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?!

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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.

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