Get your concept lehenga according to your body type ft. Diipa Buller-Khosla, Natasha Luthra, Prerna Goel and Summiya Patni
Thanks to quarantine, women all around the world have hopped on the most prominent lifestyle trend that one has seen, #bodypositivity. It's a pleasant change to see girls from diverse age groups owning and loving their bodies. Now instead of hiding or trying to tweak their shapes, they practice self-love through body acceptance. Needless to say, dressing according to your frame is an extension of it. With contemporary outfits, it's a cakewalk, but it's easier said than done when it comes to traditional Indian wear. Imagine wearing an oddly-fitted lehenga at your BFF's sangeet. Petrifying, isn't it? Which is why it's imperative to go pieces that are ideal for your body type.
Since concept lehengas are ruling the trend charts, many of us are tempted to wear them at one of the many weddings that we have RSVPd to. But keep in mind the dos and don'ts of wearing one to highlight your best feature and shift the focus away from areas that you don't want to be evident. Sounds like a new language altogether? We've got you covered! Here's a comprehensive style guide on how to pick modern pieces according to your structure with some help of our favourite bloggers.
Hourglass shape
Diipa Buller-Khosla in Anita Dongre and Juhi Godambe in Arpita Mehta
If you're blessed with an hourglass figure, then the world's your stage! This body type has a pretty proportionate bust to hips ratio with a well-defined waist (imagine the number 8 but with triangles) making it comparatively easier to flaunt outfits. When it comes to the concept lehengas, pick pieces that flaunt your assets and try less to care about your height and weight. Think plunging necklines, low-rise lehengas and thigh-baring slits. Statement blouses like bandeau and bikini styles go extremely well with this shape. You can go both OTT and minimal with your options, thanks to your fabulous figure. Looking for hour-glass body inspiration? Both Diipa Buller-Khosla and Juhi Godambe are your gals.
Here are some daring styles that you can try if you have an hourglass figure.
Rectangle shape
Shereen Sikka in Anita Dongre
Also known as the athletic frame, this shape features waist size that is equal to that of your shoulders and hips (think of an H). Since upper to lower body ratio is equal, it drives your gaze in a ruler-straight manner for your silhouette.
Get lehengas that give an illusion of curves to your abs, so peplums come in handy at this point. Super trending on the wedding front, so you can definitely go for the stylish pieces. The other way to create an arched waist is to go for chevron prints and A-line numbers with diaphanous fabrics. Pick pieces that have minimal details on the blouse and lehenga, but have an elaborate work on the midriff. Opt for an embellished waist-belt, like this Tarun Tahiliani piece to elevate your curves. Take inspiration from Shereen Sikka in this emerald green Anita Dongre number.
Take a look at these peplum styles that will add definition to your fabulous athletic structure.
Inverted Triangle/Apple shape
Prerna Goel in Arpita Mehta and Kusha Kapila in Sana Barreja
Are your shoulders and bust comparatively wider than your hips? You have an inverted triangle-like body. You need not get conscious of your broad shoulders as we have tons of concept lehengas that compensate for the narrower lower half.
Instead of accentuating your chest, wear mermaid-like silhouettes that will draw attention to your thighs and legs. Go for high-waisted pieces with a full flare and a simple U or V-neck blouse. Stay away from excessive layering, especially with jackets and capes, which attracts attention to your decollétage. Since we want the gaze especially on the bottom half, you can opt for a detailed zardozi/gota patti skirt with a minimal choli. Bloggers Prerna Goel and Kusha Kapila share your apple-shaped type.
Check out these mermaid-cut lehengas that will accentuate your figure.
Triangle/Pear shape
Summiya Patni in Seema Gujral
Perhaps the most commonly-seen frame in India, the triangle or pear shape is characterised by a narrow bust and curvier hips. To balance out your bottom half with your upper body, it's imperative to focus on your choli and shoulders and opt for a straight-fit lehenga (featuring minimal kalidars) with little to no detailing.
Here you can experiment with your dupatta draping skills to accentuate your bodice, like a saree pallu or Gujrati-style drape. Opt for statement backless blouses with oodles of embroidery. Try to avoid waistbelts as they cinch the outfit and diverts the gaze towards the butt. Summiya Patni, our favourite style maven, gives #stylespiration for us pear-shaped ladies in these Seema Gujral pieces.
Trust us, you can't go wrong with these styles.
Oval shape
Tina Kakkad Dhanak in Jade by MK and Pallavi Singh in Abhinav Mishra
An oval shape is similar to that of a voluptuous structure. Read narrow bust and hips with a fuller midriff. For this figure, bring in the sexy back with some skin show, especially with your blouses.
Opt for clavicle-showing cholis like off-shoulders and cold-shoulders along with vertically elongated lehengas. Pick high-waisted numbers that cover your midsection. You can also go for kurta-lehengas or anarkali-lehengas that will prove as a statement-making yet flattering style. Make sure you avoid low-waist or extremely short bikini blouses as they do tend to draw focus on your abs.
Consider these concept lehengas to accentuate your oval body type.
Petite frame
Natasha Luthra in Pink Peacock Couture and Maia Sethna in Nadine Dhody
Petite-bodied women have a slender body frame and a smaller bone structure. For this figure, it's imperative to give some height and dimension to the overall stature.
Think of long jackets and capes that elongate your height. Sculpted lehengas with some layering or 3D overlay too can prove to add depth to your look. Cape sleeves are a cool option to attract attention to your shoulders. Tie-dyes, especially bandhani and leheriya, will make for traffic-stopping options. Avoid going too minimal with your picks as they won't add value to your delicate shape.
Here are some pieces that we think every dainty woman should own.
Need some guidance to pick the perfect concept lehenga according to your body type? Contact our in-house stylists now!
Image Credits: Diipa Buller-Khosla/Juhi Godambe/Shereen Sikka/Prerna Goel/Kusha Kapila/House of Misu/The Image Code/Pallavi Singh/Natasha Luthra/Maia Sethna/Instagram
