11 Outfit Struggles Every Indian College Girl Can Relate To
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For many of us, college is the first time that we get to experiment with casual and formal outfits. In Indian schools, uniforms are usually compulsory; so the only time we get to try something new is when we’re out of school. However, dressing casually too comes with its own set of restrictions, especially if you are a woman. You also need to learn how to channel your wardrobe in such a way that you don’t end up repeating the same outfits constantly. You might also notice that your male classmates are often held to a different standard than you are and are often given more freedom to dress as they like. That being said, here are eleven common struggles that every Indian college-going girl can probably relate to:
1. Coordinating Outfits With Your Besties
If you’re a fan of the movie Mean Girls, then you probably remember the famous line, “On Wednesdays we wear pink”. Being a part of a squad means that there are days when you and your gal pals will want to coordinate outfits together. But this can often be quite the struggle as it requires intense planning and prepping. However, with the right attitude (and a well-planned laundry schedule) nothing is out of reach.
2. Accidentally Wearing The Same Outfit As Your Arch-Nemesis
What’s worse than showing up in the wrong outfit/color when you and your friends are coordinating? Well, showing up in the same outfit as your college enemy of course! Nothing feels more awkward than finding out that the one person who gets on your nerves the most actually has the same taste in fashion as you.
3. Not Being Allowed To Wear Crop Tops/Spaghetti Straps
While we understand that wearing crop tops might not really be the most appropriate outfit choice, we still don’t understand how our bare shoulders would be distracting for men. Most colleges have a rule where you won’t be allowed to wear anything that is deemed as “too revealing”. This usually includes fashion favorites like spaghetti straps, tube tops, shorts, three quarters and so many more.
4. “Is This A Classroom Or A Fashion Show?”
If you do happen to wear any of the outfits we’ve mentioned above, then be prepared for your teacher to hit you with all the rude replies and rhetorical questions. Some of our favorites being, “If you are so interested in being stylish, you can go and model on a ramp instead of attending college” or “Next time, sign up for modeling instead of class”.
5. Your Sense Of Style Getting Labeled As “Preppy” Or “Tomboyish”
College is all about trying new things and experimenting with your taste in fashion. However, what you end up wearing in your first few months of college will set the precedent for the rest of your college life. This might happen to the point where you will be labeled as a “tomboy” or a “fashionista” or even a “copycat.” Even if you do eventually change your sense of style and perhaps develop a more mature taste in fashion, people will still refer to you by the name they first labeled you.
6. Keeping An Eye Out For Wardrobe Malfunctions
As they say, girls always look out for each other. Maybe you wore a top that is a little too loose due to the hot summer weather and now you’re at the risk of flashing half your classmates. Or maybe your friend wore a top that is a little too transparent in the classroom lighting and she hasn’t noticed it yet. Well, as strong independent women, it is our duty to help our friends out and let them know (in private) that they may be suffering a wardrobe malfunction.
7. Your Favorite Outfits End Up Becoming A Uniform
Many times you end up repeating your favorite outfit to the point where your friends recognize you with your outfit more than they do your face. It could be a simple t-shirt or a preppy skirt or anything you put your mind to. Oh well, as long as you are distinguishable from the crowd.
8. “I Have Nothing To Wear!”
Every woman goes through the struggle of having a full wardrobe but at the same time, not having the right outfit to wear. You will often find yourself staring at an open wardrobe and wondering where all your good clothes disappeared (they’re all in the laundry basket).
9. “Which Outfit Would Be Appropriate For An After College Date?”
We all know the secret thrill of sneaking away for a date after college and telling your parents that you’re just hanging out with friends. Although you might not be able to wear a “hot” outfit to college, you probably snuck one into your bag while nobody was looking. Now you just need to find a place where you can change into your outfit.
10. Wearing Black Pants When Auntie Flo Gives You A Visit
Black pants are a true lifesaver. Anybody who gets their period knows the feeling of getting up from your chair and seeing that you’ve stained a fresh pair of new pants. Who wants to go through the utter embarrassment of hearing the rude whispers (pun intended) and unnecessary comments from classmates, right? Well, this is where black pants come into play to save your day!
11. Not Being Able To Afford Your Sense Of Style
We can all relate to wanting to dress like Cara Delevigne while surviving on a ridiculously tight college budget. Not being able to afford your true sense of style is truly a pain that many of us college-goers go through and it only gets better once you start working and earning money. In the meantime you can always borrow your friends’ clothes or pick up knockoff designer wear from streetside “thrift” stores.
While the struggle may be real, you should know that it is a struggle that many of us have faced and gone through during our lives. Even if you cannot afford to wear what you want now, always remember that there is a promised tomorrow and someday these struggles will be a thing of the past. Which of the struggles on our list have you gone through? Let us know in the comments section below.
