Rock your Onam with this six Kasavu saree makeovers

Onam has always been considered as the festival of unity and prosperity. Wearing new clothes, or what we we fondly call Onakkodi, is an essential part of the festival. And it is not just fashionistas that ponder over the latest trends in Kasavu, the golden bordered Kerala textile, to wrap themselves in the most stylish way possible for one of the most important days of the year.

In the past few years, we have seen designs ranging from the ever-so-popular Kalamkari designs, block prints, murals, and mirror works and umpteen others dominating the markets. Every year, fashion houses bring something new - be it a new border type or a fusion accessory.

However, with COVID-19 dampening the festivities and confining the world indoors, your inner shopaholic might want to sit this one down.

But worry not. This year, deck yourselves in the festive colours without stepping out of your house.

You would have plenty of options to whip up a new attire that you can rock in for the quintessential social media posts. We will help you give a quick and quirky makeover for your old Kasavu fabrics so that you can pull off the trendiest outfit for this Onam.

1. Wear your old Kerala saree like a half-saree

Half-sarees never go out of style. From the flowy chiffon-georgette three-piece to the contrast silk pairs, half-sarees always made comebacks every year as the ultimate festive wear for South Indian girls. Well, stitching up a new skirt and top may not be an easy option if you don't have the handy tools or the expertise in using a sewing machine. Instead, how about we go for an easier, faster option? All you need is a silk skirt and a top to go with it. Tuck the old Kerala saree into the skirt after taking a handful of foldings aka fleets, drape the tail of the saree over your shoulder and tada! You got a fleeted half saree.

Here is how to do it:

2. Long gown kurtas

Dress-like kurtas made of saree materials have been in fad since last year. The wide golden bordered dress with some tiny fleets right above the waist can easily create a comfortable yet grand look. It is time we tried the trend with the traditional Kerala Kasavu. If you own a wide bordered Kasavu saree, chop it into pieces, with one of the pieces 3-4 metres long according to your measurements. Sew it to a round necked bust piece and knee length sleeves and you got yourselves a pretty Kasavu gown.

Watch the video to learn the process:

3. Pair Kasavu mundu with long blouse

If you do not own a Kasavu saree, don't worry. Grab a golden bordered dhoti from the wardrobe of the elders of the house, pair it with a contrast crop top or a lehanga blouse and you are gucci. Wear the dhoti like how you wear it for a Kerala set mundu combo. Use a long heavy gold neckpiece over the blouse to make it look even royale.

4. Kasavu with lehenga

This is as simple as it sounds. Just wear an old lehenga, choli, silk skirt and blouse or literally any two piece traditional festive wear. Replace the duppatta or the shall with the Davani of a Kerala set mundu. The more contrasting the colours of your attire are with that of the off-white shade of the Kasavu davani, the better.

5. Reverse davani

Be it a Kasavu half saree or a Kerala set mundu, you can instantly enhance the style quotient with this one simple step. Reverse the way you wear the pallu. Instead of pinning it your shoulder and allowing the tail piece to fall on your back side, drape the piece from behind and spread the tip over your bust. Remeber the Gujarati traditional style of saree-draping, this is the same but with Kasavu.

6. No skirt saree

What is fashion without a little "quirking up". Ditch the skirts and grab a pair of sigaratte pants or palazzos- preferably made of silk. Wear a blouse and pin the fleets of the saree on your shoulder like how you normally wear it. Drape it around you, fold the rest of the saree into fleets and tuck the tip into your pants- you got the ultimate Onam fusionwear now.

Always remember the essence of Onam lies in finding hope even in the direst of times. Dressing up for the festival could help lift the spirits and keep morale during these troubled times. At this hour of darkness, let the spirit of Onam lighten up your household.