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The Auburn Umbrella

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The University of Delhi since its very inception has represented a clash between the oriental and oxidant. A number of its constituent colleges were founded by the British to educate Indian youth. One’s choice of clothes speaks a lot about the demographic culture they belong to. Thus as a student of this university, wearing an outfit which is a fusion of the oriental and oxidant actually represents the legacy of clashes between the academia of two great cultural civilisations.

Kurtas
This staple ethnic garment comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and cuts; and can be styled in endless ways that are
both ethic and a fusion of the east and west. In fact, the Kurta and jeans which is the unofficial uniform of DU, is a prototype of Indo-western wear. So discard your Patialas and salwars, rather pair them with jeans or military pants, to make a statement. A Kurti coupled with a pair of shorts can go a long way especially on hot summer days. This is the perfect street-style look that will work best when out for shopping. If you want to go bold with your fusion look and are comfortable playing around with fashion, use your Anarkali kurtas as dresses, pair them with metallic and broad belts to create a sensational look. Discard your regular juttis or chappals and wheat them with boots or ankle lengths to give a biker chic look.
Bohemian Dresses
If you are really not sure or think you aren’t imaginative enough to put together an outfit for yourself. Don’t worry; the simplest form of Indo-western garment is the bohemian dress. Pick dresses that have prints and designs. The fact that it is a “dress” adds the western touch. However choose your accessories in a careful manner. Ensure that there are both Indian and western elects present while you pick them. A scarf along with junk jewellery
and neutral, chunky boots can look extremely trendy. A hippie headband or head wrap can further be used to
maintain standards.
Nehru Jacket
Shirts and Nehru jackets paired together produce the most stylish outfit ever! The look is extremely effortless. In case of informal settings, avoid tucking the shirt. A plain Nehru jacket becomes super stylised with some printed buttons or with a pocket square to match. Pairing a light fabric jacket along with a formal or casual shirt with dark pants will make you look super trendy and stylish. You can play with unique colour combinations of jackets. Leaving the buttons open makes it look even more casual. To up your fashion game go ahead and pair them with ripped denim jeans.
Palazzo/ Long Skirt
Discard the myth that petite or short people can’t wear a long skirt or palazzo. Just be careful to not go for long and billowed up skirt models. Go with straight cuts, and preferably with vertical stripes. The design makes
you look taller by creating an illusion. This will produce a simple outfit that screams summer – airy, breezy, and chic. A basic block printed skirt/palazzo made of cotton, chanderi, silk, or a mix fabric along with a spaghetti
top is a classic outfit. Make sure there is a contrast between your top and bottoms. Nothing is more disappointing
than a monotonous outfit. Play around a bit with colours, patterns, designs; however strike a balance between the
solid and the prints. Pleated maxi skirts in pastel colours with undertones of peach, pink, mint green, olive green,
etc. give you an elegant silhouette. Pair that with bold chunky necklaces or
dangler earrings.
Ethnic Junk Jewellery
The basic hack to make any India outfit indo western is by adding to it a touch of ethnic by your jewellery. Silver jhumkas, a loud nose ring or nose pin, gold or silver bangles are a raging trend. Silver rings or bracelets can also be worn at anytime. However make sure not to overdo the jewellery and select one statement piece.

Feature Image Credits: Komal Pandey

Bhavika Behal
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