Choli chic is here

The clock is ticking and you're in dire need for a stylish, uber-sexy blouse that must give your sari a glitzy makeover. We've tailor-made a handy guide to some of the hottest, quickest and trendiest ideas to ensure you make heads turn at the next social do

Case 1: Your reliable neighbourhood darzi has ditched you at the nth hour. The wedding reception that you need to attend is a few hours away.

Mandira Bedi began the trend of halter strapped bikini blouses that
became a rage. Famously labelled as 'Noodle Straps', she wore them as
part of her ensemble while anchoring a TV show during the 2003 Cricket
World Cup

Case 2: It's Diwali and everybody at work has decided to wear a sari to ring in the celebrations. A colleague who runs nine yards away at the thought of wearing one is caught unawares and needs a quick fix, hip solution. The sari has been borrowed from the friendly aunt but what next when she discovers that the blouse can fit two?

A model wears a ruffle sleeved blouse while walking the ramp for
Sabyasachi during the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week 2011, at Pragati
Maidan in New Delhi.Pic/Subhash Barolia

Beat the blouse blues
Both cases emerge from familiar instances at home and work. With the wedding and festive season in full gusto, The Guide has sized up three edgy ways to jazz up your sari-and-blouse ensemble.

Option one: Kurtis
If you have conservative folks at home, they will be thrilled if you plumb for this option, compared to your skimpy regular favourite. Wear a shorter version of your sari where the hemline goes well above your ankles a la the Chotu Sari trend thatu00a0 was started by Sabyasachi. Since the kurti does most of the cover up job here, ensure that pallu is worn narrower while throwing it at the back.

Wear a chunky neckpiece if the kurti is plain; opt for chunky bangles or earrings, if it's a printed kurti. The most important part of this look is the footwear as all the attention will be on it because of the short sari. Wear gladiators in solid colours if you plan to run around or stilettos to make you look taller as this sari might make you look shorter.

Option two: Polo Necks
Other than being a rage in the fashion scene, polo necks will also save you from the frozen look that might not help your cause at a winter wedding. Wear a statement choker neckpiece on your polo neck or a bib to liven up the look. Tying up your hair up in a bun or a sleek pony (with chandelier earrings) will save you the blushes, a la the grandma look.

Option three: Shirts
We have stolen the boyfriend's jacket, pants, so why leave the shirt behind? Wear a shirt with your sari and you can take it to the next level by wearing a slim belt on the waist. If you really wish to wear your guy's shirt then wear a jewelled belt below your bust over the sari to do away with the baggy look of the shirt.

Stylist speak
Your regular white-and-black shirt can look good if accessorised well. Snip it to your desired size if you don't wish to wear a long one. You can also wear a swimsuit as a stringy bikini blouse (see Mandira Bedi pic) or a cut T-shirt. A brooch pinned on the shirt makes for a good accessory, even vintage pearls hooked on a tee will impress.

Did you know? Actress Sonam Kapoor chose Masaba's sari creation for one of her appearances at the Cannes Film Festival 2011.

Rev up your Choli Quotient
From chequered shirts to ganjis and shiny blazers, these elements from your wardrobeu00a0 make for terrific head-turners!

Simple shirts can look great with bright saris. The chequered shirts are
easily available even on road side stalls along Hill Road in Bandra.
Cost Rs 250u00a0

If you're wearing a simple top, detailing on the sleeve like this ruffled
one will look great. This pink top also has a golden zipper at the back
for extra bling. At: Spring Break, opposite Fabindia, Khar (W)
Cost :Rs 800.u00a0 Call: 26059630

Your cheapest and easiest buy for a blouse would be these T-backs
available in several colours and even prints for as less as Rs 60 from
stalls on Linking Road and Colaba Causeway. Opt for animal printed tops
available at stores like Zara and Mango, to be worn on a plain black sari.

Wear a Blazer with your sari where the pallu can be rolled around the
neck and placed at the back or in the front. If you own something as
fancy as this sequined version wear it over your sari with a bit of the
pallu drapedu00a0 like a scarf around the neck. Sequined Blazer Michael
Michael Kors at https://www.netaporter.com/ Cost: Rs 24, 885 (approximate)