Wear your heart on your sleeve

The transition from school to college is akin to crossing a rickety bridge blindfolded. Or, at least, it seems that way with uniforms out of the way and the piercing glance of every student, who seems to be judging you based on your attire.

At the same time, you would like to make a good impression on your professors and fellow students by showing off your fine sartorial sense.

Thankfully, the capital is blessed with certain markets like Janpath and Sarojini Nagar that have just the right clothes to get you through your college days (if your institution does not have a strict dress code, of course).

A vendor at Janpath, which is one such retail hotspot, claims that students constitute his largest customer base. He specifies that college-goers mostly visit his stall in the morning; their chief reasons for picking the market over others being its centralised location and ease on the pocket.

 He continues, “Most students, especially girls, come here to buy scarves and slim-fit pants, ripped jeans and kurtis. The boys tend to keep it very simple with T-shirts and jeans.” He later adds that nowadays slim-fit trousers and yoga pants are in fashion.  “Pastels and neon outfits are in and sell the most. Flats also sell a lot, as they are easy on the feet and comfortable for the summer months. I also observe that more first- and second-year students (as compared to third-year students) are found shopping in these areas,” he concludes.

Shriya Sachdeva, a recent graduate, comments that college life makes students independent and, at this age, their opinions should always be respected. “Students should dress the way they desire and are comfortable in, irrespective of their gender,” she adds.

Ambar, a college senior, has another interesting point to add. He says, “It's just a simple case of what looks good and what works best in the scenario. For example, a very standard attire of jeans, shoes and shirt is fine for class.” He later adds,  “Some might actually say that they should wear something good or outstanding. While that is a consideration, a bigger consideration would be your personality.”

He also throws caution to the wind by saying, “It's also important that you don't wear something obscene, or wear something not fit for the situation, such as slippers made of cloth to college as they might tear apart.”

Whatever said and done, the most important thing one must wear on their first day is their smile. It goes with everything and anything, and even helps in offsetting those piercing, judging stares.