The Onam Saree Look Book: Beautiful Kerala Styles To Try

Onam is not a festival but an emotion loaded with the scent of jasmine, the colours of pookalam, the taste of sadya, and the charm of subtle kasavu sarees. As Kerala gears up to welcome King Mahabali, women across the state drape themselves in beautiful Onam sarees to reflect their joy, devotion, and their heritage. Looking for the perfect Onam drape? You have landed in the right space. This article is your complete guide to Onam special saree styles—from heritage Kasavu to trending modern looks. Let’s quickly dig in and get you Onam ready. Festive vibes and tradition fused with modern aesthetics and nostalgia. Dive in to explore your Onam saree look book.

Onam Saree Look: Must-Try Styles

Onam is the perfect time of the year to showcase your best traditional saree looks. You’ve draped the traditional Kasavu many times. Let’s try the Kasavu with a twist this time. Here are some of the best looks to try this year.

1. The Classic Onam Saree Look: White and Gold Kasavu

The Kasavu saree is the most iconic and timeless attire for Onam. Characterized by an ivory base and a shimmering gold border, it’s a symbol of Kerala’s tradition, purity, and grace.

Origins:

Kasavu weaving dates back to the Buddhist era and was historically worn by aristocratic women during festivals and rituals. Traditionally woven using real gold zari, it is now available in both silk and cotton blends to suit all budgets and occasions.

Styling Tips:

• Pair it with contrast-colored blouses—rich hues like maroon, emerald, navy, or mustard pop beautifully against the white.
• Add temple jewelry: jhumkas, mullamottu mala (jasmine garland chain), and traditional bangles.
• Finish with a gajra bun, red bindi, and kohl-lined eyes.

This look works for all Onam rituals, especially Thiruvathira dance, pookalam ceremonies, and temple visits.

2. Trendy Yet Traditional Onam Saree Look: Kasavu with Coloured Borders

For those seeking a twist to the classic, coloured border Kasavu sarees are a great pick. These sarees retain the base white fabric but introduce vibrant borders—pink, green, blue, magenta, or multicolour.

Why Choose This?

• Adds a festive pop of color
• Ideal for younger women and bridesmaids during Onam
• Great for photos and festive reels

Pro Styling Tips:

• Pair with a blouse that matches the border color. Try a corset blouse for a traditional yet glamorous avatar.
• Wear with contrasting bangles and colorful bindis.
• Experiment with box pleats and pallu drapes for a bold look.

3. Understated But Glamorous Onam Saree Look: Printed/ Embroidered Kasavu

Modern interpretations of Kasavu sarees now include delicate floral prints, thread embroidery, and digital designs. These versions cater to women who prefer to make soft fashion statements.

Perfect For:

• Office Onam celebrations
• Day events and casual gatherings
• Pooja rituals.

Styling Add-ons:

• Minimal makeup with nude lips and soft waves.
• Add a belt for a saree-gown silhouette.
• Layer with silver oxidized jewelry for a Boho-Onam fusion.

4. The Bright & Radiant Onam Saree Look: Kerala Tissue Sarees

Tissue sarees are woven with a hint of shimmer, often blending silk with metallic yarns. These sarees are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for evening Onam events.

Style Directions:

• Pair with pearl or kundan jewelry for an ethereal touch.
• Opt for deep-tone blouses like burgundy, forest green, or midnight blue.
• Add a clutch or potli bag for a festive finish.

These sarees catch light beautifully and hence are ideal for photography as well as Onam dinners.

5. Balaramapuram & Chendamangalam Handlooms: Weaves of Kerala

If you love supporting local artisans, consider handloom sarees from Balaramapuram and Chendamangalam. These GI-tagged weaves are organic, eco-friendly, and very traditional.

What Makes Them Special:

• Made with natural dyes and hand-spun cotton
• Subtle borders and breathable textures
• Woven by communities for generations

These sarees reflect the true essence of Onam, community, heritage, and sustainability.

Celebrity-Inspired Onam Saree Look

• Shilpa Shetty: Often seen in ivory-gold Kasavu sarees with minimal makeup and statement blouses. She tried the dhoti saree look with a bell sleeve blouse, uber stylish and perfect Onam saree look to steal.
• Jacqueline Fernandes: Wore her Kasavu in a lehenga style, hair adorned with jasmine, she totally slayed her Kasavu look.
• Rani Mukherjee: Was spotted in a beautiful Kerala handloom Kasavu saree. Her bright red bindi was the showstopper
• Deepika Padukone: Stole the show with her stunning golden checked saree look. Her look hit different. It was subtle yet bold and is perfect for Onam celebration.

Take inspiration from these stars and create your own Onam saree moment—whether on Instagram or at your family gathering.

Onam Saree Look for Little Girls

Dressing up your little ones in sarees or half-sarees is a delightful part of the celebrations.

Style Ideas:

• Kasavu skirt and top sets for toddlers
• Half-saree with dupatta pinned across the shoulder
• Soft cotton sarees draped as lehengas

Accessorize with bangles, floral clips, and bindi for that adorable Onam vibe.

Fusion & Contemporary Onam Saree Look

For fashion lovers who like to blend tradition with personal style, these fusion saree looks are trending:

Trending Ideas:

• Kasavu saree with a crop top, bralette, or ruffle blouse
• Pant-style draping or dhoti drape with heels
• Wearing a statement jacket or cape over the saree
• Pre-stitched Kasavu sarees with a modern twist

These are perfect for college Onam events, social media shoots, or influencer collaborations.

Sustainable Saree Choices for Onam

More women are turning to sustainable fashion for festivals. Here’s how to keep your Onam eco-conscious:

• Reuse your mother’s or grandmother’s Kasavu saree
• Rent designer Kasavu sarees
• Choose handloom and naturally dyed fabrics
• Repurpose old sarees into skirts, dupattas, or kurtas

Sustainability adds a deeper meaning to the celebration—preserving culture while protecting nature.

Accessory Checklist for The Perfect Onam Saree Look

• Jewelry: Temple pieces, gold-plated chokers, or antique silver
• Hair: Floral gajras, braids with jasmine, or elegant buns
• Makeup: Glowy base, kohl, soft blush, and red lips
• Footwear: Kolhapuris, mojaris, or flat sandals
• Others: Clutches, bindis, waist chains, anklets

Keep your look balanced—don’t over-accessorize. Let your saree take center stage.

The Hairstyle Look Book: Trendy festive Styles

Your hair are your crowning glory. Why not go for a unique hairdo and outshine. For a stunning Onam look try:

Floral Hairbun: One of the most classy hairdo, this works everytime and every where.

Curls with flowers: Leave your tresses loose, curl them and adorn them with exotic flowers.

Floral Braids: Ditch the simple hair braid, adorn your braid with lotus flowers. Beautiful, mesmerising, this one is a stunner.

Jewelled hair: Well, if you want to really stand out, try hair jewellery. There are a plethora of options available for your loose tresses, braids and hairbuns. Try them and steal the show.

Ideas for Onam Instagram Reels & Pinterest

• Slow-motion twirl in Kasavu saree under falling petals
• Transition video from no-makeup to full festive glam
• Group photos with family or friends in matching sarees
• Close-up reels showing jewelry, pookalam, and saree textures

Where to Buy Onam Sarees (Online + Offline)

Trusted Online Stores:

• Kerala Kasavu (official store)
• FabIndia – Handloom options
• Pothys, Seematti, Jayalakshmi – South Indian classics
• Okhai, Taneira – Sustainable collections

Offline:

• Visit local Kerala handloom emporiums
• Explore regional exhibitions or saree pop-ups

Drape In Style & Let Your Saree Tell Your Onam Story

Onam sarees are a celebration of tradition, pride, nostalgia, and fashion all in one. A classic Kasavu or a fusion drape, own your look. Top it up with confidence and a radiant smile. Let your drape reflect the joy of homecoming, the spirit of unity, and the vibe of the festival. This Onam, don’t just drape, celebrate your culture without compromise, and let your saree be your proudest statement.