May 23, 2025

How to Style Your Potli Bag with Different Outfits

When it comes to adding grace to an outfit, sometimes a small accessory does all the magic. One such accessory that I absolutely love is the potli bag. At 5 Elements, we have always celebrated Indian heritage through fashion, and potli bags are the perfect blend of tradition and modern charm. Whether it’s a festive celebration or a casual get-together, styling your potli bag with different outfits can completely change your look.

What is a Potli Bag? A Brief Introduction to This Classic Accessory

A potli bag is a soft pouch-like handbag, usually tied with a drawstring. Traditionally, women used potli bags to carry coins and essentials. Over time, these bags turned into fashion accessories. Today, you can find potli bags for women made from silk, velvet, brocade, and more, often decorated with beads, sequins, and embroidery. They are elegant, easy to carry, and never go out of style.

Why the Potli Bag Remains a Wardrobe Staple for Indian Women

Despite so many modern handbags in the market, potli bags continue to be loved by Indian women. Why? Because they match perfectly with ethnic wear, add beauty to western outfits, and reflect our cultural roots. Plus, they’re lightweight, handy, and add just the right amount of flair. Whether it’s a fancy potli bag or a simple one, it completes your look like no other.

Understanding Different Types of Potli Bags

At 5 Elements, we offer potli bags in a wide range—some made from rich velvet, others with traditional brocade, or mirror work for festive flair. Some are small and delicate for parties, while others are spacious enough for weddings. We also have potli bags for gifting, which are loved during festivals and weddings. From simple cotton potlis to embroidered potli bags, each one tells a story.

Mastering the Art of Pairing: Styling Your Potli Bag with Ethnic Wear

Sarees and Potlis: Creating Elegant and Coordinated Looks

One of the most beautiful ways to carry a potli bag is with a saree. A silk saree with a zari-bordered potli, or a georgette saree paired with a pastel potli—each look is timeless. For sarees, I recommend matching the potli bag with your blouse, border, or jewellery to create a balanced and polished outfit.

Lehengas and Potlis: The Perfect Duo for Weddings and Celebrations

Wearing a lehenga for a wedding? Don’t forget your potli bag! These two make the perfect pair. If your lehenga is heavy, go for a lighter potli. If it’s plain, pick a designer potli bag with pearls, mirror work, or bold embroidery. Carry it on your wrist or hang it gracefully by the side—it adds charm and helps you carry your essentials in style.

Salwar Suits and Potlis: Adding a Traditional Touch to Your Ensemble

Potli bags also go very well with salwar suits. With an Anarkali, choose a detailed potli with embroidery or beads. For simpler suits, pick a basic cotton or printed potli. Whether you're heading to a pooja or a family function, this small accessory brings in the Indian vibe effortlessly.

Kurtis and Potlis: Elevating Everyday Ethnic Wear

Many women think potli bags are only for weddings or festivals, but that’s not true. They go great with daily ethnic wear too. For a kurti and jeans or leggings, a small potli adds a soft, traditional feel. Try carrying a colourful embroidered potli with a plain kurti for an easy yet chic Indo-fusion look.

Beyond Tradition: Styling Your Potli Bag with Fusion and Western Outfits

Adding a Bohemian Touch: Potlis with Maxi Dresses and Skirts

I love seeing women carry potli bags with long dresses and skirts. It gives a fresh, boho look. A mirror-work potli or one with bright thread embroidery pairs beautifully with a flowy maxi dress or a tiered skirt. It’s a fun way to mix traditional style with western silhouettes.

A Hint of Heritage: Pairing Potlis with Jumpsuits and Wide-Leg Pants

You can also pair potli bags with jumpsuits or palazzo pants. These western outfits get an instant lift when matched with a fancy potli bag in a contrasting colour or embellished design. It’s the perfect way to add Indian heritage to your everyday modern wardrobe.

Making a Statement: Using a Potli Bag as a Unique Accessory

Sometimes your potli can become the highlight of your outfit. Choose a bold potli with unique embroidery, tassels, or mirrors, and keep the rest of your look simple. This helps you make a fashion statement without going over the top.

The Details Matter: Choosing the Right Potli Bag for Your Outfit

Color Coordination: Matching, Contrasting, and Complementary Palettes

When choosing a potli, always think about colours. You can match it exactly with your outfit or go for contrast—like a gold potli with a navy blue saree, or a red potli with a green kurti. Metallic tones like gold and silver work with most colours and are safe, stylish choices.

Embellishment Harmony: Balancing Your Outfit and Your Potli

If your outfit already has heavy embroidery, go for a subtle potli. But if your dress is plain, pick a bold embroidered potli bag to add some sparkle. The key is to balance the look so that both your outfit and your potli shine in their own way.

Size and Functionality: Selecting a Potli That Meets Your Needs

For casual events or short outings, go for smaller potlis that carry your essentials. For weddings and big functions, medium or larger potlis are better—they fit your phone, makeup, and more. Always check if the potli closes well and has a comfortable handle or strap.

Handle and Strap Styling: Different Ways to Carry Your Potli

You can carry your potli in your hand, hang it on your wrist, or wear it on your shoulder if it has a chain strap. Some women even tie the drawstring to their bangles for a stylish twist. Try different ways and find what feels most comfortable for you.

Occasion-Wise Styling: When to Carry Which Potli Bag

Potlis for Weddings and Festive Occasions: Go Bold and Beautiful

For weddings, choose potlis with rich fabrics, embroidery, or beads. Deep colours like maroon, royal blue, and gold look great for these grand occasions. You can even pair them with your jewellery for a complete look.

Potlis for Parties and Social Gatherings: Adding a Touch of Glamour

For parties, you can try potli bags in metallic shades, glitter fabric, or sequin work. They’re trendy and glamorous, and look great with both ethnic and western outfits.

Potlis for Casual Events: Keeping it Simple and Stylish

If you’re heading out for brunch or a casual meeting, pick a cotton or printed potli in soft colours. These are lightweight and still add a stylish ethnic charm to your day look.

Care and Keeping: Ensuring Your Potli Bag Remains Beautiful

Tips for Storing Different Types of Potli Bags

Always store your potli bags in fabric pouches or dust bags. Keep them away from moisture, perfumes, or sharp jewellery to avoid damage. Don't fold them too tightly as it can spoil the shape.

Gentle Cleaning Methods for Various Fabrics and Embellishments

Use a soft dry cloth to remove dust. For silk or velvet potlis, avoid using water. For small stains, dab gently with a soft cloth. Never scrub or wash your potli—it can damage the delicate work.

Embrace the Versatility and Elegance of the Potli Bag

A potli bag is not just a handbag; it’s a piece of our culture. From traditional weddings to modern brunches, potli bags can fit every occasion and outfit. At 5 Elements, we bring you potlis that are thoughtfully designed, beautifully made, and easy to style. I encourage you to try new combinations, mix styles, and wear your potli bag with different outfits in ways that express your personality. Fashion is about being yourself, and a potli is the perfect little detail to do just that.

Explore our full collection of designer potli bags, potli bags for gifting, and fancy potli bags for women on our website and find the perfect one to suit your style. Your perfect potli is just a click away.