How to Style Ikat/Ikkat Sarees: From Boardroom Elegance to Boho Street

How to Style Ikat/Ikkat Sarees: From Boardroom Elegance to Boho Streetwear

Ikat sarees are the kind of fabric that quietly steals the show. Their soft, blurred motifs—born from a tie-and-dye-before-weave technique—feel both ancient and utterly modern. Whether you’ve got a Pochampally in your wardrobe or are eyeing that Sambalpuri beauty online, here’s how to style Ikat/Ikkat sarees for three signature vibes: formal, casual, and fusion. (Yes, you can wear your handloom to a meeting and a music festival.)

Quick note: why your Ikat/Ikkat matters

Before we style, a quick reality check: handloom weaves like Ikat are culturally important and economically significant. India’s textile industry contributes billions to the economy, and the handloom sector supports millions of artisans across the country, so every Ikat you buy is a vote for slow, skilled craft over fast fashion. (Information Source: Press Information Bureau accessdev.org )

1) Boardroom Elegance — Ikat/Ikkat that commands respect

Yes, sarees in the boardroom are a power move. To make Ikat look executive-chic:

Pick a muted palette: charcoal, navy, deep maroon, or monochrome Ikats read professionally. Avoid ultra-bright contrasts for formal meetings.
Choose refined fabrics: silk-blend Ikat or a finely woven cotton Ikat holds pleats better and looks polished.
Minimal blouse, maximal tailoring: pair with a well-fitted, high-neck or boat-neck blouse in a solid color. A structured blazer in a neutral shade (drape the pallu neatly over your shoulder) instantly modernizes the look.
Accessories: leather pumps, a sleek watch, and a statement but small earring—less is more.
Why it works: Ikat’s pattern is visually interesting without screaming for attention, which makes it ideal when you want to be remembered for ideas, not outfit noise.

Pure Ikat Silk Saree in Light Lavender and Fire Red ...

SKU: SDH-10251104

~~$299.00 USD~~$284.05 USD

Purple and Red Color Pure Twill Ikat Silk Saree with...

SKU: MSH-10250198

~~$259.00 USD~~$246.05 USD

Brown and Green Color Dual Tone Pure Ikat Silk with ...

SKU: MSH-10250203

~~$249.00 USD~~$236.55 USD

Golden Cream and Red Color Pure Ikat Silk Saree with...

SKU: MSH-10250201

~~$229.00 USD~~$217.55 USD

Red and Multicolored Pure Ikat Silk Saree with Doubl...

SKU: MSH-10241489

~~$309.00 USD~~$290.46 USD

Black and White Color Ikat Silk Saree with Tree Styl...

SKU: SDH-10250623

~~$269.00 USD~~$255.55 USD

Black and Red Color Pure Ashwini Cotton Sambalpuri S...

SKU: GSS-10250688

~~$185.00 USD~~$175.00 USD

Green and Magenta Color Pure Ikat Silk Saree with Al...

SKU: MSH-10250200

~~$229.00 USD~~$217.55 USD

View All

2) Casual & Everyday — Boho streetwear with Ikat/Ikkat

Ikat/Ikkat shines in relaxed, vibe-y settings:

Go lightweight: cotton Ikat or handloom linen Ikat for easy movement.
Play with drapes: try a pant-style Ikat drape, or an open pallu with half-tuck for effortless cool.
Mix textures: a denim jacket, oversized shirt as a blouse, or a chunky sweater over the pallu for a cozy, layered look.
Sneakers & juttis: pair with Converse or embellished juttis depending on the mood.
Accessories: layered necklaces, sling bags, or a fedora cap take it into street-style territory.
Real-world nudge: shoppers increasingly choose handloom and sustainable pieces when they want clothes with a story, so your casual Ikat is both trendy and meaningful. Mintel

3) Fusion & Party — When Ikat/Ikkat meets couture

Ikat can be party-ready with the right attitude:

Contrast the motifs: pair a bold Ikat/Ikkat saree with a metallic or sequinned crop top for dramatic contrast.
Belt it: a statement belt over the pallu creates an instant Indo-western silhouette—great for sangeet or gallery openings.
Experiment with drape: lehenga-style pleating or pre-stitched saree drapes let you dance all night without fuss.
Statement jewellery: chunky cuffs, oxidized chokers, or a modern waist chain elevate the look for evening events.
Play with footwear: block heels or statement boots work especially well with a fusion Ikat.

Buying tip + care note (because you’ll want this to last)

Ikat/Ikkat is made by resist-dyeing yarns before weaving—a labor-intensive process that creates the signature blurred motifs. Always:

Check weave tightness (denser weave = longer life).
Dry-clean for silk Ikat; gentle hand wash or dry clean for delicate cotton Ikat.
Store in muslin, refold occasionally to avoid permanent creases.

Handloom and Ikat are part of a wider textile ecosystem that supports artisans—by choosing Ikat, you’re helping preserve craft livelihoods. India’s textile and handloom sector contributes significantly to exports and rural employment, so wearing Ikat is both fashionable and responsible. (Information Source: texmin.nic.in handlooms.nic.in)

Final thought of Sumana (and a tiny challenge)

Ikat/Ikkat is proof that prints with soul exist. Try this: wear an Ikat saree to a weekday coffee meeting (boardroom styling), then rework the same saree with a denim jacket and sneakers for the evening (casual). Tag us—let’s show everyone how versatile handloom can be.

Want a printable “Ikat Styling Cheat-Sheet” or an Instagram carousel with these three looks? I’ll whip one up.

About the author

Sumana Bhattacharya completed her Masters in Economics from the University of Calcutta & was working with the Department of Education, Govt. of West Bengal to provide training to the teachers in Government Schools. She moved to USA in 2005 after getting married & is the mother of 2 kids. She is the one that drives IndyVogue every day, every hour, every minute and every second. Salute to her and her undying spirit.