Another academic year has begun. Along with juggling their busy schedule of classes, submitting assignments and hanging out in the canteen, college students somehow manage to accessorise, sport the latest trends and even create a few fads.
“Skinny jeans and big hand bags should be a part of any girl's wardrobe,” says Rimi M, a second year student at Villa Marie, authoritatively. “These trends are here to stay for a while.” Her friends nod in agreement. The girls are all carrying large totes in different shades and shapes, though all are wearing the requisite skinny jeans they've each added individual touches to make the style their own. Some go ethnic by wearing pretty short kurtas while others wear colourful T-shirts.
Nikita, another second year student at Villa Marie, wears her jeans with a plain white top, but she adds colour and personality to her outfit with bright yellow beads around her neck. Sushmita Shekar, her classmate, pairs her faded blue skinny jeans with a colourful, loud tunic top and a stack of wooden bangles on her hand. “It is all about accessorising,” says Chetana B, a third year student at St. Francis College for Women. “Even the way you do your hair is important.” Whether your hair be long or short, clips and colourful slides is all the rage.
Leggings and harem pants are also being worn among city college girls. As Payal, a student of St. Mary's says, “Wearing harem pants with a simple t-shirt combines being stylish with comfort.”
Another mantra for the season seems to be, as Kriti a second year student of Villa Marie puts it, “Flats not heels.” Aarthi Reddy, a second year student at St. Francis goes on to explain the statement, “When it comes to footwear it is all about ballet flats, colourful Oshos, gladiator style sandals and bright kohlapuris.”
Casual cool
When it comes to boys, the rule of what is in and what is not when it comes to their clothing is not as set in stone. “T-shirts or shirts, jeans and sandals or sneakers,” says Vinay Rao, a second year student at St. Mary's College. “There don't seem to be any real rules or trends that guys follow.”
Nikhil P, another second year student adds, “I think I spend more time gelling my hair than deciding what to wear.” Whether spending hours to create spikes, growing their hair long or simply just shaving it all off hair seems to be the way guys express themselves.
“Goatees, French beards and moustaches — grooming facial hair is something guys spend a lot of time on,” says Siddharth, a final year student at Bhavans.
Fashion among college students seems to be sticking to certain norms but also exploring their individuality within those boundaries. Stepping out in style doesn't cost a bomb and students know to pick their wares from affordable stores. Kriti says, “This gives us the scope to buy and experiment with new clothes and accessories whenever the seasons fashions change.”
Shoppers' paradise
Whether you are on a budget or want to break the bank, Hyderabad has stores to meet all your fashion needs. Here's a random list of stores frequented by college goers.
1. Cool Club
2. Splash
3. Max
4. Lifestyle
5. Chemistry at City Centre
6. Hyderabad Central
7. Promod at GVKOne
8. Mango at GVKOne
9. The clutch of stores around Nagarjuna Circle
10. Westside
Trend alert
l Skinny jeans
l Big, bright bags
l Flats
l Gelled hair
l Funky T-shirts
