The quintessential lehenga is the dream bridal attire for every Indian woman. Bridal lehengas provide a wealth of possibilities, with designs and styles that honour Indian cultural tradition and history. From popular floral patterns to unique and diverse regional embroidery and embellishment methods, you cannot go wrong with a lehenga on your wedding day.
Lightweight lehengas are also a great option for pre-wedding festivities, as they are for festivals, special occasions, and other celebratory events. Whether it’s your big day or you just want to live out your ‘main character’ dreams, the lehenga is a timeless and elegant option. Many women today are also opting for modern lehenga styles and experimenting with traditional silhouettes to create stunning looks. So, let’s dive in and explore the top 10 popular styles of lehengas that are a must-try in 2024.
10 Lehenga Styles To Try In 2024
1. Circle Skirt-Style Lehenga
A simple, traditional style, the circle skirt lehenga will have you looking like a princess. The voluminous, circular flare of the skirt is twirl-worthy and gives a regal appearance as you sway. They are great for women with an undefined waist and create an hourglass-like silhouette instantly.
2. A-Line Skirt Lehenga
The A-line lehenga flares from the waist ever-so-slightly, forming an ‘A’ shape. It is essentially a toned-down version of the circle skirt and is less voluminous. However, it looks equally elegant and is preferable if you wish to be active while wearing the lehenga. Plus, it is flattering on all body types.
3. Mermaid Or Fishtail-Style Lehenga
The mermaid or fishtail style lehenga is fitted from the waist to the knees, making it the best choice if you wish to flaunt your curves. It flares out at the knee dramatically (mimicking a mermaid’s tail, hence the name), and helps balance the silhouette if you have an inverted triangle body type.
4. Sharara-Cut Lehenga
The sharara-lehenga style lehenga consists of wide-legged pants that have a dramatic flare and resembles a skirt. It gives you the best of both worlds – it looks elegant like a lehenga while delivering the comfort and convenience of pants. It is often paired with short kurtis or blouses for a bold look.
5. Jacket-Style Lehenga
The modern jacket-style lehenga combines the traditional skirt with a long jacket that is usually fitted. It marries the Western silhouette with a traditional Indian appeal through intricately embroidered fabrics and embellishments. It is the ideal option if you’re looking for a fusion of contemporary and classic styles.
6. Cape-Style Lehenga
If you love the dupatta but can’t be bothered about keeping it in place, opt for a cape-style lehenga that pairs the traditional skirt with a blouse featuring floor-length sleeves that resemble a cape. You can also opt for a cape over the blouse and pick between sheer and embellished versions for your ethnic look.
7. Panelled Lehenga
In such a silhouette, panels are stitched together to create a lehenga skirt that hugs the contours of your body to accentuate your curves. The panelled lehenga is crafted and tailored to fit you perfectly, and highlights all your right features. You can also choose styles that have panels with different fabrics and embellishments.
8. Ruffled Lehenga
A playful and whimsical style, the ruffled lehenga is perfect for cocktail parties and pre-wedding events. It may feature the trendy ruffles on the blouse sleeves, skirt, or even the dupatta. The ruffles add volume and highlight your movements for a fun night on the town.
9. Asymmetrical Lehenga
If you wish for an elongating effect, opt for the asymmetrical lehenga that features uneven hemlines. It creates a unique and modern silhouette with dimension to add an edgy and chic touch to your overall look. It is ideal for women looking to make a statement, and great for contemporary dress codes, too.
10. Pre-Draped Saree Lehenga
Combining the timeless appeal of a saree and the elegance of lehengas, the saree-style lehenga makes for an eye-catching look. It features a pre-draped pallu attached to the lehenga skirt – taking away the hassle of draping a saree or dupatta. It is the perfect, effortless ensemble that can be put together in a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaway
Lehengas are undoubtedly an important part of Indian attire and no conversation around festive and wedding wear can be complete without the mention of this silhouette. It is the ideal choice for every Indian bride, bridesmaid, and wedding guest. It is also worn during special occasions or parties, and you definitely need a good lehenga collection in your wardrobe. Given the popularity of the timeless garment, lehenga styles have evolved over the years with many designs under the spotlight. From Western-inspired silhouettes to enhancing ethnic embroidery and fabrics, you can find a lehenga for every occasion.
