With colleges re-opening, you realise that it is not just the curriculum that seems to have changed, but the student’s wardrobe as well. Ranging from the latest trends on the ramp to the ones inspired by Bollywood, outfits are gladly embraced by the hip youngsters.
From flowy maxis and long skirts to graphic tees with quirky sayings, Bengaluru’s collegians have tried them all. Accessories and footwear are integral to making a statement. And for those college who have a strict dress code, ethnic wear is a saviour.
Currently, long kurtis paired with palazzos are trending. “Since our college has made it mandatory to wear dupattas, most of us are into mix ’n’ match and colour blocking,” says Zainab Rehan, a second year student of Christ University. “As leggings aren’t allowed, we wear long, straight-cut kurtis with palazzo pants,” says Vaishnavi Dabi, also a student of Christ University. “People love accessorising outfits with colourful, thick bangles, large jhumkas, and bindis of all shapes and sizes. Accessories with a dull-gold finish are in vogue. Most of us prefer comfortable footwear. Flip-flops, jutis and kolhapuri chappals top the list.”
Cinema is always an inspiration and Alia Bhatt is the latest role model fashion-wise. There are many collegians sporting sneakers and long skirts in a nod to the fashionista. The lucky ones whose colleges do not have a strict dress code, are free to experiment with their clothes. Maxis, crop tops with palazzos or high-waisted jeans, tank tops with long skirts are common sights. Ethnic wear includes stylishly-cut kurtis and salwars.
As far as mane matters go, short, bold cuts are in. Hair accessories such as scarves, hair bands, feather extensions, banana clips and hair buns score high on the popularity charts. Fish-tail braids and high pony tails have replaced the simple braids. Shruthi of Mount Carmel College says, “The stacked bob is trending. Popular hair colours include shades of honey and red. The adventurous ones experiment with blue and purple.”
“Comfort is important and nobody compromises on that,” observes Ananya Chaudhary, who is pursuing engineering in R.V.C.E. “Since our dress code is not strict, people like to wear what they feel comfortable in — a sleeveless top with jeans, a flowy kurti with patialas or statement T-shirts with leggings.”
