I’ve lost count of the times my plan to flaunt a sexy lehenga or sari was thwarted because I want my traditional outfit to still look modest. So, after years of experimenting with my looks, I have found a worthy solution in a backless or back open blouse. These styles straddle between sensual and simple, making them a no-brainer for brides and bridesmaids.
If you, like me, have been fantasising about striking that sexy and modest balance, then there’s no better time to embrace a back open blouse than your wedding or a friend’s wedding. And let me tell you the design options are bountiful and beautiful. But this shouldn’t come as a surprise: The sensual silhouette is a total conversation starter and looks absolutely breathtaking in person and photos. Since they have been a hit with brides today, designers and bridal houses are constantly populating their collections with stunning choices. Whether you’re looking to show off your back in a subtle way or want to channel full-on sex appeal, there are scores of backless blouses for every bridal style and personality. Don’t just take my word for it, though: Below, here are 15 backless styles worn by Bollywood’s most stylish stars, from Ananya Panday to Priyanka Chopra, to inspire your search.
Ananya Panday looks absolutely breathtaking in this blush Tarun Tahiliani lehenga. Romantic in feel with a string of pearl droplets and a low back, we think a blouse like this is perfect for brides who subscribe to more low-key aesthetics. From the subtle plunge on the back to the expertly crafted work and sequin work at the hem on the band, it’s true perfection.
If you’re looking for something for your engagement, this deep red bralette, seen on Wamiqa Gabbi, is sure to brings a bold and feminine touch to a sari. The exquisite organza Torani sari, called, Dil Surkh Samila, is paired with the Dil Surkh Gazal choli that is generously and meticulously decorated with bead embroidery. With this look, she showcases how to embody the spirit of the bygone heroine effortlessly.
Just like your classic lehenga, want your blouse to look timeless? A dori blouse is your answer. Take notes from Rashmika Mandanna’s Sheetal Batra set. The blouse features a round broad deep scoop neck at front and a deep back. From the exquisite sitaara embroidery to the silhouette, what’s not to love about this stunning look?
Shilpa Shetty loves her statement saris and this Etasha by Asha Jain look is evidence. The beautiful ivory tissue embellished sari, with textured metallic detailing in shades of gold, is weaved in the heart of Varanasi. Her sari also showcases a tiered-like feel, with layers of delicate ruffles on the hem in the designer’s signature crushed textile in a delectable pattern. The dazzling pre-draped sari is complemented by a halter neckline blouse, perfect for that glamorous cocktail night. The versatile blouse can be paired with any sari or lehenga in your closet.
You can trust Disha Patni to pull off a super sexy look, without making it look sleazy. Her Archana Jaju Kalam skirt set is all the proof you will need. I love the soft silk drape skirt that is teamed with a zari cutwork halter neck blouse that’s only fastened by a dori at the back. The Kalamkari painted cape is perfect when you want to cover it up.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja’s classic red lehenga is a masterclass in wearing a look without embroidery or embellishments, while making heads turn. This exquisite red lehenga by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla ticks all boxes. It crafted using the veteran designers’ signature crushed silk. The blouse featuring doris at the back ties the blouse and the outfit together, resulting in a look that’s pure elegance.
Sonam’s mehndi outfit from Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla is one of my favourite Bollywood bridal looks till date. The bespoke multi-panel, multi-hued chikankari lehenga was teamed with gold blouse, which came with an open back that was held together with two strings. It featured multiple borders, hand embroidered in gold and silver zardozi zari lace called Koran by Bohri ladies, and then enhanced with crystals.
Wearing a red traditional outfit is always a “Yes” is my books. Mrunal Thakur’s Mrunalini Rao look is a lesson in stealing the spotlight with a crimson sari with zardozi and Resham work. The sari is teamed with an embossed zardozi blouse featuring a sensual open back. The blouse is accented with elaborate paisley and Indian floral motifs.
Want to nod to your roots? Kriti Sanon’s Gopi Vaid lehenga set is a testament to India’s rich heritage, adorned with exquisite embroidery, marodi and gota work as vertical floral lines. The navy blue skirt is paired with a sensual dori blouse with a complete open back—a Gopi Vaid signature style. By keeping her hair tied in a bun, she made sure to show it off.
When it comes to sustainable bridal style, Alia Bhatt has become the poster girl for repeating and restyling pieces from her wedding trousseau. For Diwali this year, the star rewore her custom Manish Malhotra lehenga that she originally wore for her mehndi ceremony. The custom made patch work lehenga, which took over 3000 hours to complete, came with a stunning open back, halter neckline blouse.
Tara Sutaria is an image of a blend of tradition and modernity in this lovely lehenga by Awigna by Varsha & Rittu. From the label’s latest collection Elara collection, the blush lehenga is adorned with 3D applique work, crystals and delicate embroidery. What makes it a total show-stopper is the fully embroidered blouse, with a playful back design featuring crisscross details and strings of crystals. It’s a look I recommend for the romantic bride to float down the aisle, whether it’s on a beach or a banquet.
“Minimal effort, maximum impact” perfectly describes this Tuhina Srivastava lehenga, seen on Nikita Dutta. Ethereal and effortless, this orange Nargis lehenga is embroidered with stunning silk organza flowers in pink. The same romantic-tangy palette makes up the embroidered blouse with a scalloped open back fastened with a dori with lots of tassels. Take this look for your mehndi to turn every hear in your direction.
It’s easy to assume that a Benarasi sari is too traditional. But this Shanti Banaras sari, seen on Pooja Hedge, is a beautiful departure. First, it’s the sari’s unconventional black colour. Then, there’s bralette blouse. Simple and sexy in equal measure, it features a versatile elasticised band in the back that’s perfect for bridesmaids and guests.
If you’re in your pre-draped sari era, borrow cues from Priyanka Chopra’s stunning Manish Malhotra French chiffon number. The berry sari is elevated with a bralette that’s fully embroidered with resham thread work and 3d flowers. From the fit to the craftsmanship, it’s a look your guests will be talking about for years.
Look like a modern-day princess in an eye-catching look like Sobhita Dhulipala’s Manish Malhotra sari. Her in a dynasty-pink champagne sari is adorned with intricate zardozi and pearl nakshi embroidery. But elevating the look is her full-sleeved blouse, embellished with exquisite metal-work zardozi and open back design, which makes it a total masterpiece.
