The clothes we choose to wear everyday say a lot about us. Shopping can be a hazy process when you don’t know what you want. But the youth have devised their own strategy that entails shopping every few months from somewhere between Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 on the high street for their wardrobes with classic denims, and style taking precedence. These students from the city tell us how they stick to the classic route with basics while handling expenses.
Parents are keen on getting their children the best education but it is hard to ignore the expenses that keep piling up in a metropolis like Bengaluru. Most parents allot a budget to buy clothes. Raghav Seth a theatre student says, “I buy clothes once every few months with a budget, which does not go above Rs 4,000.” Even Rounaq Kapoor, a media studies student says that he updates his wardrobe every three to four months with a budget of Rs 5,000.
Some students prefer to arrange for their miscellaneous expenses themselves. Ketaki Dixit, a journalism student says, “I have earned my pocket money since Grade 11. I am careful about spending since money comes from hardwork. I spend about Rs 3,000 a month to upgrade my wardrobe.” While Suzanna Mathew, a psychology student opines, “Besides rent and fees, I get Rs 5,000 every month for other stuff. When I shop, I buy good quality, fashionable clothing at a reasonable price. It is no task to find such clothing as long as you know where to go.”
Shopping is an enjoyable experience. It does feel great to pick up what looks good on you, dream about how amazing you are going to look and swiping that card, knowing it will be yours soon. It is necessary that the wardrobe gets an update every few months, as most items get used up quickly. Karan Raj, an English literature student adds, “Shopping is my forte. I go about three to four times a month and I pick up what I like,” to which Rani Skariah, a parent advises, “The shopping usually happens before the beginning of a semester. Good judgment and compromise does come in handy”
There is an apparent rat race but these students choose not to participate. Karan feels that he is aware of the unsaid pressure, but even if there is a need to catch up, most just stick to looking stylish than trendy. Ketaki feels that there is no compulsion to go for trendy attire, “When I do buy fashionable clothes, I buy it because I like it for myself.”
Clothes need to be durable, Rounaq feels, “ I expect value for the money I pay. I prefer using jeans of a good brand even if they cost a little more.” When it comes to wardrobe essentials, the hero is the classic jeans. Ketaki says, “The most important thing in my wardrobe is the standard denim!” Even Suzanna admits that it tops her list. Splurging is fun and sometimes worth the price. In spite of the many assumptions around college trends, it looks like most students know what they want and can rise to the standards as well.
