An outdated sari can be upcycled into just about any modern outfit. Tucked away in my mom’s closet was a vintage brocade sari, worn by my paternal grandmother more than 35 years ago to my parents’ wedding. Although a beautiful piece, the sari was too short for either my mom or I to wear. Interested in repurposing the sari that holds sentimental value, we worked with a tailor to create a custom, high-low anarkali that is sure to get more wear than the sari would have.

The sari was only very gently worn, so the fabric was still strong and nearly all of it was usable. The center brocade portion of the sari was used to tailor a pair of cigarette pants. The same fabric was used to create buttons at the ankles of the pants.

The heaviest, most embellished part of the sari was the silver pallu, which was used to create the top of the anarkali, giving the outfit a more formal look. I purchased a lightweight turquoise georgette fabric that our tailor used to form the kalis, or panels, of the anarkali. To get a “high-low” effect, the kalis at the front of the anarkali were cut shorter than those in the back. We went with a high-low style to show off the brocade pants, which would have been hidden under a traditional, full-length anarkali.

The border of the original sari was added to the bottom of the anarkali, which not only embellished the anarkali but added weight to the georgette kalis, creating a more flattering shape. The tailor used a narrower portion of the sari border to embellish a dupatta, made from the same turquoise georgette material used for the anarkali kalis.

Paired with silver heels and chandelier earrings, this look exudes effortless glamour and is perfect for a festival or party.

Recap:

What we upcycled: Vintage brocade sari

Additional material needed: 6 meters of georgette fabric (3.5 meters for the anarkali and 2.5 meters for the dupatta)

Variations:

• To create a more sheer anarkali, opt for a lightweight chiffon instead of an opaque georgette.
• If you’re looking to show off the full length of the pants and part of your midsection, this design can be adapted as a jacket-style anarkali, where the center seam of the anarkali’s kalis is left open up to the waist.