Dressed to the nines

Sitting in their classroom, the girls look stunning in striking colours and exuberantly talk  about college days. It is obvious from their enthusiasm that they are enjoying their college days. They had many apprehensions about choosing a fashion statement before joining college — whether they would be allowed to wear trendy attires and accessories in college.
But, now, they roam around like butterflies. “We  actually rearranged our wardrobe after the first few days. Besides jeans and long kurtis, we added the latest trends, except sleeveless, leggings and tight stuffs. We are told to be modest in college,” say the first year fashion designing students of St, Teresa’s College, Ernakulam.

Not just this college, the wave of mainstream fashion is being reflected in almost all campuses.   Both boys and girls are cautious about looking good. They experiment with clothes, accessories, gadgets, make-up, hair and footwear, without violating college rules.  “Palazzo pants, printed kurtis, tops and jeans are the major attractions. Majority use cheerful colours such as yellow and everyone goes for unique pieces to look stylish in college,” says Farha Nasrullah. “Though our wardrobe contains loud colours, and heavy accessories, we try to maintain simplicity, while coming to  college,” adds Rachana Balachandran.

For Gayathri, the comfort zone is jeans and shirts. “After coming to the college, I came to know that students come in here looking super stylish. So, I reshuffled my closet and along with clothes, I have purchased chains, studs, hair bands, bows. Though we are not allowed to use mobile phones inside the campus, funky phone covers with cute graphics such as Mickey and Mini and Minions are quite popular among us. We surf the net for new trends,” says Gayathri adding that girls prefer pretty designs. Wrist bands and tattoo gloves are also in vogue.

According to designers Anu and Reshma of Label M’ Designs, georgette printed materials are the fast moving items among college students. “Girls usually purchase long kurtis and printed leggings. Floral designs are pretty popular among youngsters. Its advantage is that it can be used as semi-party wear. Jeans with plain top and a printed scarf is the perfect combination for girls,” she opines.

When it comes to make-up, eye and hair are the most highlighted areas. “We try different styles for eye make-up. Once a week, we use unique styles. The messy bun is the trending hairstyle. It is easy to handle. We don’t have to be worried about combing the hair,” say Aswathy and Namitha Matto. In footwear, flats and wedges are the most common. “Sometimes, students come in boots, and Gladiator boots are in,” they add.

Men too are not behind in looking stylish. From floral shirts to spiked hair, they try it all. Cerin Reji, who studies at Inflight Aviation and Tourism Academy, says, “We have uniforms. We are allowed to wear coloured clothes only on Wednesday. So, we focus more on hair, gadgets and vehicles. Spike, flat and curly hair styles are our favourites. Also, students prefer expensive phones and branded clothes. Having a uniform is in a way good. It will reduce the disparity among students.”

What are their major sources of references? Besides designer shops, they depend upon online sites for purchase. Cost is one factor that encourages them to choose online stores. “They have plenty of options which are cost-effective too. To buy mobile accessories, apparels, jackets, helmets and shirts, I primarily surf our popular stores,” adds Cerin. Marvel’s Avengers, Disney T-Shirts, ABCD T-shirts, phone covers portraying themes of Avengers and Star Wars, are a few other popular items available online. The student community is continuing its search to look even more stunning and elegant.