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Gender Based Beauty Stereotypes and How to Break Them

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Each one of us has encountered various stereotypes since childhood. It begins with pink is for girls, blue is for boys, and goes up to women work in the kitchen, men work outside. These stereotypes put people in a box and it’s necessary now, more than ever, to break these walls down.

Since time immemorial, gender based stereotypes have occupied primal importance especially when it comes to beauty. Forget putting makeup, taking care of your skin is also considered feminine and ‘girly’. When such hard lines have been drawn, it gets even tougher and important to break through and express yourself irrespective of the sex we were assigned at birth.

Being a ‘beautiful’ female has been resonated with having plump soft skin, a curvaceous hairless body, extensive knowledge of makeup, impractical outfits, wearing heels, and, so on. You must have come across incidents where a guy offered a woman his seat or a brother carried the shopping bags for his sister. When fragility is associated with being female, it becomes problematic. On the other hand, for a male, stereotypes range from having a muscular body, keen attraction towards girls, sports, cars, and bikes to showing no interest in shopping, and wearing the same prototype of an outfit regularly (a.k.a. t-shirt, jeans, and shoes). “Boys don’t cry”, “Man up”-are regular phrases used to motivate a gloomy boy. What becomes more perplexing is when the current generation continues to enforce and internalise these stereotypes.

In order to shatter these stereotypes, we need to be proactive. Firstly, we need to re-educated ourselves and stop associating femininity with girls and masculinity with boys. A person’s sex and their behaviour are independent of each other. For boys who want to try makeup, they can get start with a mascara and a tinted moisturiser, working their way upwards. For girls who are not comfortable with their long hair, can get them cut short, bit by bit. The idea is to embrace our femininity or masculinity in ways that makes us happy and we are comfortable with. While these are baby steps that one can take, they are equally important.

One of the biggest reasons we are afraid to experiment is we are afraid of getting a reaction. What will my friends say? What if they mock me? What will our neighbours think of me? What if someone laughs at me in the metro? These are some usual thoughts that might bother you but that shouldn’t stop you. After all, David Bowie, a gender-bending musician, wouldn’t have been the legend that he is, if he would have been bothered by the opinions of some meddling and annoying aunty in his neighbourhood. Life is short and it’s time you are unapologetically and beautifully you.

 

Feature Image Credits: Paul Windle

Varoon Tuteja
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Fashion

College Fashion Blunders

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Being college going students, we are busy with travelling, studying, and hanging out, we often forget to focus on our sense of style and the individuality it generates. While it is totally acceptable in fashion to experiment with new styles and pieces, yet there are certain mistakes that we tend to make when it comes to dressing up for college.

1. Occasion, and season appropriate clothing: It is a boon that Delhi University does not have a dress code but as young men and women, we tend to use that freedom and steer beyond a rational sense of fashion. Wearing mini-skirts and shorts with no thigh high boots in winters is a big no-no. Wearing a denim jacket in summers will make you sweaty and that’ll definitely ruin your look, if not your day.

2. The disease of flip-flops: Oscar Wilde tells us that we can never be overdressed, but underdressing is a calamity. I’d be a millionaire if I had a dollar for every time I see someone wearing flip-flops to class. Moreover, when they pair it with sweatpants, my instant reaction includes an eye-roll and an urge to give them a Miranda Priestley treatment from “The Devil Wears Prada”.

3. The (fake) designer label hoarder: It’s very natural to be attracted to the sense of high fashion that a designer piece brings but not everyone is fortunate enough. Rather than carrying a fake Louis Vuitton birkin that looks cheap, carry an affordable branded purse that looks elegant and matches your style. Or, try to get your hands on designer items during their sale season and then, show it off unapologetically.

4. Lazy cuffing: If your pants are too long and you haven’t had them trimmed or you just like to cuff them for styling reasons, it is important to learn the art of cuffing. Cuffing shirts does not only make them casual enough for college but also save you from the heat in the summer.

5. Inappropriate sizing and proportion: It is obvious one should stick to their size of clothing, but the aesthetic of baggy clothes can be trendy. The general rule around it is to wear something structured and fitting to balance the look. The lengths of your clothes should be fashionable. Pro tip: A fitting t-shirt with chinos along with vans can be your go-to look whenever you’re running late.

6. Bridal make-up look: It is not wrong for girls (and boys) to wear a full face of makeup. Makeup is an art form and improves your aesthetic but it is imperative not to overstep. A BB cream, mascara and lip tint can go a long way for your everyday college makeup.

 

Feature Image Credits: Teen Vogue

Varoon Tuteja
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Fashion

Fashion Musts and Blasts of the Past

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We probably have to thank good ruling ladies for the return of the elegant fashions, be it Adele with her cat eyeliner, false eyelashes, and beehive, or Lana Del Ray with her flower crowns, elegant gowns, and glamorous bouffant do.

There are trends in the fashion world we are glad to see make a resurgence, and there are times when we get an unexpected blast from the past we never asked for. Fashion is an undeniable roller-coaster of weird, wonderful, and innovative styles, both for better and for worse. Auburn brings you lists of evergreen fashions, sexier comebacks of past trends, and trends that better not make any riposte.

Preen Evergreen:

  1. Glitzy Sequins- Be it Michael Cinco sequined gowns or not, glitter and glamour in sequins are never out of fashion in any decade.
  2. Gingham- It is one of those cute, geometrical designs (the other being polka and florals) that will forever be associated with an airy and light-hearted look, and won’t be out of our wardrobes.
  3. Denim- Comfortable and trendy, east or west, denim is the best.
  4. Camouflage- A must in every closet, the military green, animal print and its camouflage design may not seem like a “hot” trend but it endures.
  5. The Casual Plaid Shirt- It is one of those trends that are timeless. The type of fabric used to make the plaid shirts vary from season to season, nevertheless giving the same elegance.

Blend that Trend:

  1. Chokers- Almost every tinsel town actress has been seen sporting this goth accessory. The Zeenat Aman inspired look from the 90s has made a stylish comeback being a well-nigh complement of everyday outfits for all the girls.
  2. Off-shoulder and Crop Tops- These tops and dresses have become quite the thing of late. And why not, they add just a dash of sexy without revealing too much!
  3. High-waisted Pants- It’s no secret that these pants keep making a comeback on the catwalk. They are flattering for the lower body, making one look taller and leaner.
  4. Overalls- Comeback of overalls means just that with the right combination, they could be your hottest look now.
  5. Round Glares- John Lennon brought these glasses into fashion in the 70s and 80s, however of late people have been carrying the look with panache. Hopefully, they are back for good.

Fashion Blunder:

  1. Crocs- It’s got a bad enough reputation to have ranked a spot on Time’s “50 Worst Inventions”.
  2. Super Low-Rise Jeans: Coming up next is yet another bastardized branch of an otherwise perfectly fine piece of clothing – the extra low-rise jeans that look so uncouth.
  3. Bedazzled Denim: It’s hard to look bad in denim until you go around looking like you are simply donning rhinestones. It’s probably best to stay away from these bling-dipped jeans.
  4. Half-and-Half T-shirts- The concept is pretty simple: cut two tees in half and stitch one side of each together but, RIP pour one out. This one went to the great hype graveyard in the sky and let’s hope nobody brings it back.
  5. Sweater vests- First, vests are just impractical to begin with but the sweater vest was a whole new level of blunder. They can usually be found on a ridiculously oversized shirt from the 90s and better stay there to never come back.

 

Feature Image Credits: Nuffnang Malaysia

Radhika Boruah

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Fashion

Auburn Umbrella: From Boots to Totes

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Summer ended sometime back, and with the coming in of fall and eventually winter, the boot season comes along. With the crispier air outside, boots are the saviour. Also important are the totes you should consider having this winter. Auburn brings to you a guide to the perfect boots and totes, highlighting some wondrous looks.

Boots in the Box:

  1. Ankle Boots:

An essential type, because they work with everything- from skinny jeans to skirts and chic minidresses. You can create both casual and formal looks with these boots.

 

  1. Moto Boots:

For days when you don’t want to wear flats, get yourself these edgy, biker-inspired boots. It can help balance out a more buttoned-up look and coordinates nicely with skinnies too.

 

  1. Over-the-knee Boots:

They might not be the easiest to wear, but they are indeed worth the struggle, for the look is killer. Shorts, mini-skirts, or dresses look grand with these boots.

 

  1. Stilettos:

Get a pair for the dressier occasions- parties of every kind. Team these up with shimmery sleek bodycon dresses, one-coloured minis.  Heels make any outfit feel fancy!

 

  1. Chelsea Boots:

These never go out of fashion. An easy classic with a little rock-n-roll can create fantastic looks with straight-fit jeans, skinnies, skirt, and dresses, with a cardigan on top.

Tribal-art inspired boots and bag.
Tribal-art inspired boots and bag.

 

Tote Trouble:

  1. The Leather Satchel:

This is the essential workhorse handbag: It can hold almost anything. A neutral colour like black or leather brown adds a classy air to the look. Choose the correct size, and there you are!

 

  1. Chic Tote

An important part of the look, and hence if you are all dressed up do not carry a tote- carry a little clutch or a side-bag. From a rock-n-roll studded hobo to a sporty messenger to a sleek white patent clutch- every style is so chic.

 

  1. Iconic Handbag

Nothing heavily luxurious, but these can stand alone- perpetually making a statement and outlasting any trend. Get one, showstopper!

 

  1. Colour Play

It is not bad to give in to the joys of colours- they can uplift your mood. Match it to your clothes, or try it on the opposite spectrum of colours to create a contrast.

 

  1. Casual Carry

It allows to show-off personal style. You can work on your effortless 9 to 5 look with a casual tote/handbag.

 

 

Feature Image Credits: NAWO

 

Radhika Boruah

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The Auburn Umbrella

Steal the Gaze with a Perfect Pair of Jeans

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A pair of denim jeans has the potential to make or break a look. Hence, it is important to pick a right fit and style for yourself. We can always rely on a pair of jeans to save us from any wardrobe disaster. Today, the market is full of different denim styles. So, to enhance your shopping experience, Auburn Umbrella brings you a guide to buying the perfect pair of jeans befitting your body type.

1. Form-fitted Jeans
Also known as skinny jeans, this kind fits and extenuates your curves from every slant and angle. They are most suitable for petite or hour-glass bodied women with slim legs.

2. Cropped Skinny Jeans
They are much similar to the form-fitting pairs, except these come in ankle-length. Some have, adding to the aesthetics and the latest trend, a fold near the ankles.

3. Bootcut Jeans
New bootcut or the bell-bottoms are fancier and a lot more loved than the earlier retro trends. Bootcut design gives great fit till the knees, and then the fabric subtly opens after the calf muscles which gives you the perfect flare above your shins. Though bootcut suits all body types, but it looks the best on curvy bodies.

4. Boyfriend Jeans
People started calling these boyfriend jeans because they look like they were borrowed from boyfriends. These are tight near the waist and the hip area, and then broaden a little bit as they move down. This style ideally looks good if you are curvy or have a pear-shaped body. Avoid if you are petite.

5. Straight-fit Jeans
Straight-legged jeans are the perfect answer to the dilemma of skinny vs boyfriend jeans. They make your legs look longer than they are and suit all body types.

6. High-waisted and Low-waisted Jeans
In the recent times, high-waisted jeans have become very popular both within the street style as well as in high fashion. If you’re petite and curvy, then this style will make you look taller while enhancing your curves. Low-waisted jeans were in fashion for a long time in the past decade. This pair looks good on skinny girls.

7. Mom Denims Jeans
This style is basically a refined version of boyfriend jeans. They are high waisted and the cut makes the buttocks appear disproportionately longer, larger, and flatter than they otherwise might be. It readily suits all body types.

8. Distressed Jeans
Ripped jeans, not of the DIY variety, will almost always look awkward if you’re too short or too tall for the regular styles. For instance, if you’re on the shorter side, a cool rip in the knee might hit you somewhere on your calf should. While if you’re too tall, then a knee rip might end up on your thigh. This uber cool variety needs careful measurements to give the desired look.

 

 

Feature Image Credits: I Draw Fashion

Radhika Boruah
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Fashion

AUBURN UMBRELLA: Be the Monsoon Patootie

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While many wait for the monsoon season to arrive, mucky roads and gloomy weather have the capacity to put off people. Convenience and comfort are topmost priorities, but so are the fashion choices! Whether you are petite, skinny, or curvy, Auburn Umbrella is here to help you with comfortable yet fashionable tips this monsoon. Make your clothes evoke the haute look in this wet season.

rainy-season-fashion-trends

  1. Choosing the correct fabric

Fabrics that dry easily and resist mud and water stains are always recommended: cotton, polyester, lycra, and nylon. Get printed fabrics that have beautiful patterns and give a sunny look on a rainy day.  Make sure you’re not wearing fabrics that would stick to your skin or become see-through after a downpour. Denims are a thumbs-down as they take an impossibly long time to dry.

  1. Length of your clothes

Avoid full-length trousers and opt for cute shorts, culottes, or capris. Long skirts should be saved for another season to avoid a fashion faux pas. Monsoons are more about miniskirts, hot pants, and sleeveless tops with different neck styles. Whatever shape you may be, minis and midis are always defining and in vogue.

  1. Colour, colour, which colour?

Jazz up your wardrobe with pop colours. Bright shades of indigo, green, and blue are good choices for the monsoon. Peppy palettes of purple, lemon yellow, fuchsia pink, orange, and white are the best picks for this season. Darker shades of black and brown make for ideal formal wear. However, wearing pristine white in the monsoon is certainly not a good idea as white clothes tend to get transparent when wet and also get stained easily.

  1. Accessorising and add-ons

Bright neon-coloured waterproof bags, raincoats, boots, hats, and belts deserve a shout-out in this difficult season. Beautiful bracelets, earrings, and neck pieces made of plastic, rubber, and acrylic make for trendy picks. Metal and leather should be avoided during the rainy season. Get sassy covers for your gadgets that are waterproof.

  1. Shoes speak louder than words!

Just grab bright and vibrant colourful pairs of flip flops matching your dress. Chuck all those leather and velvet shoes and switch to the easy rubber flip-flops. Avoid wearing heels in the rainy season. Wear blacks and browns on formal occasions. Otherwise, Crocs are a smart choice and so are gumboots. They are firm and rain-friendly and ensure you can walk confidently on those slippery wet floors.

  1. Take care of your hair and skin

Stylise your hair with high ponytails and fishtail braids. Opt for new haircuts and try dyeing some strands with spicy shades. Don’t forget to oil your hair and moisturise your skin. You don’t want a smudgy and spoilt look, hence a no to heavy make-up.

 

Image Credits: EzyShine, MyVishal

Radhika Boruah
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The Auburn Umbrella

Auburn Umbrella-How to take care of colored hair

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Just got your hair colored and worried about the collateral damages to your luscious locks? Auburn is here to save the day!

It is so much fun to give your hair a pop of color with some hair dye every now and then. But hair coloring comes with responsibilities like taking actual care of it, unless you want your strands to look deep fried.

Here are some easy tips and tricks to keep those colorful locks in check!

 

  • Get it trimmed:Right after any kind of chemical processing, it is a good idea to get your hair trimmed a little to get rid of those frayed ends. If you are coloring only your tips, make sure you get a little extra length colored and you can get the rest chopped off. Tell your hairdresser that you want a light trim, so your colored hair don’t go to waste. Get a regular trim every now and then as colored hair is prone to split ends and frayed ends.

 

  • Invest in quality products: You need to keep your freshly colored hair protected with some good quality hair products. Buy a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner and always wash your hair with cold water. Do away with any heat products like hair straighteners or curl irons. Buy a soothing serum (this will be your best friend) and use it everyday to avoid frizz and dullness. You can also invest in leave-on conditioner or dry shampoo to minimise washing your colored hair away.

 

  • Compensate for the loss:After chemically coloring the hair, dryness becomes an everyday challenge. Compensate for the lost moisture with oiling your hair every week with coconut or olive oil. Breakage is also common after treating hair and it is recommended to use protein on those locks to keep them healthy. Weekly apply DIY hair packs made using natural ingredients like yogurt, egg, banana etc. to restore the strength of your hair.
  • Protect:This one is tough, but by being dedicated and careful, this won’t be a difficult task! All you have to do is protect your hair from everyday things like dust, sun and rain because these things can damage your colored hair even further. Using a scarf or an umbrella while you’re out in the daytime or avoiding stepping into chlorine-treated water (in swimming pools, etc) can go a long way in preventing the extra damage.

 

So there you have it. Even though all you want to do is be a carefree soul with your bright, colored hair – these tips will definitely help you in looking after your beautiful colored hair in the long run!

 

Feature Image Credits: Jean Louis Davis

 

Anagha Rakta

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Fashion

Winter Wardrobe Staples

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With the splash of recent rains in the winter calendar, the weather has seen a drop in the temperature. In this weather, we bring you an exclusive add ups to your winter dress up that can set your style quotient high.

  1. Good pair of boots can make or break an outfit. It’s totally wise to invest in a sturdy-basic pair because you will be using them daily. When it comes to fashion then remember its feet first!

    image-1
    Image Credits: www.trendsetter.com
  2. Even though a well fitted pair of jeans is perennial-round the year wardrobe staple, it becomes the most important clothing item during winters. A good pair should fit like a glove, accentuate all the right places and create a silhouette which complements the bulky coats and sweaters.

    Image Credits: www.wheretoget.com
    Image Credits: www.wheretoget.com
  3. Infinity scarf is the easiest and most comfortable way to upgrade an outfit. It also keeps your neck snug and warm. Nothing says effortlessly stylish better than an infinity scarf.

    Image Credits: www.teenvogue.com
    Image Credits: www.teenvogue.com
  4. The classic and timeless beauty of trench coats can’t be stressed upon enough. They are structural yet comfortable and on chilly winter days of Delhi, when even a though of dressing up feels like a burden then a loyal coat will come to your rescue. Buy one in black, grey, tan or any neutral color (you can also make a bold move and pick red or mustard) and set the foundation of your winter wardrobe right.

    Image Credits: www.polyvore.com
    Image Credits: www.polyvore.com
  5. Turtleneck tops are my favorite and most used clothing pieces. I simply coordinate this top with a pair of denims and casual shoes. The best thing is that they go with everything- jackets, cardigans, shawls and coats.

    Image Credits: www.glamour.com
    Image Credits: www.glamour.com
  6. Crewneck sweaters can be used both to dress and to dress down. You can pair the sweater with collared shirt, depending on the occasion either tuck in the shirt or simply let it protrude down.

    Image Credits: clebfresh.com
    Image Credits: clebfresh.com
  7. Faux leather jacket have the power to transform your outfit from dab to fab. You don’t have to ride a motorcycle tto rock a leather jacket. it goes with plaid shirts, with floral dresses, grunge jeans and what not. It can instantly add a touch of edge. P.S- Don’t buy genuine leather, faux leather feels just as warm and looks just as good. It’s easy to maintain and is cheaper.
    Image Credits: www.glamour.com
    Image Credits: www.glamour.com

     

    Hope you enjoy a stylish and warm winter ahead!

 

Niharika Dabral

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Fashion

Epidemic Time: Stay Safe, Yet Fashionable

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In a season where vector-borne diseases are spreading like wildfire, DUB tells you how to be cautious without compromising on your fashion ideals!

Every year during this period of the year, newspapers get flooded with cases related to dengue and chikungunya in the city. As political battles are drawn with blame game and municipal authorities go on a disaster control mode against these diseases, we bring to you what all you need to know and do to stay safe.

Dengue and Chikungunya are viral diseases which are spread by Aedes mosquitos. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the primary symptom of dengue is high fever, which occurs with at least two of the following symptoms: severe headache, severe eye pain, joint, muscle or bone pain, rash, mild bleeding from the nose or the gums, small spots caused by bleeding into the skin, and low white cell count. Chikungunya symptoms include high fever, severe joint pain, joint swellings, muscle pain, head-aches and rashes. It is mostly non-fatal.

You should follow certain precautions for prevention of these diseases:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Consume fluids
  • Get tested immediately if any of the above symptoms manifest themselves.
  • Use mosquito nets at home
  • Dab on mosquito repellant before leaving home
    Fashion tip: The market today is flooded with wonderfully fragrant repellant sprays and creams which can doubly perform the job of a perfume or deodorant spray
  • Wear long sleeves and pants to avoid being bitten.
    Fashion tip: Experiment with prints like plaids, stripes, polka dots and florals in terms of long sleeve shirts. Keeping your legs fully covered need not necessarily entail boring denim jeans as palazzos, long skirts and pajamas can be viable options too!
  • Keep your surroundings clean, and dispose of waste regularly.
  • Aedes mosquitoes – which transmit both dengue and chikungunya – breed in clean water so don’t let water stagnate anywhere in or near your home.
  • Mosquitos are attracted to dark colours, so avoid wearing dark-coloured clothes.
    Fashion tip: Bring out those pretty pastels and whites while you still can. Come winter, you’ll anyway be stuck with greys, blacks and maroons!
  • Don’t wear tight clothes, for mosquitoes find it easier to bite through tight-fitting garments.
    Fashion tip: Opt for Pakistani kurtis, maxi dresses, oversized tees, sport jerseys and boyfriend jeans and make a statement while still being safe!

 FEATURED IMAGE CREDITS: www.smh.com.au


Srivedant Kar
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Kriti Sharma
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Fashion

What’s HOT and what’s NOT!

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From its campus patrols, the DUB Fashion Police identify what you ought to pick and ditch from the fashion racks!

There is a very fine line between following a trend i.e. endorsing something which is in vogue and overdoing fashion i.e. wearing old couture to death. While the common chica very rarely distinguishes between the two, fashion critics are extremely firm about the distinction in their look books: choose to do the former, and you’re a fashionista; whereas the latter would make you a wannabe.

Delhi University is a hotbed for the latest fashion. Yet, most of us end up blindly following trends. To help you stay at the top of your game and not commit any fashion faux pass, we tell you what’s HOT and what’s NOT, this semester!

HOT: Grab it ASAP!

1. The Bardot Top

Bardot Top
Bardot Top (Image Credits: prettylittlething.com)

This top gives girls the perfect opportunity to flaunt those beautifully rounded shoulders! Available (right, left and centre!) in different colours, textures, prints and forms; these can be effortlessly paired with denim shorts, jeans and skirts, palazzos and track pants. For more help, take inspiration from Katrina Kaif’s enviable collection in Baar Baar Dekho!

2. The Brogues

Brogues
Brogues (Image Credits: aliexpress.com)

Although these now androgynous shoes were all the rage last year, this year too, they are very much in fashion. Not only do they offer comfort, but a surprising quirk to any boring outfit! The authentic ones that come in leather are a must have, since they can be worn in the approaching fall-winter season too!

NOT: Ouch! Our eyes hurt, so please, trash that murdered fashion!

1. The Plaid Shirt

Plaid Shirt
Plaid Shirt (Image Credits; lauribrown.net)

Trendy in the times of yore (and until last year), clothes in the plaid print were so popular that this year, they just seem so passé! If you don’t want to end up looking like the next girl, then ditch the plaid and try stripes instead. A visit to any H&M store will prove how stripes are catching on these days!

2. The Black Choker

Choker
Choker (image Credits: etsy.com)

Ariana Grande wore the choker so well that it became a part of every girl’s wardrobe. But this one is like those fashion trends that create a riot so fast, that the charm doesn’t last for long. Also because these are so easily available, try something unique instead.

3. The Wreath

Wreath
Wreath (Image Credits: aliexpress.com)

Who doesn’t like looking like a princess? But seriously girls, I wore a flower tiara/ wreath to my Official Freshers’. And I’m in my third year right now. Yes, that is how old this accessory is!

Feature Image Credits: http://english.eagetutor.com/

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