Hanging in my closet was a monochromatic mint green lehenga, and while I love mint green, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing.

With top designers inspiring the mix and match trend, gone are the days where lehengas were limited to a single color. Instead, designers are opting for unexpected combinations, where the lehenga (skirt), choli (blouse), and dupatta (scarf) are each a different color or pattern. This trend is particularly advantageous for upcyclers who need not fear mismatching fabrics.

For this upcycle project, I chose to update the existing mint-colored lehenga and create a new choli and dupatta in a complimentary, but contrasting pastel pink fabric, which I purchased in both satin and chiffon. To bring the look to life, I worked with a tailor who cut a 5″ wide strip of the pink satin fabric and attached it as a new border on the lehenga. The same pink satin was used to create a new choli, and the lightweight pink chiffon was used to make a new dupatta.

All three pieces were finished with a pink and silver trim that I purchased from a fabric store. The trim was used on all four sides of the dupatta; on the sleeves, neck and waist of the choli; and above and below the new satin border on the lehenga. The trim added a bit of sparkle and also tied all three pieces together to create a look so well-coordinated that nobody would guess it was upcycled.

Best of all, this project was budget-friendly. With under Rs. 800 in new fabric and trim (not including the cost of tailoring), my one-note lehenga was transformed into an on-trend party look that I can’t wait to wear.

Recap:

What we upcycled: Lehenga skirt

Additional material needed: 2.5 meters satin fabric for a new choli and for the lehenga border; 2.5 meters chiffon for a new dupatta; 18 meters of trim to accent the lehenga, choli, and dupatta. *Note: Measurements will vary depending on the fullness of the lehenga. Consult with your tailor before purchasing fabric and trim.

Variations & Tips:

• Go bold! Opt for a different color or pattern for each of the three pieces. I chose matching colors for the choli and dupatta, but get creative and select a third color or pattern for your look. With this particular lehenga, a floral choli or dupatta would look great.
• Reuse an existing choli (or sari blouse) and/or dupatta from your wardrobe to minimize the need to buy new fabric.
• Instead of a traditional dupatta, work with your tailor to create a cape, for a hands-free, on-trend accessory that will amp up your outfit. Or, ditch the dupatta altogether, and opt for a slightly longer choli or crop top.
• Don’t let leftover pieces to go waste. I still have a mint green choli and dupatta from the original outfit that I can reuse with another look.