The Sari as an Uniform

The sari is special for the Indian woman.
I have noticed the sari as an uniform in flight crews, hospital receptionists and hospitality industry professionals. Usually, a severe bun or a french twist is seen as an accompaniment to a sari uniform.

Can a sari be worn in the corporate arena? The answer is a forceful affirmative.
Recently, I read about a professional who wears saris to all her formal presentations abroad. This resoundingly states her nationality as well as the fact that she is proud of it.

A sari can look as professional as a business suit given the following pointers:
1. Wear an 'airhostess' blouse with the sari.
2. Stick to saris with thin borders.
3. Save the chiffon, georgette and crepes for the outings. Give preference to handloom, cotton, silk and tussar for officewear.
4. Steer clear of elaborate floral patterns and bold graphic designs(a la Satya Paul).
5. Try to avoid very loud colours - say a muted green is permissible where an electric fuschia is not.
6. Pin up the pallav - all the way down. Pin the sari pallav just below the back of your shoulder. Put pins every foot or so down the pallav. This will keep the pallav uniformly thick and neat.
7. If the sari material permits, pin up the pleats in front of the sari as well.
8. Try to pin up the sari with the blouse where the sari crosses your back. This will ensure that no part of your back is exposed.
9. Keep the pallav a little wide. This way, your tummy will not show.

You might end up feeling like a pin-cushion. But that is a small price to pay for looking gorgeously professional and keeping the peeping-toms at bay at the same time.

Some other hints for the corporate woman who picks the sari in favour of western formals:
1. Keep the accessories limited. The sari in itself is an eyecatcher.
2. Get a few blouses tailor made in neutral colours - these can be worn with any of the saris and can make rummaging through the wardrobe a thing of the past.
3. Petticoats should never, ever show in the office space. Trim the petticoat hemline so that it falls about 10-15 cms short of the sari width.