Lehengas are the evergreen love of Indian women as it’s a traditional wear option worn for ages. From wedding ceremonies to festive occasions like pujas, you can style a lehenga for any event and look great. However, if your collection of traditional circular skirts is piling up, we’re here to show you two lehenga styles – straight and fishtail – to take it up a notch.
As the name suggests, a straight lehenga flows straight from the waist to the hem for a toned-down look that flatters your curves. The straight cut is ideal for bottom-heavy and rectangle body types as it creates a balance above and below the waist. This style is also preferable because of its modern look as opposed to the flare of traditional circle lehenga skirts.
The fishtail or mermaid lehenga style is ideal for the hourglass body type as it flatters the curves. The lehenga skirt is fitted at the waist and flares out below the knee for a dramatic look. You can also go for an exaggerated mermaid tail look by opting for a skirt that flares out below the calf region.
Both straight and fishtail lehenga styles can be customised for most body types by balancing the proportions. If you have an inverted triangle body shape, wear the skirt at the smallest part of your waist and style it with a shrug or peplum top instead of a blouse to add volume. You can also experiment with different dupatta draping styles. Fishtail lehenga skirts are great for traditional as well as contemporary fusion looks because of their unique designs. This guide will help you understand everything about these two elevated lehenga silhouettes and how you can style them for different occasions.
- Embellishments: Opt for traditional zari work on straight and fishtail lehenga designs for a traditional look in the modern silhouette. You can also choose between beadwork, stones, mirror work, or go for an elegant combination to showcase Indian embellishment techniques with a modern flair. Pair a traditional straight-cut or fishtail lehenga with kundan jewellery sets or a pearl choker and earrings for a classy and sophisticated look.
- Sequins: The trendy sequined fabrics add a shimmery touch to outfits and are a popular choice to add bling to everything from dresses to sarees, and lehengas are not left behind. You can either go for a full-sequined three-piece set or pick a set with minimal sequin details. However, ensure you go light on the jewellery as sequined fabrics are bright and will have enough shimmer.
- Ruffles: Add a fusion twist by adding ruffles to the bottom of your fishtail lehenga or wear a ruffled sleeve blouse with straight-cut skirts. A detailed lehenga skirt and blouse with a matching ruffled dupatta will add a whimsical touch to your wedding season outfit. Pair these with minimal jewellery and high heels for an elegant outfit.
- Dramatic Trail: Fishtail lehengas present the perfect opportunity to add a dramatic twist to your look with a trail. If it’s your big day, go for a blown-out long trail for the drama. If you’re attending as a guest, opting for a short trail would be the way to go to avoid tripping (and stealing attention away from the bride). You can also add a trail to your look by adding length to a shrug jacket instead of the skirt. This will also allow you to take it off later on.
- Prints: Ideal for pre-wedding ceremonies such as haldi and mehendi, floral prints and polka dots on lehengas look fun and will add an interesting feel to a straight-cut lehenga. Pair this with a satin shirt, off-the-shoulder top, or balloon sleeve corset top for a romantic look.
- Tie and Dye: From traditional Bandhani and Shibori tie & dye techniques to the modern ombre effect, lehengas are ideal for those who love colour and vibrant shades. Opt for lightweight fabrics so you can feel like you are floating through the dance floor at day events. Pair these with statement earrings and embellished flats for comfort.
- Interesting Blouse: Both straight-cut and fishtail lehenga styles are ideal for fusion wear and experimenting with blouse options because of their modern appeal and contemporary silhouettes. Opt for peplum tops with straight lehengas for a sharara look. Bralette tops with fishtail lehengas will make your mermaid dreams come true while looking bold and sensuous. Corset tops and embellished cropped shirts are also great options to balance proportions.
- Dupatta Switch: Many women are switching the dupatta for cape-style jackets and floor-length shrugs for style and comfort. You can also switch up the fusion factor by pairing the lehenga cuts with blazers or brocade jackets for an indo-western fusion outfit.
Conclusion
As we draw the curtains on our exploration of the mesmerizing world of straight and fishtail lehengas, it’s evident that these timeless ensembles hold the power to elevate elegance during the wedding season. The tips provided serve as a guide to effortlessly sway in the charm of these lehenga styles, offering a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary allure. Whether you opt for the regal straight silhouette or the graceful fishtail design, embracing these lehengas ensures that you become a vision of sophistication and grace at every wedding celebration. With careful consideration of fabric, embellishments, and accessories, you’re now well-equipped to make a stunning statement and leave an indelible mark on the grandeur of any wedding affair. May your journey into the world of straight and fishtail lehengas be filled with elegance, joy, and unforgettable moments.