Lehenga Makeover: How to Give Your Old Lehenga a Contemporary Twist

A lehenga is a very special possession. With its intricate design and luxurious fabrics, it is a timeless piece in your wardrobe.

Some pieces are divine classics, and they remain supreme no matter what trend rules. But for others, when fashion evolves, there’s no harm in updating your cherished heirloom or a trusty old lehenga with a modern flair.

Through this article, we’ll explore creative and practical ways to breathe new life into your old lehenga, transforming it into a statement piece that marries your style with the latest trends.

Let’s dive in!

Dupatta Change-Overs:

A dupatta can totally change your game. You can bring in a whole new personality just by switching up the fabric, colour, or embellishments of the dupatta. Here’s how you can do it:

• Play with Contrasts:
  If your lehenga is heavily embellished, adorn one very sleek and minimal dupatta in a solid colour. But if your piece is plain or with very minimal detailing, choose a heavy brocade or printed dupatta to elevate your look.
• Experiment with Fabrics:
  If you have a classic silk dupatta, replace it with a trendy and light net or organza one for a breezy modern vibe. Satin or velvet dupattas can be worn during winter festivities as these two fabrics are so in trend these days.
• Add Embellishments:
  A ‘tadka’ of tassels does no harm to the festive fits! Go ahead and revamp your original dupatta with matching tassels. Additionally, you can also go with lace edges, sequins, or mirror dot work. Just a brief trip to the local tailor or craft shop can help.

Redesign the Blouse:

A makeover to the blouse can bring a new look to your entire outfit. Below, we are listing some trendy ideas to consider:

• Back Detailing:
  Add some details on the backside of your blouse through criss-cross laces, tassels, or sheer panels to give your lehenga a pure trendy vibe.
• Crop It Up:
  The master of all trends! Use your old blouse to create a modern crop top with ruffled or balloon sleeves. Wearing it over your lehenga looks fun and chic.
• Modern Necklines:
  Give your lehenga a new fashion flair with a modern neckline. Experiment with the current trend of necklines, such as a halter neck, off-the-shoulder, or sweetheart neckline.

Tip: If not repurposing your complete lehenga, you can get a fusion fix! Wear the blouse and pair it with sarees, high-waisted skirts, or palazzos to get maximum versatility.

Layer with Modern Jackets or Capes:

A simple and effortless way to get a completely new look! Layering gives depth and character to your lehenga. Layered-up jackets or coats on top of the lehenga do the work perfectly.

• Sheer Capes:
  An unbuttoned cape with sequins or embroidery is chic, especially for receptions and cocktail parties. It introduces a modest gloss without affecting the impression of formality.
• Belted Coats:
  Add a pinch of drama to your outfit with belted coats. A fitted coat or belted overlay provides an extremely edgy look to the whole outfit. This style suits you best to conquer the winter season.

Incorporate Contemporary Accessories:

Accessorizing definitely changes the mood of your lehenga. Hard to believe? Experiment with:

• Chunky Jewelry:
  Replace ethereal classic items with thick necklaces, chokers, or stacked chains. Statement earrings can also add a contemporary edge. Not liking anything? Oxidised jewellery will do the job.
• Hair Accessories:
  Classic flowers replaced by metallic hairpins, crystal-studded headbands, or even jewelled hair clips.
• Modern Footwear:
  Old juttis can be replaced with heels or cool strappy sandals. Glass shoes are a contemporary thing that goes with anything.

Handbags:
Invest in quirky clutches or sling bags to modernize your ensemble. Metallic or geometric prints are perfect.

Revamp the Lehenga Skirt:

Your lehenga skirt can be transformed in various ways.

• Shorten the Skirt:
  Turn your lehenga into an ankle-length skirt for a light and airy feel. This works beautifully for casual pre-wedding events.
• Add Layers:
  Add substance to your outfit with layers of tulle or ruffles. It gives your skirt the required volume and flair. The layered look is a hit for evening occasions.
• Modern Cuts:
  Repurpose the lehenga into an asymmetric shape or incorporate high slits for a dramatic element. These alterations exude confidence and contemporary charm.
• Dye It:
  This is a great idea to repurpose your lehenga. Dye your old lehenga in the trendiest colour palettes, such as pastels, jewel tones, or ombre gradients.

Add Fusion Elements:

Modernize this lehenga with what should be totally out of place:

• Shirts:
  Pair the lehenga skirt with a crisp, tailored shirt. A classic white satin shirt should do the fix! Trust us, it is so Insta-worthy! A tucked-in shirt is chic, and it makes the overall look modern.
• Corsets:
  Style your lehenga with a corset top to emphasize your silhouette. Love experimenting? This can be your look. Try it!

Use Lehenga to Make New Outfits:

If nothing else, use your old lehenga and turn it into an entirely new dress.

• Skirt and Crop Top Set:
  Reimagine the lehenga skirt as a two-piece ensemble based on a new crop top shirt, bustier, or fitted blouse.
• Maxi Dress:
  Make a flowing maxi dress from the lehenga and give it beautiful straps or a halter neck. This dress will be a complete fusion of traditional and modern.
• Kurti and Dupatta:
  Repurpose the lehenga fabric and cut it into a kurti and dupatta set. Your multifunctional and elegant garment is ready.

In Conclusion

Revive, Refresh, and Reimagine!
We have put across just a few ideas, but the list of possibilities is endless. You can leap into experimenting with these ideas to transform your old lehenga into a stunning masterpiece that is uniquely yours.

Every outfit tells a story. You have to make sure that it is authentic and defines you!