The dupatta is the piece most often left in the packet, usually because one drape was tried and it did not sit right.

Over one shoulder

The easiest drape and the one that suits a straight kurta. Pleat the fabric loosely at the shoulder and pin it inside the seam rather than on top, so no pin shows.

Across the front

Suits an Anarkali or a flared kurta: bring the dupatta across the front at hip level and let both ends fall behind. It keeps the flare visible rather than covering it.

Cape style

Both edges over both shoulders, ends hanging in front. It works with a sharara or palazzo set and is the most practical drape if you are moving around.

Fabric matters

A chiffon or net dupatta holds pleats loosely and moves; a cotton or chanderi one holds a defined pleat. Where a set includes a dupatta, the fabric is stated on the product page.

Storage

Fold rather than hang heavy worked dupattas — hanging stretches the fabric at the shoulder over a season.