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Everyday College Fashion: Minimalist and Affordable

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When it comes to dressing up for college, what a student looks for is something that’s easy but also cool, classy, quick and inexpensive. Minimalism is just that. 

A minimalist closet is one of the most effective ways to save time and money when getting dressed. It refers to paring down your closet, full of essentials until you have a whole host of easy-to-recreate outfits at your disposal. Online fashion communities use a fancy term – capsule wardrobe for such a versatile collection of clothes that can be used on an everyday basis.

A plain or graphic t-shirt, simply styled with black jeans and white/black sneakers is so effortlessly stylish. While girls can experiment with knots and tucked-in styles, guys must try pairing a cap or bagpack. Minimalism fashion is often misconceived to be all about black, white or grey shades. Whilst these are the go-to palettes for a minimalist look, it is not always the case. Even bright colours like yellow, pink, orange, blue or red can work well when they are simple in design or similar in tone. Tone-on-tone, as they call it, is a more exciting way to explore the trend of minimalism. 

White works as a good base for all colour palettes. Credits: Komal Pandey, Ranveer Allahbadia via Instagram
White works as a good base for all colour palettes. Credits: Komal Pandey, Ranveer Allahbadia via Instagram

Here is a list of clothes that you should have in your wardrobe and not stress about what to wear to college everyday because it’ll be just enough. These are very basic pieces available across online and offline shops for cheap and affordable prices. Remember to not over hoard.

Kurtas

Kurta and jeans is not a new revelation, it is literally the OG Dilli University style statement. For boys, kurtas over pants, jeans and even pyjamas does the thing. Similarly for girls, kurtis of all kinds – short, peplum, solid or printed look so effortlessly pretty with bottoms of all kinds – palazzos, pants, skirts and even shorts. 

Shirts & T-shirts

T-shirts and tops are probably the most comfortable piece of clothing one can own; perfect for everyday wear. Have a bunch of these and wear them interchangeably! You can find a variety of colours and fit at Decathlon stores. 

From formal college presentations to wearing it casually, shirts can be used more often than you think. Checked shirts never go out of style; they’re a classic and come in million variants. Boys, most simply can wear them with denims or pants, and even open-buttoned with a plain tee inside. For girls, a white shirt especially, layered over a printed tank top or tucked into a chic skirt, goes a long way. 

Dresses and Skirts

Girls out there, a dress is literally the laziest thing you can wear and still look amazing! It is a one stylized item that you can throw on and look instantly put-together. As for skirts, find what’s comfortable to you and experiment with prints and textures. These are two pieces that can survive your day-to-night look. Dress down with a pair of sneakers for the lecture and dress up with heels or boots for a party. 

 

Skirts and dresses are the go-to for girls during summer months.Credits: Jenna Jacobs via Instagram
Skirts and dresses are the go-to for girls during summer months. Credits: Jenna Jacobs via Instagram

Jeans

This is the most obvious but necessary item for every college going student. Invest in one or two solid pairs of jeans because they can go with literally everything. Boyfriend jeans are the ideal denim choice due to their comfortable fit. They look absolutely chic and casual on girls when paired up with feminine pieces like printed blouses or simply tank tops. 

Perfect for university, here are a few tips and tricks to ace your style game with the bare minimal clothing items in your capsule wardrobe. 

Bag

This one’s a no-brainer. You need one bag that is sturdy to carry your load of books and other college stuff. Tote bags are pretty comfortable and fashionable too. 

Layering

Layering is no more a season specific trick. Pairing up jackets or shrugs (denim, khaki or textured) with a basic inner layer is so effortless. A patterned or solid shirt is a great alternative too. Use the scarves, dupattas and stoles as add ons!

A still from Piku, effortless and comfortable outfit idea for college. Credits: Bollystyle
A still from Piku, effortless and comfortable outfit idea for college. Credits: Bollystyle

Accessorize

Accessorizing for boys can include watches, caps, scarfs etc. You don’t need to go extra but wear these casually. Experiment with colours, go beyond the darker shades. 

For girls, dainty or junk jhumkas, neckpieces and bindis are ever popular accessories that can add the bling to your outfit. And not just jewellery, you can play with caps, baker boy hats or bandanas to edge a regular college look. 

On your feet

Sneakers, low-top shoes, converse and sliders are a few comfy yet edgy footwears that you can wear to college. Do not go for all of these, pick what’s most comfortable for you since you will be on your toes throughout the day. 

 

Outfits curated with very basic pieces, for all kinds of days at college. Credits: Saurav Nagar via Instagram
Outfits curated with very basic pieces, for all kinds of days at college. Credits: Saurav Nagar via Instagram

 

Look effortless and edgy, it’s all about feeling yourself. Credits: Sejal Kumar via Instagram
Look effortless and edgy, it’s all about feeling yourself. Credits: Sejal Kumar via Instagram

Incorporating minimalistic pieces like these in everyday fashion can make one look effortlessly good, for it is all about comfort, lightweight materials, easy-throw-on pieces – just simple basics with a tiny twist. When it comes to everyday fashion, less really does say more. 

Feature Image Credits: Pinterest 

Aishwaryaa Kunwar

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Fashion

How to Build a Minimalist Wardrobe

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A Minimalist yet stylish wardrobe may sound like an oxymoron to some, but there are innumerable ways to achieve it.

1) Make a detailed inventory of your possessions- Make a list of all that you own. Ensure that you take into account whether those clothes fit you anymore. Once you have a clear idea of what all you own, re-organising your wardrobe would be significantly easier. Make a list of essentials and basics that you do not have. Over the months slowly incorporate these essentials into your wardrobe one by one. Since the point of minimalism is owning less, buying everything in one go would be against the very point of this exercise. Therefore, take it slow on the purchase front.

2) Buy only what you need and love- Remember that shopping is not a leisure activity that is supposed to fight boredom. Do not buy things simply because they are on sale or because you might fit into them one day, or because you think it looks fairly good. Buy only what is necessary or what makes you look and feel absolutely confident. Any piece of clothing or accessory that you buy should be comfortable and versatile. Think of buying investment pieces that may be costlier but will last longer. Avoid fast fashion, shoddily made clothes with a short shelf life at all costs; they lack the gravitas needed to become a part of a minimalist wardrobe.

Image Credits- Madamois-Elle
Image Credits- Madamois-Elle

3) Develop your aesthetic- When we aren’t sure of our personal sense of style, we end up buying things that look good on us but are not expressive of our personality. These pieces of clothing may be cute individually, but if they do not reflect our style we would not do justice to them. They would remain piled up in our wardrobe, adding to the clutter and taking up precious closet space. Experimenting and trying out new things is important, but buy something unconventional only when you know you will be using it.

4) Set your own definition of minimalism– If you are adopting minimalism, one would assume you are tired of excessive consumerism and clutter. Therefore, it is you who should determine how religiously you need to follow this lifestyle. Minimalism does not mean your wardrobe needs to be full of charcoal greys and blacks. Having a minimalist wardrobe does not mean you wouldn’t buy yourself fun clothes to wear on a night out. A minimalist wardrobe serves the purpose of making your life easier, not restrict your choices. Buy that glittery dress to wear on your friends’ birthday and remember, it is cool to repeat!

Image Credits- Madamois-Elle
Image Credits- Madamois-Elle

A minimalist wardrobe is an act of rebellion in this world of fast fashion. By adopting it, you would choose sustainability, organization, and peace of mind. Develop a minimalist wardrobe so that your morning routine is simpler and getting dressed seems fun, not a chore.

 

Feature Image Credits: Madamois-Elle
Kinjal Pandey
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The Auburn Umbrella

Auburn Umbrella: The Art of Minimalism in Fashion

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There is something that makes one stand apart by using the art of minimalism in everyday fashion. Auburn decodes the mystery behind staying minimal and yet not looking boring.

Usually, in an attempt to look different, people make the fashion faux pas of doing too much – wearing too many prints, donning too many colours, or mixing too many styles. The art of minimalism in fashion is easy and effortless (especially once you get the hang of it) and has the aesthetics of what is called ‘impersonal austerity’. Here are some tips to remember while curating a minimalistic wardrobe:

  • Colour: People generally think that whites, blacks, and greys make a minimalistic outfit, but don’t be afraid to experiment with colours. The trick is to use colours from the same palette and/or with the same undertones.
  • Print: Minimalistic fashion usually has subtle print patterns, also called ‘non-emotive design’, which have geometric elements in the design, such as lines and linear shapes. One can never go wrong with stripes, plaid, and even floral. These designs can easily be paired with the other items in your closet.
  • Fit: This is the most important aspect of putting together a minimalistic outfit. Unlike other forms of style, this does not have extra elements to distract from a lousy fit. A simple piece, such as a white t-shirt, can look a hundred times better with the right fitting. So, spend some extra time in the dressing room figuring out which is the best fit for you.
  • Accessories: A simple wardrobe doesn’t only mean simple clothes; accessories add an elegant and delicate touch to the overall look. Also, having the right bling can do wonders. Look for dainty necklaces, bracelets, rings, and sunglasses in a neat finish for that extra oomph factor.
  • Buy: To curate a minimalistic wardrobe, one needs to know where to curate from. The Basics section in Forever 21 and H&M are staples; their leggings, tees, blouses, and camisoles are a must have in one’s everyday wardrobe.

Incorporating minimalistic elements in everyday fashion makes one look effortless and casual, and draws attention in the best possible way. There is, however, a fine line between simplicity and not trying. The skill of using the art of minimalistic fashion is said to be achieved when it is possible to balance both sides. As they say, “Less is more.”

Feature Image Credits: Pintrest

Anagha Rakta
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DUB Speak

Minimalism- Have less, be more

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A while back in class 12th I read an essay by Mr. Jainender Kumar titled “Bazaar Darshan” as a part of our Hindi curriculum. Although it’s been a while since I’ve picked an NCERT Hindi Text book, the text of that essay echoes in the back of my mind every time I go to a mall, visit department stores or come across the flashy discount or sale advertisements both offline as well as on online platforms. “Bazaar Darshan” talked about the market, its temptations, business which thrives on false promises and insecurities and a society that aloofly prides itself on purchasing power when it’s actually trapped in vain consumerism. The critique is not of ownership, but of the importance we assign only to the “things”, often forsaking the experience, relationships and growth.

In today’s world more and more online home delivery services dealing with everything from groceries to clothes are thriving. Hundreds of e-commerce sites are expanding themselves with pay-per-click model and we are surpassing the world in purchasing power (India is the third-largest economy in the world based on purchasing power, though we rank 127 in terms of per-capita GDP) and interestingly many parallel studies suggest that we top the chart in number of people who suffer from Depression and Anxiety (WHO) and more than 50% of these people live in Metros (NIMHANS).

It’s time to ask: Are we spending our money or if our money is spending us. The need of the hour is Minimalism- a lifestyle that helps people search for happiness through life itself. Gandhi’s words “Simple living and High thinking” explain this concept. For a while now I’m trying to practice this principle and the changes are truly liberating. There are obvious and direct benefits such as less cleaning, more organised space and more money. Other indirect, however equally profitable benefits such as peace of mind and easy decision making can’t be ignored. When Mark Zuckerberg was asked about his limited wardrobe variety, he replied “I really want to clear my life so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve the community.” Basically the drill is about engaging with what is essential. If you are stressing more about packing before setting off on a small trip, then you are doing life wrong.

Now a lot of us like our things and we sometimes can’t resist, after all that’s something only mahatmas and monks can do. But again, Minimalism is all about allowing us to make choices and purchases more consciously. Here are a few tips on how we can do the same:-

  • Shop only when you need something. Don’t shop for fun or out of boredom.
  • Frequently de-clutter and give away the items that you don’t use.
  • Before buying ask yourself if you really need it or whether you are succumbing to the temptation of discount.
  • Spend freely on things that give you joy. Eg. It’s justifiable to splurge on the statement boots which you will use the whole winter instead of buying multiple mugs which will just sit on your kitchen cabinet.
  • Block all the spam advertisements on your phone and e-mail.

 

Niharika Dabral
[email protected]

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