Back to School HBCU Fashion Wins and Fails

From custom sweaters to freshmen uniforms and Cheetos-inspired fits, here’s what HBCU students are wearing on the first day of school.

It’s back to school season so you know what that means! Students at our beloved historically Black universities and colleges (HBCUs) are known for setting fashion trends, so what better way to celebrate their return to campuses nation-wide then to take a look at what students are wearing on their first day of classes?!

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Samuel L. Jackson, John David and Malcolm Washington on ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Family and Legacy

From custom sweaters and designer brands to freshmen wearing uniforms and a Cheetos outfit (yup, you read that right!), these students are turning their campuses into fashion runways, and we’re here for it all! Just take a look.

Uniforms at Clark Atlanta University

@youngsweetmya on TikTok

When Clark Atlanta University– located in Atlanta– announced their freshmen would be required to wear white polos as part of a new uniform mandate, many in the community didn’t know how students would react. Of course there was some outrage online, but clearly, these freshmen know exactly how to style their uniforms to perfection!

North Carolina Central University Bling

@wakeup.ak on TikTok

The men at North Carolina Central University were dripped down in accessories for the first day. Check out this student’s bedazzled belt and chain.

Howard Women on the Yard

@angel.mambs on TikTok

Another year at Howard University in Washington, D.C. means another year of students from around the world throwing on their best outfits to wear on the Yard. These students were rocking boots, pointed-toe shoes and denim for days!

Twins on Campus

@trini.ling on TikTok

These twin girls shut down campus in their matching white tees and sleek ponytails!

‘I <3 Jesus’ at Howard

@angel.mambs on TikTok

These Howard University men were repping Jesus in the flyest way possible.

H U…. You Know!

@angel.mambs on TikTok

Howard’s school colors are red, white and blue. This student put on the perfect school spirit outfit!

Denim on Denim

@angel.mambs on TikTok

Between the blonde hair, Telfar bag and those denim belts, this student was dressed to the nines!

What’s Going Down at FAMU??

@luv.l3uren on TikTok

We’re not sure what’s going on here, but this student surely made a statement for the first day of school.

Divine 9 at FAMU

@luv.l3uren on TikTok

The members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. looked clean in their suits at Florida A&M University.

Repping Skegee

@kickinitwiittrista on TikTok

What better way to make a statement than to wear a custom sweater with your own face and your university’s logo?!

Long Hair Don’t Care

@kickinitwiittrista on TikTok

It looks like long, small knotless braids are in style on our HBCU campuses.

Dressing to Impress at CAU

@trini.ling on TikTok

This student at Clark Atlanta University was ready to take on corporate America with this blazer dress and tie.

A Spelman Smile

@minivlogswari on TikTok

This beautiful Spelman woman kept it casual with this graphic tee, Timberland boots and dark washed jeans.

The Men of TSU

@onlytheky on TikTok

One of the best things about being at an HBCU is seeing different groups of Black people gather from all walks of life. Check out these three friends at Tennessee State University who all have very different styles.

Pretty at Spelman College

@minivlogswari on TikTok

We don’t know if this was on purpose, but this group of Spelman students coordinated with different shades of blue denim and flowy tops.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

These Little-Known Black History Facts Are Sure to Shock You

These Little-Known Black History Facts Are Sure to Shock You

100 years after the first Negro History Week, we’re looking at some amazing, little-known Black history facts …
Understanding the Plight of Somalis Making it to the U.S. -- Only to Get Trashed By Trump

Understanding the Plight of Somalis Making it to the U.S. — Only to Get Trashed By Trump

In order to understand the Somali Civil War and why President Trump is targeting Somalis, you have to start form the very beginning …
TODAY Co-Host Sheinelle Jones Gets Surprising News Months After Losing Husband to Cancer

TODAY Co-Host Sheinelle Jones Gets Surprising News Months After Losing Husband to Cancer

Sheinelle Jones has had a tough year as she took some time away from her role on the TODAY Show. But now things are looking up thanks to this new announcement! …
Vince Staples' Comment About How Black Folks Would've Dressed For Jan. 6 Insurrection is Deeper Than You Think

Vince Staples’ Comment About How Black Folks Would’ve Dressed For Jan. 6 Insurrection is Deeper Than You Think

Vince Staples joked that Black folks simply look “better” during revolutions, and the Civil Rights Movement and Black Panther Party are prime examples of why he has a point …
Rep. Jim Clyburn Stands With Michelle Obama on This Hard Truth About the American People

Rep. Jim Clyburn Stands With Michelle Obama on This Hard Truth About the American People

Congressman Jim Clyburn echoes Obama, calling out America’s double standard on women in power …
Why Singer Jason Derulo Vows to <i>Never</i> Work With Women Again

Why Singer Jason Derulo Vows to Never Work With Women Again

Jason Derulo states that he feels uncomfortable working alone with women ever since his sexual harassment case …
Why Lil Rod's Part in Shocking Diddy Documentary Was So Jarring

Why Lil Rod’s Part in Shocking Diddy Documentary Was So Jarring

Producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones’ confessional was just one of many in Netflix’s new Diddy doc. But it’s got a lot of people talking for a lot of reasons. Let’s get into it! …
All About the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect

All About the Black Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect

Authorities arrested Brian Cole Jr., a Black man and loner who lived in his mom’s basement, as the suspect who planted pipe bombs on Jan. 5, 2021 …
Mother Who Stabbed a Nurse to Fund Her Teen's Cheerleading Trip Learns Her Fate

Mother Who Stabbed a Nurse to Fund Her Teen’s Cheerleading Trip Learns Her Fate

Years after a nurse was stabbed 17 times, a cheer mom who needed cash for her daughter’s trip just learned her fate after pleading her innocence …
The Real Story Behind the Woman Everyone Identified as 'Juror 160' From the Diddy Netflix Doc

The Real Story Behind the Woman Everyone Identified as ‘Juror 160’ From the Diddy Netflix Doc

This woman has gone viral for a photo she took with Diddy more than 15 years ago. Here’s how it connects to the Netflix doc and how everyone has it all wrong …
Kimora Lee Simmons Finally Breaks Silence Over Her Daughter Dating Man 44 Years Older

Kimora Lee Simmons Finally Breaks Silence Over Her Daughter Dating Man 44 Years Older

Kimora Lee Simmons isn’t holding back her thoughts when it comes to the controversial relationship her daughter got entangled in, in 2024! …
The Story of Jasmine Crockett's Political Journey From Local Politics to an Historic Senate Run

The Story of Jasmine Crockett’s Political Journey From Local Politics to an Historic Senate Run

Long before her viral read on Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep. Jasmine Crockett has been committed to doing the work of the people. Now, she has her sights set on the Senate …
Busta Rhymes Runs Up on Content Creator Who Said He Looks Like Tracy Morgan -- and It's Not Pretty

Busta Rhymes Runs Up on Content Creator Who Said He Looks Like Tracy Morgan — and It’s Not Pretty

In a now-viral clip, Busta Rhymes had to get a fan together after a case of mistaken identity …
Small Town of Latta, S.C. Makes History Twice With One Election of Black Mayor

Small Town of Latta, S.C. Makes History Twice With One Election of Black Mayor

Marcus McGirt’s historic victory in Latta came after generations of Jim Crow and racism in the South Carolina town …
How Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run Could Completely Reshape U.S. Politics Right Now

How Jasmine Crockett’s Senate Run Could Completely Reshape U.S. Politics Right Now

On the final day candidates can qualify for the primary election, Root 100 honoree Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced she’s running for Senate …
Is Tyra Banks OK? Why Fans Don't Think So

Is Tyra Banks OK? Why Fans Don’t Think So

Tyra Banks is looking to expand her ice cream brand just in time for the holiday season, but her latest attempt has fans genuinely concerned and confused! …
How Cynthia Erivo’s Latest 'Wicked' Press Run Proves Misogynoir is Alive and Well

How Cynthia Erivo’s Latest ‘Wicked’ Press Run Proves Misogynoir is Alive and Well

Cynthia Erivo has been forced to endure awkward press moments and field inappropriate interview questions that Ariana Grande and her other non-Black “Wicked” co-stars don’t have to …
What Jeannie Mai and Jeezy Have to Say About Their Messy Divorce a Year Later Might Surprise You

What Jeannie Mai and Jeezy Have to Say About Their Messy Divorce a Year Later Might Surprise You

The divorce between Jeezy and Jeannie Mai kept going from bad to worse, but now it seems like the two have come out on the other side of it and are speaking out! …
Wait, Again?? Manhunt Underway for More Escaped New  Inmates in New Orleans

Wait, Again?? Manhunt Underway for More Escaped New Inmates in New Orleans

Months after 10 inmates escaped from a Louisiana prison, a second manhunt is underway in the same state for more escaped inmates …
3 Shocking Takeaways From Marjorie Taylor Greene's Bombshell '60 Minutes' Interview

3 Shocking Takeaways From Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Bombshell ’60 Minutes’ Interview

Weeks after announcing her resignation from Congress, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is back with an interview to spill all the tea on Trump and MAGA …