A silk lehenga is one of the most timeless outfits to have in your wardrobe. Be it a bridal garment, festive wear, or an heirloom, a silk lehenga holds a special memory in the heart of every Indian woman. But, after wearing your lehenga once or twice, it is just stashed away at the back of your closet. The good news is you don’t have to let that piece of art go to waste. With a little creativity, your old silk lehenga choli can certainly be reused and restyled for a new contemporary look that is also fashionable. Here is how you can transform your old lehenga to be new, trendy and exciting.
The first suggestion is to mix and match. You don’t need to wear your lehenga as a complete outfit every single time. Think about wearing the lehenga skirt with a different blouse or top in order to create another outfit. For example, if the lehenga came with a traditional, thickly-embroidered style of blouse, try switching it out for a trendy crop top, short shirt, or a peplum style of blouse. A silk lehenga skirt worn with a simple cotton, or organza top can actually give you a very chic, Indo-western look that is completely appropriate for semi-formal events or festive events. You can also wear your lehenga skirt with a fairly stylish, long-length jacket or cape to achieve a very royal exercise.
A different and enjoyable way to outfit your old silk lehenga is to reuse the dupatta. Silk dupattas are often embellished with beautiful embroidery or zari work, which can really jazz up any outfit. You can reuse your lehenga dupatta with a plain salwar suit, anarkali, or even draped over a saree for a unique combination look. If you are feeling crafty, you can sneakily or stylishly get the dupatta made into a trendy stole or scarf. There are even people who turn the old dupatta into a cushion cover or a clutch bag – wouldn’t it be luxurious to carry around every day!
If your lehenga skirt is still in good condition but is starting to feel a bit dated in style, consider refreshing it with a modern makeover. A tailor could do a light alteration to it; shortening it for a more flirty look or adding layers of net or tulle underneath to give it additional body and volume might be a good idea. You could also freshen its style by adding contrasting borders, such as a border or lace trim. You could also dye the skirt if the color of the skirt has faded or is simply not your thing. For example, a red or maroon lehenga might look stunning dyed into a deeper wine or navy giving the outfit a modern feel.
Another innovative method of utilizing your old silk lehenga is to make a completely new outfit from it. If the lehenga fabric is still in good condition, you can transform it into an anarkali outfit, a long kurta or even a gown. A skillful tailor can take the material from the lehenga skirt to make something completely different while still reflecting the old charm of the lehenga. You can also use leftover pieces of the lehenga to make additional accessories. Potli bags, hairbands and belts can all be made using leftover fabric pieces and coordinate with your other ethnic outfits as well.
If you enjoy experimenting, you might want to consider trying a fusion with your lehenga. You can wear a silk lehenga skirt with a western blouse, denim jacket, or a simple white shirt for a modern and trendy look. This has become a very loved look by fashion influencers and celebrities alike. This is a very easy and statement-making look; a simple silk lehenga skirt worn together with a crisp white shirt and statement jewelry can make for a beautiful and stylish outfit that you can wear to festive holiday dinners, engagement parties, or even to destination weddings.
When you’re restyling your lehenga, don’t forget the enabling power of accessories. A lot of the time, you don’t have to make major changes to your outfit at all, just simply change your accessories! You could change out your jewelry and hairstyle and shoes, and it will make all the difference in your look. If the last time you wore your lehenga, you wore gold jewelry, then this time you could perhaps try wearing silver jewelry or pearls? And of course, a great way to restyle your lehenga is to try adding in a belt. This creates a new waistline, and gives your lehenga a different shape and a more fashionable vibe.
Lastly, if you feel like you will never wear your old silk lehenga again you might still be able to find new life for your lehenga by sharing it or gifting it to someone else. Granted, passing it down to a family member or friend who will be excited to wear it for a new occasion is one option. Alternatively, some charities also collect traditional outfits for brides in need, where your lovely lehenga can bring joy to someone new while preserving its beauty.
Recreating new outfits from your old silk lehenga (or any silk outfit) is not only a creative initiation, but a significant opportunity to practice sustainability in your fashion. Rather than buying something new you have the option to recreate what you have already paid for, save money along the way and practice eco fashion. So, the next time you open your wardrobe and find that old silk lehenga, don’t think of it as being out-of-style. With some revisions and thoughtful consideration, the old silk lehenga can be stylish and part of your festive collection once again, proving true style is timeless!
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