How To Wear Bangles In Different Style?

Bangles are rigid bracelets, usually circular, and have been an integral part of human adornment for millennia. The term ‘bangle’ is derived from the Hindi word ‘Bangri’, which originally meant a coloured glass bracelet. The history of bangles dates back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence from the Indus Valley Civilization showing that they were worn as far back as 2600 BC. Throughout history, bangles have transcended merely being ornaments; they have been symbols of marital status, prosperity, and ethnic identity. In many cultures, bangles are imbued with a plethora of meanings and are deeply rooted in tradition.

Bangles come in an astonishing variety of materials, each adding its unique touch to this timeless piece of jewellery.

Materials: Traditional bangles are commonly made of metal, gold, silver, brass, and copper. However, modern variations include plastic, glass, wood, and even fabric. Each material not only contributes to the aesthetic but often holds cultural significance. For instance, in certain cultures, gold bangles are a symbol of prosperity and are essential in bridal adornments.

Designs: The designs range from simple, elegant circles to intricate patterns embellished with gemstones, carvings, and enamel work. Some bangles are minimalist and sleek, making them suitable for a modern, understated look, while others are ornate and detailed, perfect for traditional and ceremonial attire.

Cultural Significance: In many cultures, bangles are more than just decorative items. For example, in South Asian cultures, bangles are a vital part of a bride’s jewellery, symbolising marital commitment. In other traditions, the colour and material of the bangle can signify different meanings; for instance, in certain Eastern cultures, black or red bangles are worn for protection against evil.

Selecting the perfect bangles for various events and settings is an art form in itself. The key is to understand the occasion and match the bangles not just with your outfit but also with the vibe of the event. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right bangles for every occasion:

Casual Outings: For a day out with friends or a casual brunch, you might want to keep it light and playful. Opt for bangles made of lighter materials like wood, plastic, or fabric. Stack up colourful and fun patterned bangles to add a pop of colour to your casual wear. Thin, silver or gold-plated bangles also work well for a subtle yet chic look.

Workplace Settings: In a professional environment, it’s best to go for a more refined look. Choose sleek, metallic bangles or a single sophisticated cuff. Keeping it minimalistic with one or two high-quality pieces can add a touch of elegance without being distracting.

Formal Events: For occasions like weddings, galas, or formal dinners, you can choose to make a statement. Gold or silver bangles studded with gemstones, intricate designs, or traditional Kundan bangles add a luxurious touch to your formal attire. Remember, for very ornate dresses, it’s best to keep the bangles simple to avoid an over-accessorized look.

Cultural or Festive Occasions: Festivals and cultural ceremonies are the perfect times to bring out the most traditional and ornate bangles. Bangles made of glass, gold, or adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colours complement traditional outfits beautifully. In many cultures, wearing specific types of bangles is part of the festive tradition, adding to the event’s significance.

Beach or Vacation Mode: When you’re on vacation or heading to the beach, go for bohemian-style bangles. Wooden, beaded, or even shell bangles can add a fun and carefree vibe to your vacation attire. They are not just stylish but also comfortable to wear during leisure activities.

Bangles play a pivotal role in bridal beauty, often being a central element of a bride’s ensemble. Whether opting for a traditional or modern approach, selecting the right bangles to complement bridal attire is crucial. Here’s how to style bangles for weddings and tips on choosing them:

Traditional Bridal Bangles: In many cultures, bangles are a significant part of the bridal trousseau. Traditional bridal bangles are often in gold or adorned with precious stones and intricate designs. In South Asian weddings, for instance, brides wear sets of bangles known as ‘Chooda’ or ‘Kangan’. These are usually in red, maroon, or white and gold, symbolising marital bliss and prosperity. When selecting traditional bangles, ensure they harmonise with the colours and embroidery of the bridal outfit.

Modern Bridal Bangles: Modern brides often opt for a contemporary twist on traditional bangles. Sleek designs, minimalist cuffs, or diamond-studded bangles offer a modern and elegant look. For a chic, understated style, a bride might choose a single statement piece or a delicate stack of metallic bangles. The key is to balance the jewellery with the wedding dress – simple gowns pair well with bold bangles, while ornate dresses may require subtler wristwear.

Mixing Traditions with Trends: Many brides blend traditional elements with modern designs. Mixing gold bangles with contemporary pieces, or incorporating family heirlooms with new purchases, creates a unique look. Fusion bangles that combine traditional motifs with modern materials or designs can also be a great choice.

Coordinating with the Wedding Theme: Consider the overall theme and colour scheme of the wedding. For themed weddings, bangles can be selected to complement the theme, whether it’s vintage, rustic, bohemian, or classic elegance.

Comfort and Practicality: Amidst the excitement of the wedding day, it’s important for the bride to feel comfortable. Ensure the bangles are of the right fit – not too tight to cause discomfort, nor too loose to risk falling off. The weight of the bangles should also be considered, especially if they are to be worn for an extended period.

Bengali bangles, known for their unique charm and deep-rooted cultural significance, are more than just an accessory in Bengali culture. They are a symbol of ethnic identity, marital status, and a celebration of tradition. Understanding their significance and knowing how to style them for various occasions is essential.

In Bengali culture, bangles hold a special place, especially in the context of marriage. The most iconic are the ‘Shakha’ and ‘Pola’ – white conch shell bangles and red coral bangles respectively, traditionally worn by married Bengali women. These bangles are not mere ornaments but are imbued with deep cultural and symbolic meanings. The Shakha represents purity and the sanctity of marriage, while the Pola is believed to bring good health and prosperity.

For Cultural Events: When dressing for a cultural event, Bengali bangles can be the perfect accessory to complement traditional attire. Pair Shakha and Pola with sarees, especially those with red or white accents, to maintain a traditional and elegant look. Adding gold bangles or ‘Kaan’ bangles, another traditional design, can enhance the richness of the ensemble.

Incorporating in Daily Wear: Bengali bangles can also be stylishly incorporated into daily wear. For a subtle nod to tradition, one can wear just a pair of Shakha and Pola with contemporary outfits. Mixing them with simple gold or silver bangles can create a balance between traditional and modern styles.

Selecting the Right Fit and Design: It’s important to choose bangles that fit comfortably. Traditionally, Shakha and Pola are slipped on with the help of an oil, as they do not have clasps. Contemporary designs, however, may offer more flexibility with sizes and fittings. The designs range from simple and elegant to more elaborate ones studded with stones or intricate carvings.

Accessorising for Special Occasions: For festive occasions or weddings, Bengali bangles can be paired with more elaborate and decorative bangles. Layering different types of bangles, including gold and beaded ones, adds a festive flair to the traditional look.

Respecting Cultural Traditions: While styling these bangles, it’s important to be mindful and respectful of their cultural significance, especially when they are part of a marital tradition.

Incorporating bangles into a casual, everyday look can add an element of style and personality to the simplest of outfits. Pairing bangles with jeans, a staple in casual wear, can transform an ordinary ensemble into something more polished and chic. Here’s how you can master this combination:

Balancing the Look: When pairing bangles with jeans, the key is balance. If your jeans and top are relatively plain, you can go bold with your bangles. Chunky, colourful, or layered bangles can add a pop of fun to your outfit. Conversely, if your outfit already has a lot of patterns or details, opt for simpler, more understated bangles.

Material Matters: For a casual look, materials like leather, wood, or fabric bangles offer a laid-back yet stylish vibe. Metal bangles, whether they are gold, silver, or copper, can also work well, especially if they’re sleek or minimally designed.

Playing with Colors and Textures: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colours and textures. Denim is a versatile base that can be paired with a variety of bangle styles. For instance, a set of brightly coloured plastic bangles can add a playful touch to a classic blue jeans and white t-shirt combo.

Stacking and Layering: One of the best ways to wear bangles with jeans is to stack them. Layer different types of bangles on one wrist to create an eclectic and personalised look. You can mix sizes and shapes for added interest.

Occasion and Setting: Consider where you’re going. For a casual day out, more playful and bold bangles are appropriate. For a semi-casual event, you might want to opt for more refined, metallic bangles.

Coordinating with Other Accessories: If you’re wearing other accessories, like a watch or rings, make sure your bangles complement them. This doesn’t mean they have to match exactly, but they should harmonise in terms of style and colour.

Pairing bangles with sarees is an art that brings together elegance and tradition. The right bangles not only complement the saree but also add a touch of grace and femininity to the entire ensemble. Whether it’s a silk, cotton, or designer saree, choosing the perfect bangles is essential for creating a harmonious look. Here are some tips to help you select and style bangles with different types of sarees:

Understanding the Saree Fabric and Design: The type of saree you choose plays a significant role in determining the appropriate bangles. For example, with heavy silk sarees, traditional gold bangles or ones with intricate designs are ideal. For lighter fabrics like chiffon or georgette, sleek and delicate bangles work best.

Colour Coordination: The colour of your saree should guide your choice of bangles. You don’t always have to match the colours exactly, but ensure they complement each other. With a saree that has multiple colours, you can choose bangles that match one of the secondary colours in the saree to create a cohesive look.

Mixing and Matching Styles: Don’t hesitate to mix traditional and modern styles. For instance, with a modern designer saree, you can wear traditional Kundan or Polki bangles for a fusion look. Similarly, a classic silk saree can be paired with sleek contemporary bangles for a touch of modernity.

Bangle Material and Embellishments: The material of the bangles can greatly affect the overall look. Gold bangles are a classic choice for traditional sarees. However, for a more modern or casual look, materials like silver, lacquer, or even glass can be great choices. If your saree is heavily embroidered or embellished, opt for simpler bangles to avoid an overdone look.

Stacking for Impact: Stacking bangles can create a bold and beautiful effect, especially with plain or single-coloured sarees. Mix different textures and sizes for a stylish, layered look. However, with heavily printed or embroidered sarees, it’s best to keep the stacking minimal.

Comfort and Practicality: Always consider comfort and the weight of the bangles, especially if you’re going to wear them for a long period. Ensure they are not too tight and allow for easy movement.

Valaikappu, often known as the Indian baby shower, is a vibrant and significant tradition celebrated in various parts of India, especially in the southern regions. It’s a ceremony that honours and blesses the expecting mother, and bangles play a central role in this celebration. Here, we explore the tradition of Valaikappu and the significance of bangles on this joyous occasion.

Valaikappu is a colourful and joyous event, typically occurring during the later stages of pregnancy. It involves the mother-to-be being adorned with beautiful clothes and bangles, symbolising good fortune and blessings for both the mother and the unborn child. The sound of bangles is believed to reach the womb and soothe the baby. This ceremony is not only a celebration of impending motherhood but also a means to share the joy and excitement with family and friends.

Number and Variety of Bangles: Traditionally, a significant number of bangles are worn during Valaikappu. The exact number can vary, but it’s usually an auspicious number as per regional beliefs. These bangles are typically colourful, reflecting the joyous nature of the event.

Types of Bangles: Glass bangles are the most common choice for Valaikappu, as they produce a melodious sound that is said to be beneficial for the baby. The colours of these bangles often carry special meanings – red for energy and prosperity, green for fertility and new beginnings, and yellow for happiness, to name a few.

Comfort is Key: Given that the ceremony is for the expecting mother, comfort should be the top priority. The bangles should not be too tight or heavy, as comfort is particularly important during pregnancy.

Styling with Attire: The bangles chosen for Valaikappu usually match the outfit of the mother-to-be, often a traditional saree or lehenga. The goal is to create a look that is not only beautiful and culturally rich but also comfortable and uplifting for the mother-to-be.

Incorporating Tradition and Personal Style: While respecting the traditional aspects of Valaikappu, the mother-to-be can also incorporate her style. Mixing and matching different bangle types and colours to create a unique set can add a personal touch to traditional attire.

Throughout this blog, we’ve discovered that bangles are far more than mere accessories. They are versatile and integral to fashion, capable of elevating any outfit. From bridal elegance to casual charm, bangles offer endless possibilities for self-expression.

Their versatility bridges cultures, traditions, and modern trends. Whether celebrating Bengali traditions, maternity fashion like Valaikappu, or enhancing sarees, bangles are a celebration of diversity and personal style.

We encourage you to see bangles as expressions of your personality. Experiment with materials, colours, and styles, mixing traditional with contemporary flair. There are no strict fashion rules, especially for such versatile accessories.