There is something almost poetic about fashion returning to what it was always meant to be, graceful, layered, and deeply rooted. And right now, no trend captures that spirit better than the dupatta saree. Not the saree alone. Not a dupatta sitting sadly on a hanger. But both, together, in motion, creating something that is part heritage, part runway, and entirely irresistible.
From the red carpet at Cannes to a Bollywood trailer launch to an influencer's Instagram reel, the dupatta saree has been everywhere this season. And not in a try-hard, over-styled way. In the effortless, "why didn't we do this the whole time" kind of way.
Let's talk about the looks that started it all.
Alia Bhatt at Cannes 2026: The Drape That Broke the Internet
After making her red carpet debut for the year in a custom Tamara Ralph peach haute couture gown with an internet-breaking chiffon dupatta, Alia Bhatt stunned in a saree-inspired gown by Tarun Tahiliani for the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion at the French Riviera.
But it was that first look, the peach gown with the flowing chiffon dupatta, that sent fashion lovers into a spiral. At the Cannes Film Festival 2026, Alia Bhatt took the dupatta trend into couture territory with her peach custom gown. Her sheer chiffon drape floated behind her like an ethereal dupatta, proving that Indian-inspired styling can blend seamlessly with global haute couture.
Then came the Tarun Tahiliani moment. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, the outfit blended "Regency Core" influences with traditional Indian draping. The custom design featured a corset-inspired silhouette, sculpted draping, woven panels, subtle embroidery, and a sweeping train. Tarun Tahiliani described it as "corseted chinoiserie," inspired by archival chintz florals and Victorian dress styles. Alia accessorised with a bindi, nose pin, and haath phool, completing a look that fans almost immediately crowned "desi Bridgerton."
The look rapidly circulated across international fashion pages, celebrity accounts, and film-media platforms within hours of her appearance. And that, right there, is the power of the dupatta saree done right. It doesn't just dress you, it tells a story.
Janhvi Kapoor: The Dupatta That Stole the Show at Peddi's Trailer Launch
Bollywood diva Janhvi Kapoor recently redefined ethnic fashion, and this time, her stunning blue saree look brought the dupatta trend back into the spotlight. Designed by celebrated couturier Manish Malhotra, the dreamy chiffon saree perfectly blended modern glamour with timeless Indian elegance.
Janhvi chose a delicate powder-blue saree featuring shimmering embellishments and fluid drapes that moved almost like chiffon poetry. The pastel hue added a soft, romantic touch, while the intricate detailing gave the look a couture finish.
The oversized dupatta wasn't just an accessory, it became the entire mood of the outfit. Styled gracefully over her shoulders and arms, it added movement, softness, and a regal cinematic flair to the ensemble. Fashion lovers were quick to point out how the look echoed the classic heroine energy of late '90s and early 2000s Bollywood — that slow-motion-song-sequence kind of glamour that never really left our hearts. Delh
The fitted blouse perfectly balanced the soft and flowy drape of the elegant saree, and the unique dupatta-style draping added a dramatic twist to the look. Styled by celebrity stylist Meagan Concessio, with minimal jewellery and dewy makeup, Janhvi proved you don't need to pile on accessories when your dupatta is already doing all the talking.
Sakshi Sindwani: The Influencer Who Made It Real for the Rest of Us
While red carpet looks inspire, it's influencers who make trends feel wearable — and Sakshi Sindwani is one of the most influential Indian fashion voices in 2026, known for normalising plus-size fashion in India and for posts on how to wear curve-hugging sarees.
Breaking stereotypes beautifully, Sakshi Sindwani champions body positivity and inclusive fashion, proof that style has no size, only attitude. And nowhere is this more visible than in her approach to the dupatta saree. Where celebrity looks can feel aspirational to the point of being untouchable, Sakshi has consistently shown that the dupatta draped over a saree is not about being a size zero on a French red carpet. It's about the feeling. The drama. The way a well-placed dupatta can make a Tuesday feel like a movie scene.
Whether she's working a flowing dupatta draped elegantly over her shoulders for a royal finish, or experimenting with tone-on-tone embroidery and matching drapes, Sakshi's approach to the dupatta saree is all about owning the silhouette rather than being swallowed by it. Her content has given thousands of women, across body types, the confidence to try a trend that Indian fashion sometimes reserves only for a particular frame.
So What Even Is a Dupatta Saree?
Let's break it down. A dupatta saree is exactly what it sounds like — a saree styled with a dupatta as an additional element, either matching, contrasting, or draped in a way that adds a whole new dimension to the look. Think of it as the saree getting a dramatic second act.
It's different from a lehenga saree (though those are gorgeous too). The dupatta here works with the saree's pallu, not in place of it. Sometimes it's draped over both shoulders like a cape. Sometimes it's pinned to one side and allowed to trail behind. Sometimes it's wrapped around the neck and left to float — that floaty, ethereal quality is exactly what made Alia's Cannes look go global.
In 2026, the dupatta is no longer confined to lehengas, sarees, or wedding wardrobes. It has become fashion's favourite styling trick, adding softness and cinematic elegance and proving endlessly versatile — whether wrapped around the neck, flowing behind gowns, or draped across structured silhouettes.
How to Style the Dupatta Saree (Without Looking Like You're Playing Dress-Up)
The key is intentionality. Here's how to make it work:
The Cape Drape — Drape the dupatta over both shoulders and let it fall behind you like a cape. This is your power move. Pair it with a structured or strapless blouse and block heels, and you are officially a main character. Works best with sheer fabrics like organza or chiffon dupatta over a silk saree.
The One-Shoulder Flow — Pin the dupatta to one shoulder and let it trail. This is what Alia essentially translated into haute couture. On a regular saree, it reads as effortlessly chic. Style the dupatta either around the neck, over one shoulder, or as a flowing cape-inspired drape — all three work, depending on the vibe you're going for.
The Neck Wrap — Loosely drape a sheer dupatta around the neck and let both ends fall to the front or back. It's the most casual version of the trend and works even with a cotton saree for a lunch date or a low-key festive gathering.
The Double Dupatta Drama — For weddings or big festive occasions, use a heavily embellished dupatta alongside the saree's pallu. Let one be the statement and the other be the complement. This is the look that makes people ask "who styled you" even if you styled yourself.
Focus on lightweight fabrics like chiffon, organza, or georgette for the dupatta. Choose pastel shades for a soft and elegant vibe, and pair the saree with a structured or strapless blouse to create contrast.
Where Can You Wear a Dupatta Saree?
The short answer is: almost anywhere. Here's the longer, more satisfying answer.
Wedding functions — This is the dupatta saree's natural habitat. A georgette or silk saree with a heavily embellished dupatta draped as a cape at a sangeet or cocktail night? Completely stunning and utterly appropriate. You'll be photographed from every angle.
Festive occasions — Diwali, Eid, Navratri, Puja — wherever there's colour and celebration, the dupatta saree belongs. Go for rich jewel tones or classic ivory with gold.
Formal events and galas — As Alia proved, a well-constructed dupatta draped over a saree-inspired silhouette holds its own on the grandest stages. For a corporate gala or black-tie-adjacent event, pair a structured blouse with a muted saree and a sheer, flowing dupatta.
Trailer launches and film events — The entertainment industry has clearly caught on. Janhvi's Peddi launch look proved that even industry events deserve this level of sartorial thought.
Casual outings with a touch of drama — Yes, really. A lightweight cotton or chanderi saree with a flowy chiffon dupatta in a complementary shade, worn with flats or block heels, is the chicest way to show up to a brunch or a temple visit.
The Bigger Picture
Fashion, after years of ultra-minimalism, seems ready for softness and movement again. And the dupatta saree proves that Indian draping traditions remain far ahead of the curve.
What's most exciting about this moment isn't just the aesthetic — it's what it represents. A return to layering, to emotion in dressing, to the idea that more can genuinely be more. Designer Vani Vats believes the shift comes from fashion moving toward emotional and expressive dressing: "The dupatta is no longer being viewed as just a traditional accessory. Globally, fashion is moving towards pieces that carry emotion, heritage and versatility."
From the boulevards of Cannes to a trailer launch in Mumbai to an influencer's reel shot in Delhi — the dupatta saree is having its era. And unlike a lot of trends, this one actually has centuries of craft, culture, and storytelling behind it.
So the next time you're staring at a saree in your wardrobe wondering if it's "enough" for an occasion — grab a dupatta. Drape it. Let it move. Let it trail. Let it be the whole conversation.
Because this particular trend? It didn't come from a runway. It came from us. And it's not going anywhere.
