Whether it is to look like a million bucks at your best friend’s wedding or to smash deadlines at work, a saree can take you places like nothing else can. However, a concern that we are confronted with time and time again is, how to look slim in a saree without trying too hard?

Here are 7 ways you can look like you own a divine figure in every single saree adorned:

• Choose a Fluid Fabric

It is no secret that the core of a gorgeous ethnic ensemble like a saree is, the fabric. Pick fabrics like chiffon and silk that allow movement with ease and drape over your body effortlessly. For instance, Liva sarees are curated with fluid fashion, leaving the drapes hugging your body like a second skin and flatter your curves in just the right measure. Check out how fashion blogger Pooja Mundhra has sported this printed Liva saree in a fusion look.

• Drape the Saree Right

For a slim look, saree draping has to be point on. Even a simple saree can be taken notches higher by just draping it right. If you are looking to highlight a toned midriff and hips elegantly, then pinning the pleats in a mermaid drape would help, whereas, if you are aiming at taking attention away from a heavy bust, then donning the pallu in a relaxed manner would work like a charm. We love how fashion blogger Shanice Shrestha is carrying of a perfectly pleated saree with a fancy blouse.

• Pay Attention to the Sleeve Length of the Blouse

If your end goal is to look leaner in the ensemble, then blouses with sleeves that are 3/4th in length should be your go-to. Sleeves that end at the elbow hide away any flabby arms and highlight your slender wrists. You could also get creative and adorn the billowy sleeved blouses with a fitted drape like the way fashionista Sayani Roy shows us, to juxtaposition the ensemble.

• Set your Heart on Smaller Prints

• Favor Darker Hues

Prints like vertical stripes, small polka dots, and tiny floral motifs will make you appear slender, whereas horizontal stripes and other larger prints will make you seem broad. Take a cue from this chevron print black-and-white saree worn by Mrs. Earth and Mrs. India winner Priyanka Khurana Goyal.

Drapes in darker hues can also considerably help in achieving a slimmer look. A monochrome saree can help you make the extra pounds go unnoticed. Pair the saree and the blouse in a similar color palette but of different tones to pull this trick off without looking boring. Lifestyle blogger and entrepreneur Anupriya Kapur looks elegant in this all-purple jamdani saree.

• Steer towards Narrow Borders

Narrow borders allow the onlooker to notice your frame completely. The broader the border at the hem of your saree, the more you can be overpowered with its detailing, especially at the pallu. Hence, stick to finer borders to balance your frame and be the highlight in the saree. The think golden border adds just the right amount of sparkle in this fuschia-pink saree adorned by film actor Nabha Natesh.