DRESSING BASICS
College life is neither stable nor predictable typically in the morning hours, one could see students wearing hoodies attending their classes, however, on the following day, it is required to come to the college dressed in formals and act as if you have your life figured out. Looking good is not a mere display of pride, instead, it is taking care of oneself and having the wisdom to understand when it is time to elevate yourself to the next level. The truth is that the world deals with you in a slightly different manner when your shirt is not creased and your tie doesn’t have the look of going through some kind of a traumatic experience.
How to Tie a Tie
Learning how to tie a tie is not a knowledge that is given at birth. It is a life skill that one can compare to the abilities of parallel parking and doing taxes. However, once it is mastered, the skill stays with you for life. Here are the steps:
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Start Position: Look at yourself in the mirror while standing. Ensure that the wide end of the tie is longer than the narrow one (approximately 12 inches longer).
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Cross Over: Take the wide end and place it over the front of the narrow end.
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Loop Around: Take the wide end wrap it around the back of the narrow one and then bring it over the front again.
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Through the Neck Loop: Take the wide end and insert it into the loop around the neck but from underneath.
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Down Through the Knot: Pull the wide end through the opening in front of the knot that you have just made.
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Tighten and Adjust: Let go of the knot for a moment, and, with your other hand, pull gently on it so that it becomes tight, not as if you were suffocating, but just as if you were showing your respect.
Draping A Saree
A saree is very elegant, it will never go out of style, and it can be quite scary during your first few attempts. But, at the same time, it is one of the most powerful costumes you can wear. Infact, without even realizing it, you will feel that your body has become taller after getting it right.
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Start with the Petticoat and Blouse: The petticoat to be tied around your waist should be very tight as it is going to serve as the anchor for you. Put on a good-fitting blouse (just to let you know, the most terrible thing for your self-confidence is a blouse that is not in your control).
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Tuck and Wrap: Wrapping around once fully, right from your side, take one end of the saree and tuck it into the petticoat
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Pleats Matter: Let your pleats be in number of between 5 and 7 (the size of each one being approximately your palm).make them in a line and then insert them in the central part of your front side which is pointing towards your left. Attach a safety pin to the pleats so that you can be sure they will always be there.
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The Pallu: The fabric left is to be placed on your left shoulder. The pallu can be fastened with a pin neatly if the event is formal, or one can let it out if the look is softer.
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Finishing Touch: Make the pallu length adjustment so that it ends approximately at your knees. Put earrings on, give a smile, and maybe a safety pin or two for your own reassurance.
Presentation Tips: Because First Impressions Count
You may well be the smartest person in the room but if you come to your presentation as if your clothes have just beaten you, your crediblity will be affected even before your slides are shown.
Clothing appropriate for a presentation is not a question of being flashy, but rather that of being considered. It conveys to the audience, "I am taking your time and mine into consideration." And if you feel that your speaking skills are not up to the mark click here
Dress for the Message You Want to Send
An apparel of yours is expected to be at the same level as your presentation. If your visuals deal with professionalism, innovation, or teamwork then your garments should be these qualities. Consider them tidy, self-assured, and comfortable not necessarily in that order.
Keep in mind that your clothing is not a theatrical outfit, but rather a means. You are not attempting to be another person; you are merely allowing your best self to have the spotlight.
For Men: The Sharp but Effortless Formula
Keep your shirt simple with solid colors or very light stripes blue, white, grey, or pastel colors are always good to go. A clean, ironed shirt is a silent but strong way of saying, "I managed to wake up on time".
Choose well-fitted chinos or formal trousers in navy, charcoal, or black. Don't wear jeans
Shiny leather shoes or neat loafers because, people notice them, probably, more than you think.
Tie is optional but Impactful. A plain, single-color tie can make your appearance look more elegant. Consider it as punctuation rarely used in casual talks but very strong when used in the right sentence.
Clean hair, short nails, and no too strong perfume or cologne. The intention should be "well put together professional" rather than "fragrance ambassador."
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For Women: Smart, Confident, and Comfortable
Experiment with formal shirts, structured blouses, or perfectly-fitting kurtas in muted colors. Stay away from things that require you to be constantly adjusting.
Match with formal pants, pencil skirts, or simple salwars, the clean-cut and neutral colors are always the winners.
Closed-toe flats or low heels; comfortable enough to keep you stable and confident, not shaky while you deliver your speech.
Don't overdo accessories, and keep it classy; small studs, a watch, maybe a thin bracelet. Confidence doesn't come with glitter.
Keep your hair and makeup simple, neat, and non-distracting. The audience should focus on your points and not on the fact that you were perfect with your eyeliner.
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TIP: ENSURE THAT YOU LOOK CONFIDENT. IRONING IS THEY KEY YOUR CLOTHES SHOULD NOT LOOK WRINKLED.
THRIFTING
Affordable shopping and thrifting definitely should not be considered as means of cutting corners; rather, they are means of buying more wisely. It signifies that you are aware that being broke during college life doesn't necessarily mean that you have to dress in a shabby way. It means learning that style is being creative, not spending money.
There is a certain kind of pride that is thrifted or bought on sale and worn the “I found this for half the price” smile which cannot be replaced by any luxury brand. So, if you want, dress for yourself. Be a smart shopper. Thrift as much as you can. The internet can be a great resource if you know where to look.
What you should do is just wait for the sale period, look through the customer feedback, and check the prices of different vendors before you make up your mind to purchase the item. Use the kind of shopper behavior that enables you to take advantage of a coupon code or plan for end-of-season sales. Always remember being stylish is not spending more; it is spending wisely.
Thrifting
Thrifting is fashion with a conscience. It is not cheap shopping; it is inventive recycling. Whether it is through Instagram thrift pages or local markets, you will discover unique pieces that not only bring the newness to your closet but also show love to the earth. Always check the fabric, wash it well, and personalize what you purchase-maybe crop that oversized shirt or layer that vintage jacket. Second-hand clothes come with stories; your task is to give them a different chapter. Because ultimate style is not about the price but personality, confidence, and a little bit of resourcefulness.
Online Thrift Stores (present on instagram)
• @BombayThrift: If you're after cool effortless denim and a fun statement top with bold prints then this is a must-have of your wardrobe list kind.
• @LuluThrift, @ParadigmShiftThrift, and @TheVintageEdit: These are pages that blend present-day fashion trends with timeless pieces. You are sure to come across such garments as have been burdened with strong character, and you will find their price tags very friendly indeed.
• @ThriftIndia: is one of the best options for gender-neutral wardrobe and upcycled fashion pieces.
• @TheSalvageStory: Is an excellent choice for vintage lovers, the Boho trend enthusiasts as well as artists who are introverted in nature.
Affordable Online Shopping
The fact is, you don't have to carry a millionaire's wallet in order to seem like you have good taste all you really need is to have the right tabs open. There are countless style temples on the web that honor both your budget and your uniqueness. If it is your first "grown-up" wardrobe that you are creating or you are merely looking to replace the one shirt that you have been wearing in every photo since 2021, these online places are there for you.
Affordable Online Shopping Sites
• Myntra: The one-stop for everything from casual wear to business formals. Hassle-free filters, real reviews, and seasonal sales that you can celebrate like a festival.
• Ajio: The slightly edgier version of Myntra. You can find trendy fits, street styles, and sometimes designer collabs that are affordable along with your textbooks.
• Flipkart Fashion: Just right for basics, everyday essentials, and last-minute presentation wear. The kind of site that is always holding a sale.
• Amazon Fashion: Quite dependable, easy-to-access, and surprisingly fashionable if you look a little. Perfect for shoes, accessories, and quick replacements.
• Bewakoof & The Souled Store:The most suitable for casual tees, hoodies, and prints that loudly say "college life but make it comfy."
Healthcare and Self-Grooming
Healthcare
Your health won’t send you reminders, not until it decides to rebel at the worst possible time. Staying healthy in your 20s doesn’t mean running marathons or living on kale; it means consistency over chaos. Here are something you can do to maintain your health:
• Hydration: Water is not optional. It fixes fatigue, dull skin, bad moods, and sometimes even bad decisions. Keep a bottle with you it’s your cheapest skincare routine.
• Eat Real Food: Maggi is comfort, not a food group. Add fruits, veggies, and at least one real meal a day. Your body deserves something that didn’t come from a packet.
• Sleep routine: All-nighters feel heroic until your brain starts buffering in class. Aim for 7 hours, your mood, memory, and immune system will thank you.
• Move, Even a Little: You don’t need a gym membership. Walk, stretch, dance, cycle; anything that gets your heart moving. Motion is medicine.
• Mental Health Matters: Being “fine” isn’t a competition. If you’re overwhelmed, talk. To friends, family, counselors, anyone. Strength isn’t silence; it’s awareness.
Self-Grooming
Grooming isn’t vanity, it’s respect in physical form. It’s about how you present yourself to the world, yes, but also how you remind yourself that you’re worth the effort.
• Skincare Basics: You don’t need a 10-step routine. Just cleanse, moisturize, and protect with sunscreen. That’s 80% of skincare done right there.
• Hair Care: Wash regularly, trim when needed, and find a style that works for you, not for your Instagram explore page. Confidence starts at the roots.
• Personal Hygiene: Shower, use deodorant, trim your nails, and wear clean clothes. Sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people forget the basics.
• Fragrance Matters: A mild perfume or deodorant adds to your presence. It’s not about smelling “expensive” it’s about smelling like effort.
• Dress With Intention: Even on casual days, wear something that makes you feel ready to face people including yourself. The right outfit can rescue a bad morning.