February is “Farewell Month” at most schools and junior colleges. As the study leave begins in earnest, the farewell is the last chance for most students to kick back and let their hair down. It is also an event for which most students plan their looks much in advance as they get to showcase the best of their formal wear. While saris and suits are de rigueur at most Farewells, others insist on Western formal wear.
The formal dress code can be a deterrent for many teens, and the insistence of school/college authorities that outfits should be “decent” can create quite a style quandary. How do you ensure that your “look” stands out from the rest of the crowd? Teen fashionista Paulomi Sinha says she has adapted her school’s sari dress code to her own advantage. “With a sari, the tendency to opt for something staid is quite high. I have customised my whole look based on the way actresses would dress in old Bollywood films. I bought a plain chiffon sari, edged it with a special gold lace and got a stylish golden blouse stitched. A pair of chandelier earrings, a bouffant and I’ll be ready to go,” she says.
Teens whose colleges and schools have given them the option of wearing Western formals are quite excited. “One easy way of getting your ‘look’ right is to deconstruct the style of a star,” says class 10 student Shelaka Pujari. “While dressing casually, I like to follow Miley Cyrus’ look, I think no one can beat Selena Gomez. For my Farewell, I’ve selected a grey knee-length dress.”
Teens say jewellery is all-important in imparting the right look. “I’ve paired a pink sari with chunky, antique silver jewellery to get a classy look,” says Dale Jacinto, 16.
While guys don’t have too many options, Mumbai teen Leon D’Costa says the trend of matching the colour tones of your shirt to your tie gives a smart look. “I have a suit ready, although I haven’t yet bought a formal shirt and tie. But I will buy both in the same shade,” he says.
Here’s wishing all teens a fashionable farewell.
