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After Alia Bhatt re-wore her wedding saree at the National Awards, everyone’s suddenly in a tizzy to re-use their own wedding wardrobes. After all, if Alia can do it, why can’t we? It’s actually kind of funny how we justify the cost of that dreamy wedding lehenga by saying or thinking, “Yeah, but I can totally re-use this later,” and then never actually do it. Post-wedding, that once super-precious lehenga is usually left forgotten in a closet, waiting for that mythical ‘one day’ to make a comeback.
Image via Gautam Khullar Photography★ 4.8
So, we decided to help you change that. Here are some fun, creative ways to re-wear your lehenga after the big day. It’s sustainable, great for the environment, and the best part—you get to look absolutely stunning all over again!
Give it a fresh twist and style it differently for your next special occasion!
Images via: @aliabhatt
Alia Bhatt just gave us all a masterclass in sustainable glam! She turned heads at the National Awards by re-wearing that iconic ivory Sabyasachi saree from her wedding—yes, the saree. With fresh styling, minimal makeup, and her signature charm, Alia proved that repeating an outfit isn’t just okay—it’s chic.
Add a dupatta for an instant style upgrade
Images via: @rheakapoor
Newlywed Radhika Merchant effortlessly elevated her bridal look with the simple addition of a dupatta—proof that one key piece can transform your entire outfit. Minimal effort, maximum impact—and you can totally do the same!
Why not wear it as a wedding guest and reminisce about your beautiful memories?
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Image via: @nikimehra
Take a cue from influencer Niki Mehra, who confidently re-wore her wedding lehenga as a guest at someone else’s big day. Because honestly—what’s stopping you from restyling your dream outfit and giving it the spotlight it deserves, again and again?
Pick A New Dupatta In A Fresh Colour & Drape It Differently
Image via: @gouriikumar
If you wore a front drape on your wedding day, we recommend swapping the original dupatta for a new one and styling it in a triangular drape. Changing both the color and the drape can make a world of difference to the entire ensemble.
Turn It Into A Jumpsuit
Image via Tarun Tahiliani★ 4.4
Pick a seasoned tailor or designer who can turn your lehenga into a jumpsuit. You might need to add some matching fabric for the torso, but the result will be a total dream!
Replace The Dupatta With A Jacket
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Did you wear a double drape on your wedding day? Say goodbye to both dupattas and get a short jacket stitched that can be worn with the choli.
Shorten The Lehenga And Wear It Like A Skirt
Image via Short Lehengas Feature
If you aren’t particularly sentimental about the lehenga, you can actually shorten it to a midi length and wear it. It’s easier to wear, looks different, and you won’t have to spend a fortune on a new outfit!
Long Kurta Magic
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If you wore a long kurta-style blouse at your wedding, try pairing it with matching or contrasting brocade pants or palazzos for a fresh look. If your blouse was traditional, switch it up with a kurta-style one to add some fun—just keep it simple to balance the lehenga skirt.
Dye it
Images via Alanna and Ivor
This one is a bit drastic, but for all the ivory brides who wore light-hued lehengas—check with your dye master to see if the fabric can be dyed. You could end up with a brand-new lehenga! Fabrics like raw silk and chikankari usually work well. Just make sure to choose a reputable dyeing service that will handle your lehenga with care.
Wear the choli with a saree
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Who says only the lehenga skirt can be reused? Pair your lehenga blouse with a different saree to create a fresh, new look. If your blouse is heavy, choose a lighter saree—and if it’s light, go for something richer. Let the blouse be the star of the show!
Wear It Like A Co-ord Set
Image via @deekapadiyaofficial
Give your lehenga a fusion twist by pairing it with a matching crop top to create a chic co-ord set. You can go for a tie-up style or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a bralette crop top. The sky’s the limit!
Make some tweaks
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If your lehenga has a lot of flare, consider reducing some of the excess volume—you definitely don’t want to upstage the bride! This will also make the lehenga lighter and easier to wear, while toning down its bridal vibe. Additionally, a good tailor can remove some of the extra embellishments to make it more versatile and wearable.
Mix and match every element separately
Left: Original lehenga, Right: Lehenga worn with new dupatta and blouse
A heavy dupatta with a plain salwar kameez, an embellished skirt with a plain blouse, a heavy blouse with a plain saree, or a raw silk skirt paired like a crop top and skirt—voilà! You can create four completely different outfits just by mixing and matching pieces from your lehenga set.
Style it differently
Image via Rhea Kapoor
Who says you have to wear the entire lehenga set every time? Style it with a leather or velvet jacket, or pair the skirt with a long kurti. Play around with different options—you might just discover a look you love!
Get a jacket blouse made
Image via Anita Dongre
Get a long jacket with slits or a sheer jacket made—it looks trendy and helps hide parts of the skirt, making the lehenga more wearable. This is a great option if you have a heavily embellished lehenga that’s really eye-catching. You could even opt for a smart short jacket and skip the dupatta altogether for a modern, chic look!
Get a cape!
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Ditch the blouse and dupatta that came with your lehenga and pair the skirt with a ready-made golden or contrasting cape. It’s super trendy right now and won’t look over the top.
Get a trendy blouse
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Most bridal lehengas are beautiful, but not always trendy when it comes to silhouettes. To refresh your look, get a stylish plain blouse stitched—think off-shoulder or strappy—and rock your lehenga skirt all over again!
Transform it into an Anarkali
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Yeah, we know, that’s gonna hurt a bit. But think about it- an Anarkali always looks more wearable than a lehenga (even the heaviest ones!), and it’s easier to carry as well- so how about you get the wedding lehenga and the blouse (you can pick a simpler one) attached together and transform it into a more wearable Anarkali?
Transform the dupatta into a saree
Image via Shasha Gaba★ 4.8
If you have a very pretty embellished dupatta with the lehenga, it isn’t fair to just keep it lying around! You can get fabric stitched to it and make a glam half-half saree with plain fabric- keep the dupatta work so that it makes it to the front and pallu!
Wear it With A Shirt
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Perfect way to balance out the bling – add a white shirt and wear it. We recommend a silk shirt to add that luxe feel!
Add creative elements
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Turn up the volume on the embroideries – add pearls or pastel embroidery to pump up and make it look different. Add tassels or change up the latkans to give it a new twist!
Is that motivating enough for you?
Updated by Smridhi Sablok*
Use the WMG App today to shop for bridal lehengas online!
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