Work the sari like Amna Ilyas

Saris have forever been considered the epitome of eastern wear elegance, and no other garment could possibly replicate the sense of wonder it arouses in women of all ages.

Wearing a sari has been a rite of passage in Pakistan. You weren't allowed to wear one till you were married in some communities, till you were 17, if you were Parsi, or barring the previous, till your high school farewell, which somehow signaled that you were now mature enough to.

Of course, now that we are well out of the 19th century (the '80s and '90s), women also have access to, and ideas on, all kinds of fashion. That said, the sari is still in the running for formal events, and it remains one of those ensembles that one can style up or down, for day or night, and for work or play.

"Film promotions are hectic and we wanted to create one demure, statement look that Amna could carry throughout the tour in different ways. Saris can be draped in multiple ways, are easy to wear, and interesting and challenging to style. Plus, Amna is quite comfortable in saris and carries them well which was also kept in mind." Ehtesham Ansari, Stylist

Amna Ilyas, who had been traveling across Pakistan to promote her latest film, Mastaani, has appeared in some incredible saris throughout the tour. Styled by Ehtesham Ansari, Ilyas has rocked a range of saris by various designers, imparting some serious style inspo.

"Film promotions are hectic and we wanted to create one demure, statement look that Amna could carry throughout the tour in different ways," Ansari tells Nukta.

"Saris can be draped in multiple ways, are easy to wear, and interesting and challenging to style. Plus, Amna is quite comfortable in saris and carries them well which was also kept in mind," explains Ansari.

"We also wanted to explore different aspects of the sari and different ways people are making them," he says. "So you have craft-based saris from Blocked Textiles and Eina Alvi, a very urban, denim take by Adnan Pardesy, and Shamaeel's very specific style."

Wear it classic

The look: Classically feminine, wearing a sari exactly as it is.

Style twist: Mixing and matching unexpected prints.

Extra inspo: Avant-garde gold jewellery provides contrasting accents.

Hair & Makeup: Yameen AbbasiPhoto by Hussain Zaidi

Wear it glam

The look: Very femme fatale, with the beaded bustier and capelet in a hot, bright red.

Style twist: Layering two different kinds of tops, and draping the sari like a dress.

Extra inspo: Slicked back hair adds to the drama without being distracting.

Label: Rashmi Kumari. Hair & Makeup: Yameen Abbasi Photo by Hussain Zaidi

Give it an urban upgrade

The look: A denim sari.

Style twist: The handcrafted bustier layered over a collared, button-down blouse.

Extra inspo: Creating a break in the denim with the silver bustier but pulling the whole look together with silver earrings.

Label: Adnan Pardesy. Hair & Makeup: Yameen Abbasi Photo by Hussain Zaidi

Create double desi fusion

The look: A sari worn like a dhoti.

Style twist: Foregoing a shorter top for a kurta.

Extra inspo: The windswept, wild hair. The chunky gold cuffs dressing up and cinching in the sleeve. Makeup that doesn't stick out or disappear in this very dark, devil-may-care look.

Kurta by Emraan Rajput. Hair & Makeup: Yameen Abbasi . Jewellery: RobabiPhoto by Hussain Zaidi

Wear it like its nbd

The look: Belted sari.

Style twist: A slightly longer top in a bright, strong pattern provides the perfect backdrop for stripes.

Extra inspo: Adding some nonchalance to the look with loafers.

Label: Blocked Textiles. Hair & Makeup: Yameen AbbasiPhoto by Hussain Zaidi

Keep it so beautiful, so elegant

The look: A handcrafted sari.

Style twist: Worn without punches or contrasts, with a plain blouse highlighting the delicate fabric and work of the sari.

Extra inspo: Less is more: a straight blowdry and glass choorian make for super simple, classic look that can be carried absolutely everywhere.

Label: Mehreen QazafiPhoto courtesy Amna Ilyas