SAREE STYLE GUIDE BY BODY SHAPES | simmpli ethnicc

simmpli ethnicc Saree Style Guide

Body Shape × Pattern × Fabric = Effortless Style

At Simmpli Ethnicc, we simplify saree styling using optical illusion dressing—so your saree works for your body, not against it.

Quick Body Shape Finder

  • Hips wider? → Pear

  • Waist area fuller? → Apple

  • Balanced curves? → Hourglass

  • Straight silhouette? → Rectangle

  • Shorter height? → Petite

1. Pear Shape (Hips Heavy)

Goal: Balance lower body & highlight upper half

✔ Best Patterns

  • Vertical stripes or motifs on lower half

  • Small, spaced prints

  • Plain body + statement pallu

  • Subtle ombré (light to dark)

✔ Best Fabrics

  • Cotton silk, chanderi, soft handloom

❌ Avoid

  • Large floral or bold motifs on pleats

  • Horizontal stripes on hips

Style Tip: Contrast or detailed pallu shifts focus upward.

2. Apple Shape (Waist Heavy)

Goal: Create length & soften midsection

✔ Best Patterns

  • Vertical motifs or stripes

  • Diagonal patterns

  • Fine all-over textures

  • Border-light designs

✔ Best Fabrics

  • Soft cotton, linen, fluid handloom

❌ Avoid

  • Big motifs near waist

  • Stiff or glossy fabrics

Style Tip: Plain saree + printed pallu = instant slimming effect.

3. Hourglass Shape (Balanced Curves)

Goal: Enhance natural proportion

✔ Best Patterns

  • Subtle stripes

  • Evenly spaced motifs

  • Ombre or tonal designs

  • Minimal but defined borders

✔ Best Fabrics

  • Soft cottons, cotton silk, lightweight handloom

❌ Avoid

  • Overly bulky borders

  • Excessively stiff drapes

Style Tip: Let the drape flow—no need to overpower the silhouette.

4. Rectangle Shape (Straight Body Line)

Goal: Create curves & dimension

✔ Best Patterns

  • Horizontal stripes

  • Bold motifs

  • Contrast borders & pallu

  • Layered or panelled patterns

✔ Best Fabrics

  • Cotton linen, textured handloom

❌ Avoid

  • Very plain, flat designs

  • Head-to-toe monotone without contrast

Style Tip: Contrast adds curves visually.

5. Petite Body (Short Height)

Goal: Appear taller & leaner

✔ Best Patterns

  • Vertical stripes or motifs

  • Small, neat prints

  • Monochrome or low-contrast patterns

✔ Best Fabrics

  • Lightweight cotton, fine handloom

❌ Avoid

  • Large motifs

  • Broad or heavy borders

Style Tip: One colour flow = taller look.

Body Shape × Pattern × Fabric = Effortless Confidence

At simmpli ethnicc, we don’t style by size.
We style by shape, flow, and visual balance.

Quick Body Shape Finder

  • Wider hips → Pear

  • Fuller midsection → Apple

  • Balanced curves → Hourglass

  • Straight frame → Rectangle

  • Short height → Petite

  • Soft, rounded curves overall → Curvy

6. Curvy Body (Soft, Rounded Curves)

Goal: Smooth the silhouette, highlight curves gracefully (not hide them)

✔ Best Patterns

  • Vertical stripes or elongated motifs

  • Small to medium motifs (evenly spaced)

  • Ombre or gradient designs

  • Diagonal patterns

  • Plain body with contrast or patterned pallu

✔ Best Fabrics

  • Soft cotton

  • Cotton linen blends

  • Fluid handloom weaves

(Fabrics should skim the body, not cling or stand stiff)

❌ Avoid

  • Very large, crowded motifs

  • Shiny or ultra-clingy fabrics

  • Heavy borders at the waist

  • Horizontal stripes

 Style Illusion

Vertical & diagonal patterns create length and a streamlined look, while soft fabrics allow curves to fall naturally.

Quick Recap: Other Body Shapes

Pear Shape

  • Vertical & small motifs on lower half

  • Statement pallu

  • Avoid bold prints on pleats

Apple Shape

  • Vertical / diagonal patterns

  • Plain saree + printed pallu

  • Avoid waist-heavy designs

Hourglass Shape

  • Subtle, balanced patterns

  • Soft drapes

  • Avoid bulky borders

Rectangle Shape

  • Bold motifs & contrast

  • Horizontal stripes

  • Avoid flat monotones

Petite Body

  • Vertical patterns

  • Small prints

  • Narrow borders

Universal Pattern Rules (simmpli ethnicc Formula)

✔ Vertical = Length & slim effect
✔ Diagonal = Softens curves
✔ Small motifs = Always safe
✔ Ombre = Elegant illusion
✔ Contrast pallu = Visual balance

Our Styling Promise

Every Simmpli Ethnicc saree is curated to:

  • Respect real Indian body diversity

  • Use pattern as a styling tool

  • Feel light, breathable & confident

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Curvy, petite, or anything in between—there’s a saree for you.
Explore “Styled by Body Shape” or message us for personal guidance.

Pattern Cheat Sheet (Universal)

✔ Vertical = Taller & Leaner
✔ Small prints = Flattering on all bodies
✔ Diagonal = Slimming illusion
✔ Ombre = Length + elegance
✔ Contrast pallu = Balance creator

Simmpli Ethnicc Styling Philosophy

  • Fabric decides fall

  • Pattern decides illusion

  • Comfort decides confidence

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Not sure which pattern suits you?
Explore our “Styled by Body Shape” collection
or chat with us—we style with intention.