New Delhi: Day 1 at Delhi University is always more than just orientation—it’s a runway of self-expression, fresh starts and wardrobe experiments. As the gates opened to a new academic year on Friday, the campus saw freshers breaking out of their school uniforms and stepping into their college avatars—with style, spontaneity and some chaos, thanks to the unpredictable monsoon.Comfort was clearly the reigning trend. From crop tops to sneakers, joggers to jhumkas, students embraced diverse fashion moods with an effortless mix of practicality and flair. The damp weather forced some last-minute fashion pivots, but creativity thrived in the compromise.“I was all set to wear something else, but rain changed my plan,” shared Simar, a first-year student at Ramjas College. “There was too much sludge on the roads, so I switched to joggers, a crop top and my comfiest sneakers.” Her ensemble, though casual, didn’t lack charm.Her new friend Angel, also a fresher, came more prepared. “I laid out everything last night—right from my top to the chain and accessories,” she said, beaming. “I wanted to look my best, and yes, this top is brand new!”Ethnic fashion also made its presence felt. Ishita, who’s joined Hindu College, chose to embrace tradition in a black chikankari kurta, matched with a tiny bindi and an oxidised nose pin. “I feel most confident in ethnic wear,” she smiled. “Plus, with this humidity, cotton fabrics are a blessing.”The monsoon mood also inspired a surge of baggy jeans, loose lowers, tube tops and oversized tees. Statement accessories were few, but comfort-led fashion had many interpretations. While some looked like they’d stepped out of fashion lookbooks—coordinated tops, shoes, and sling bags in sync—others were the very definition of laid-back cool.At Miranda House, one student summed up the vibe perfectly: “I looked out of the window, saw it was raining, and grabbed my tracksuit. Nothing fancy, just practical.” Her rain-ready attitude seemed to resonate across campus, as many echoed similar choices to navigate wet roads and humid skies.The boys, too, kept it cool and casual. Graphic tees teamed with jeans, some layered with loose shirts or flannels, and most topped off with sneakers. The look was minimal but confident, channelling a kind of ‘chill but conscious’ energy.Bhavya, another fresher, admitted he was looking forward to this day. “I chose a special outfit for the occasion! It truly feels like turning the first page of a brand-new chapter,” he said.As students moved between orientations and selfies, the corridors of DU transformed into a living collage of cuts and cultures. And on Day 1, the class of 2025 seemed to have passed that test with flying, and very stylish, colours.