I was always searching for an Indian boutique near me where I could find a modern lehenga, a flattering saree, or a combo of both. After a long browsing session, I was fortunate to find Indian anarkali dresses in Chicago, along with a one-piece lehenga saree at Studio Elite.

Be honest, don't you also dream of wearing sarees that look like they dropped out of a Bollywood film? I am sure your answer is an excited yes. Studio Elite, an Indian boutique in Chicago, can be the place where you can turn all your traditional wear expectations into reality. 

What makes choosing a saree a fashion icon move?

Part of what makes sarees a stellar choice is their traditional significance. Representing culture is every fashionista's priority because the more culturally dense a piece is, the timeless it becomes.

Sarees are such a versatile garment that you can wear the same piece to your own wedding and to an Indian themed dinner without a second thought. All this, with the additional benefit of it being flattering for any and every body type, makes it an applaudable piece of clothing.

In today's culture of self-representation, sarees are a great fit. They come in various colors and endless options. Something as simple as a border has countless variations, ranging from embroidered or velvet, banarsi or zari, and even borderless styles.

How Sarees Compare to Indian Anarkali Dresses in Chicago

Are you a Chicagoan who googled an Indian boutique near me and are now torn between draping a saree or slipping into an Anarkali for a friend's wedding? These points are a simple formula to help with your confusion.

• Occasion: Sarees are for formal events. Anarkalis are for semi-formal events. It's your relative's wedding or cultural festival, the answer is a saree. Attending a wedding reception or looking for a Diwali or Eid outfit? Get an anarkali.

• Movement: have planned on dancing until your feet hurt, then worrying about the pleats of your saree coming undone is simply not an option. If no dancing or long hours are involved, a saree can be an elegant statement.

• Practicality: an amateur in ethnic wear? Anarkali is your best bet because saree draping skills are tough to find abroad. If you are dextrous, then draping a saree can be a nice call.

• Weather: In Chicago's winters, multi-layer anarkalis can be warmer. Let's say you still prefer a saree over an anarkali. Buy velvet sarees that retain more heat than other fabrics. 

Choose fabric that reflects the event.

You can wear this flattering heirloom everywhere. This is only under the condition that you know how to choose the right material and add the right amount of pizazz. For instance, you want to reconnect with your roots and are trying to wear a saree to work. Start with cotton sarees that have just a touch of stiffness, which executes the classic work attire formality, all while keeping you comfortable. Other, more fun options are a blend of cotton and silk or straight-up silk for that elegant look.

Often, people think that sarees are a no-go for them, as they prefer comfort over style. If this is not the case, then some people think that sarees are tough to get the hang of, so they look for Indian anarkali dresses in Chicago. If you select the correct fabric, a saree can be easier to manage, and these hiccups will stop coming back to bother you. On a hot summer day, fabrics like cotton are exactly what you need. They are soft. They are breathable. The best part? They don't limit your movement.

On the other hand, if you have to attend a wedding, party, or reception, this is where you can go all out with heavy embroidery or traditional works and even loud colors. It's your brother's wedding? Why not go for fabric options that showcase traditional handwork, like banarsi, so that you can experience the same festive feel that you enjoyed back at home? A white banarsi saree with gold jewelry and warm-toned makeup can make you feel like a Mughal princess. You can even choose to wear red because we all know that in Indian weddings, no one is capable of outshining an Indian bride.

Considering your body shape is just as important.

An apple body shape is the trickiest to get right. Wondering why? Festivals and weddings call for heavy sarees, and women with apple-shaped bodies should avoid them to prevent shifting the emphasis to the widest part of their frame.

Petite AND short? Heavy sarees or busy prints are a no-no. Broad borders can also look overwhelming on your frame. Easy breezy fabrics are your best friend if you want all eyes on you for effortless beauty. These lightweight fabrics can be chiffon, georgette, or even crepe.

If you are from the land of long limbs, then you should get yourself sarees that have a lot more going on than just a simple border. Tall women can balance their look by adding structure or more elements, which makes the eyes wander and not just focus on the height. However, if you are purposely going for this look, then do exactly the opposite of what I just said and confidently stand out as a tall diva. 

Because You’re Still Here, I’ll Let You In on Some Bonus Tips

You reached the end. This means you are not just scrolling, but are investing in yourself. Studio Elite has curated these extra insights just for you. Firstly, before buying any piece, whether it's sarees or Indian anarkali dresses in Chicago, always take a closer look at the embroidery or stitching, as authentic handcrafted pieces are always uneven or have minor irregularities. Secondly, the draping style should vary from one saree to another. There is no single mold, so experiment to find the best-suited draping. Lastly, try before you buy.

Want more such helpful guidance? Type Indian boutique near me and choose Studio Elite from the list to get directions to our store. We bring you the best pieces and additional consultancy so that you exit our store with a satisfied grin.