing with minimal and elegant blouses
• Keeping the pallu loose rather than pleated can give a modern touch.
• Pairing khadi sarees with a shirt-blouse will not only be casual but also comfortable.
• Contrasting blouses or pairing vintage sarees with a denim jacket would create that edgy effect.
• Draping your vintage saree loosely makes it feel more everyday and effortless.
• Using casual footwear like running shoes, flats like kolhapuri, or pointed formal heels makes the look everyday yet easy to carry.   

Therefore, vintage sarees cannot be limited to weddings and occasions; when paired with light jewellery, lighter fabrics, modern blouses, and accessories, they can be ideal for casual wear.  

How to mix traditional saree prints with modern fashion?  

Traditional saree prints like floral, temple motifs, and block prints extensively give a modern presentation when they are paired with:  

1. Contemporary Blouse designs include backless blouses, corset tops, deep back and knot blouses, and boat neck blouses.
2. You can always switch to different draping styles, like a seedha pallu or a Nivi drape, to enhance the presentation.
3. To add a western touch and create an Indo-Western look, you can use metal belts, blazers, or shawls as needed. Wear heels and accessories, with simple jewellery, to add a glamorous twist.
4. Try layering with cape blouses, jackets, coats, or shrugs.
5. While kamarband is an old practice, belts can give you a contemporary look.
6. You can also try modern draping styles, such as pant-style drapes, dhoti drapes, or pre-stitched versions. This way, the prints may be old, but the silhouette feels fresh.  

We need to keep in mind that if the saree is vintage, we can modernise the blouse; if the saree is classic, we can transform the drape; and if the saree is heavy, we can simplify the accessories and makeup. A short formula to keep it new and fresh.   

FAQs

What are vintage saree prints?  

Vintage saree prints reflect the rich culture and heritage of earlier decades and generations. These prints are not just older designs; they are rooted in India’s heritage and multiple fashion innovations. Common prints include polka dots, temple borders, floral motifs, and many more.  

Are vintage saree prints still fashionable today?  

Yes, vintage sarees are fashionable. The truth is that vintage sarees are not fancy; they are timeless. These are never out of fashion when paired perfectly with the trend. The way sarees are carried can change, but vintage sarees offer the same grace and elegance as they did during their time.  

How can vintage saree prints be styled to look modern?  

Vintage saree prints can be styled with a modern twist, like wearing contrast, corset, or cape-style blouses, or by layering them with coats, jackets, or leather belts. Also, switching the draping style to a contemporary fold can make a huge difference in the presentation.  

Are vintage saree prints suitable for weddings and festive occasions?  

Yes, vintage saree prints are suitable for weddings and festive occasions, as they are luxurious, carry rich traditional significance, and add a festive touch to all events. Their heavy, but comfortable fabrics and unique ethnic designs make them an ideal choice.  

What styling mistakes should be avoided with vintage saree prints?  

While styling a vintage saree print, avoid too much jewellery or accessories. Practice “less is more” and pair your saree with tiny elements that elevate your look rather than overpowering either component. Try to create a flawless look with vintage sarees and modern styling.