Baggy jeans, oversized vintage tees and thrifted finds on campus aren’t just wardrobe staples; they are part of a new, conscious style revolution. The fall semester saw students redefining trends with an eye for sustainability, affordability and unapologetic self-expression. With each student bringing their own unique style, campus walkways and classrooms have emerged as runways for some of the season’s top trends, blending style with sustainability and affordability.
Every semester brings a new wave of fashion trends across campus and this time, students are seen in turn-of-the-millennium trends from the 90s and 2000s, also known as Y2K fashion. Oversized pinstripe trousers, chunky sneakers and baguette bags are now making a strong comeback all thanks to Gen-Z discovering and showcasing them on TikTok. For Khushi Punni, cultural secretary at the Jindal Global Business School, Y2K fashion is more than just a trend, it’s a way to stand out. “You miss out on Y2k if you don’t thrift often”, she explains, referring to the art of finding gently used items at discounted prices in flea markets or second-hand stores.
Khushi isn’t alone in the crowd in her love for trendy fashion. More students are now opting for thrifted clothes, which not only fits in the budget but also aligns with growing awareness for sustainable practices. Second-hand fashion is expected to surpass traditional retail by upto 11 times by 2028, according to ThredUp's 2023 Resale Report. This change is mostly due to Gen-Z consumers' positive embrace of thrift stores, who view them as a new way to save money, stay fashionable, and improve their lives in terms of sustainability
Fashion as a self-expression
The trend of self-expression is visible not just in what students wear but in how they style their outfits. Saumya Mittal, general secretary of the student fashion society Allure, shares that she uses accessories to elevate simple outfits, giving them a personalized twist. “I’m all about taking something basic, like a plain white tee, and adding layered necklaces, rings, or a bold hat,” she shares. “Accessories can make an outfit feel more ‘you’ without having you spend too much.”
Saumya’s approach to fashion resonates with many students who seek ways to be creative without breaking the bank. While social media influencers and fashion magazines often set the tone for what’s in style, students like Saumya redefine these trends to suit their tastes and budgets. “Fashion on campus isn’t about following every trend exactly as you see it online. It’s more about figuring out what works for you,” she adds.
Balancing Trends and Budget
Despite the various trends circulating on campus, one common theme persists: the need to look good but on a limited budget. Fashion content creator, Riya Jain who has a social media following of over 5k and is also a student at Manipal University, Jaipur, finds it quite essential to style with affordability. “I love fashion, but I don’t have the budget to buy everything I like,” Riya says. “I find myself sourcing my clothes and my looks from thrift stores a lot or watching for sales. You don’t have to spend a lot to look stylish—you just need to know where to look.”
Riya’s fashion mantra is a savvy approach which many students are now taking towards keeping their wardrobes up-to-date. From mixing thrifted items with new pieces to making small tweaks that keep outfits looking fresh, students are proving that fashion doesn’t have to be expensive to ensure they stand out. “The best part about campus style is that it’s accessible,” she says. “Everyone has their way of making it work, whether they’re buying second-hand, supporting sustainable brands, or just getting creative with what they already own.”
Clearly, for this generation, fashion transcends clothing to be a statement of purpose. Each choice, be it an urban-inspired thrifted jacket and a chunky accessory or a piece from an eco-conscious label, reflects not only a personal aesthetic but a deeper, collective ethos. For them, style is not about chasing every trend but curating a personal voice through mindful choices reflecting a style which is accessible, sustainable and impactful.
Aashi Bajpai is a final-year journalism student at JSJC