Girls just wanna have fun(ds)...and style, and love

What does living your best life really look like? From mastering the money game and expressing yourself through personal style to building relationships rooted in mutual respect, nine Cosmo India contributors share their unfiltered mantras for love, style, and success. After all, it's all about being intentional—and having fun while you're at it.

Love

Sakshi Sindwani and Raghav Arora

Content Creator & Entrepreneur

When you respect one’s boundaries, values, and upbringing—and treat them as you’d hope to be treated yourself—you beckon a strong relationship. Having your partner’s best interest at heart is key... Understand that on some days they may have a mere 20 per cent to offer, while a solid 80 per cent on other days. You must learn to fill in for each other.

Raghav and I always communicate. We share our dreams, give ourselves the space to grow, and never cross a boundary during an argument. These conscious choices have strengthened us.

When you’re comfortable with yourself and can allocate time for personal growth, you’re truly secure
in your relationship. For the two of us, it’s not forced... communicating is not a task; on days we don’t have the capacity to communicate, we aren’t insecure about it.

You see, our relationship isn’t suffocating. A partnership can thrive if you feel a sense of comfort, security, and mutual growth. If you’re free in your mind and soul, and are truly happy, you can thrive. Life is tough; let go of the trivial things, avoid microanalysing. Remember, everyone makes mistakes.

Raghav and I never take date nights for granted; we’re childishly excited about each other and realise that small moments matter most. If you have found your person— one who helps you grow, is your biggest cheerleader, and doesn’t burden you with expectations—hold onto them, appreciate them. Believe them when they say, “pyaar dosti hain” (love is friendship).

Ayush Mehra and Aashna Vijay

Actor & Content Creator

A relationship holds the potential to thrive at every stage, provided you leave an open line of communication and the willingness to be wholly vulnerable with one another. Immense respect, sacrifices, and compromises exemplify a
secure partnership.

Aashna and I make it a point to celebrate each other’s wins and ensure individual goals aren’t taken for granted. We are a team; it’s not just ‘my’ journey. Even the smallest gesture—hitting the road to grab our favourite dessert—goes a long way. We focus on finding joy in the little things.

It should never be ‘me’ or ‘I’, it should be ‘we’. When you’re a team, you grow together. And sadly, in today’s day, nobody wants to put in the work. If you love someone, shouldn’t you work for it? Be patient, be honest, be kind. Nothing in life comes easy, including love.

Indeed, differences are unavoidable, but in tough moments, it’s important to maintain mutual respect and communicate with complete honesty. No one understands your relationship better than you—it’s something you have to navigate on your own. Besides, avoid relying on your partner for emotional support...every individual needs to take responsibility for their own happiness, only then will things fall into place.

Unfortunately, many men struggle to be vulnerable. It was challenging for me, too, but when I allowed myself to open up is when the real conversations happened. I no longer had to face everything alone—I had someone in my corner, ready to take the hits with me. And that’s the most beautiful feeling in the world.

Aashna Hegde and Aditya Kumar

Content Creators

A healthy relationship? It’s simple: One where you can unapologetically be yourself. You feel safe and secure, build trust, nurture respect, share comfortable silences, and can have difficult conversations. “I’ve come to learn that you and your partner must approach an obstacle as a team; it’s not about winning against each other, but winning against the problem, together,” says Hegde. “Be considerate. Put yourself in your partner’s shoes and view matters from their perspective,” Aditya adds.

The two of us communicate, and can lean on one another in dire times... having each other’s back is very reassuring. “If your core values are aligned, in spite of individual differences, you’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, your commitment to your partner and your relationship makes it all worthwhile,” Kumar claims.

Of course, we’ve gone through a rough patch—as influencers, online hate just adds to it—but the moment we realised we both really want this in the long term, it shifted how we approached the relationship. That said, honing your own interests, apart from shared interests with your partner, is paramount. But do check in every once in a while and let them know you support their choices.

“Back in the day, I struggled with love... With time, I learnt to love myself, be by myself, and wasn’t on the lookout for a partner who would ‘complete me’. When you want someone to love you for you, you have to do it for yourself first,” says Aashna.

Many of us also make the mistake of discussing every minute detail with family and friends. This gives them way too much access into the relationship, inviting unsolicited opinions. Romance is a beautiful part of life, but it’s not your entire life. Never give up on your goals or ambitions, instead, grow together, support one another’s dreams, and be a part of each other’s journey.

Style

Sudiksha Joshi

Senior PR & Communications Executive, Christian Dior

Tom Ford once said, “Imagine where you want to be in five years—the job you have, the car you drive, the place you live—then, start dressing for that future today.”

Personal style is an extension of your vision for yourself; when you align your appearance with your aspirations,
it catalyses a shift in your energy, mindset, and attitude, propelling you towards your goals. Fashion is my armour, but also my escape...it’s pure magic.

I was a shy kid, and I still have a reserved side...the way I dress is a carefully crafted formula contrasting my demure personality with crisp, bold-shouldered blazers, a striking red lip, and high heels. The act of dressing up is therapeutic, and while for many, fashion is purely utilitarian, to me, it speaks volumes. A statement accessory, a well-tailored jacket, and seemingly insignificant accents can lend vital cues to your personality and perspectives. Your outfit is an open book, beckoning a journey of exploration.

Stuck in a style rut? Pick out pieces that make you feel comfortable yet confident. You could also turn to your favourite on-screen character and peruse their fashion evolution. Every wardrobe tells a story... If you tend to veer towards classics, Charlotte York from Sex and The City will have a tip or two. Meanwhile, if your sharp wit craves a tad bit of allure, Donna Paulsen from Suits is your girl.

As for young, emerging fashion brands, create a label so strong and recognisable that it turns into a descriptor. Know your audience and nurture that relationship. You can’t please everybody, but a genuine connection with your core crowd is half the job done. In a competitive market, a devoted community can transform your label into a lifestyle rather than just a product.

Gayatri Chandra

Fashion PR Lead at a Global Fashion Brand

Fashion is a powerful tool that allows for self-expression...your mood, your quirks, even your interests. The trick is to be true to yourself—even if it means you’re not playing by the book

Owning your style is the best way to authentically be you. And they aren’t lying when they say you’re most confident when comfortable.

Many a times when I’m feeling down-and-out, throwing on something I love—as basic as a white tee—can make all the difference. My mood dictates my fashion choices. The rest of the days, my wardrobe boasts structured, well-tailored pieces and feminine silhouettes that stand the test of time.

I’m currently loving Studio Moonray, for they aptly marry minimalism and maximalism. Ekaya’s fresh and fun take on styling handwoven saris with vintage pieces is another one for the books. I take immense pride in straying away from the pack...embracing my own mash-up of styles and trends.

Gauri Kohli

Partner & Director, Luxury & Beauty, PR Pundit Havas Red

Your personal style can significantly impact how you are perceived, both in the professional and private realm. There’s a ton of unspoken communication in the way you dress...key aspects of your personality, confidence, and understanding of trends—crucial elements that shape brand perception. So, it goes without saying that fashion is an important form of self-expression.

Wearing a graphic tee from a socially-conscious brand? Perhaps the piece of clothing mirrors your values and the causes you support. Essentially, what someone wears is never just about the clothes themselves—it’s a reflection of many, many things...their identity, emotions, beliefs. It’s like reading between the lines of a story, where each garment adds depth to the narrative.

Personal style goes far beyond mimicking trends—it’s about curating a wardrobe, one that aligns with your values, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. While you may experiment with fashion, it ultimately boils down to how you feel in the clothes you wear; when you feel comfortable, it naturally translates to confidence.

If I were to pick a sartorial staple to leave a lasting impression, it would be one that combines elegance and subtle boldness—Indian designers Arjun Saluja, Aneeth Arora, Suket Dhir, and Dhruv Kapoor rank high on my list. As for emerging designers, they should focus on building a unique brand identity that resonates with their target audience. Consumers, today, are on the lookout for labels that show a clear sense of purpose. Authenticity is key—be it through ingenious design, sustainable execution, or a focus on cultural narratives with a contemporary twist. Stay nimble and responsive, surveil industry shifts, and be open to embracing change.

Money

Nidhi Nagori

Founder & CEO, Globalogy

Let’s start with the obvious: Control your money. Nobody starts smart with money; you are going to make many bad decisions, but better to do that early on. Once you’re earning, don’t save it all, but also don’t spend it all! Conundrum? Nuh-uh.

When my salary comes in, I have a chunk that gets debited for my investments and living expenses. Whatever is left, I spend without regret. Second, do not buy the fanciest credit card—you might end up spending more. If you wish to buy expensive brands, thrift it, street shop, and look for deals and discounted prices.

Start with small investments before taking a leap into the big ones. I would recommend that young people not commit to major investments like a home or a car early on. They tie you down. Staying financially stress-free will help you move quickly, switch jobs when desired, travel when you like, and explore what life has to offer. Best to start out with small investments before going big. And lastly, don’t be too stingy with your money. Spend on life and experiences when you have the time; before you know it, you’ll have the money but no time.

Haley Sacks

Zillennial Finance Expert & Founder, Mrs Dow Jones & Finance Is Cool

Make compound interest your sugar daddy

Start investing YESTERDAY, even if it’s just ₹500 drops monthly. Don’t waste time trying to “time the market” (that’s like waiting for your situationship to define things—girl, please). Just set up those SIPs and let consistency be your wealth superpower.

Stack cash flows

One paycheck? That’s so 2010. Turn your Instagram skills into content creation. Monetise your talents. Build passive income streams (getting paid while sleeping is the ultimate life hack). The richest people never rely on just one source, and neither should you.

Invest in the ultimate luxury brand: YOU

Human capital builds financial capital. So level up those skills that make employers slide into your DMs with job offers. Create a network that actually helps you level up. And before dropping coins on multiple degrees, calculate their ROI like you would on a designer purchase.

Put your money on autopilot

Set up auto transfers to savings before your paycheck hits your account. Your money flow should be: Emergency fund first (for when life gets messier than a reality TV drama), high-interest rate debt next, and then your investments!

Shop smart

Use the “wait three days before you pay” rule for all big purchases. Choose experiences over things (girls’ trips > designer bags). For essentials, remember: “Buy once, cry once.”

Tori Dunlap

Money & Career Expert & Founder, Her First 100k

Know your numbers

Feel free to steal my favourite practice, which I like to call the “money date”. Schedule half an hour each month to survey what’s coming in, what’s going out, and your account balance. Then set some goals for the next month.

Emergency fund first

Prioritise building your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account. Why? Your emergency fund is going to give you peace of mind, God forbid a crisis. And if you keep it in a high-yield savings account, your money is going to work harder for you to build interest

Automate your savings

Set up an automated transfer at the beginning of the month. I like to say this is you “doing the hard thing first”. It prevents you from getting to the end of the month feeling like you didn’t save enough dough. This transfer needn’t be a lot of money— progress over perfection.

Establish mindful spending categories

I’m not going to tell you to stop spending money. I’m just going to tell you to stop spending on the things you don’t care about. When you’re evaluating your expenditures, establish the three areas of life that bring you the most joy—this could be dining at your favourite restaurants, travelling, decorating (being a plant mum is a big one for me!). These are going to be the three areas you ensure your discretionary spending is in line with throughout the month.

Lead image: Illustration by Tanya Chaturvedi

This piece originally appeared in the March-April print edition of Cosmopolitan India.

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