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
Marvin Sapp Turns Viral Controversy Into A Song — But Not Everyone’s Praising Him

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

Travis Hunter’s $3.3 Million Florida Mansion is the Flyest Crib Ever!

Travis Hunter’s $3.3 Million Florida Mansion is the Flyest Crib Ever!

NFL star Travis Hunter purchased a home with his wife days after their wedding. The couple now lives in one of Florida’s most exclusive neighborhoods …
Do You Know the Tragic Story of Phyllis Hyman, the Gorgeous Soul Singer?

Do You Know the Tragic Story of Phyllis Hyman, the Gorgeous Soul Singer?

The soulful singer, known for hits like “Living All Alone and “You Know How to Love Me” died just days before her 46th birthday …
The Best and Worst NPR Tiny Desk Performances From Black Artists

The Best and Worst NPR Tiny Desk Performances From Black Artists

From Usher and Doechii to Amerie and Rick Ross–let’s get into a handful of the most memorable and worst-sounding NPR Tiny Desks performances! …
TikToker Who Allegedly Ran Over and Killed A Man While On Livestream Faces Big Trouble

TikToker Who Allegedly Ran Over and Killed A Man While On Livestream Faces Big Trouble

TikTok influencer Tea Tyme is facing jail time after allegedly killing a man while on TikTok live …
Trump's Capture of Venezuela President is Yet Another Example of a U.S.-Staged Coup...For Questionable Reasons

Trump’s Capture of Venezuela President is Yet Another Example of a U.S.-Staged Coup…For Questionable Reasons

OPINION: Trump’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is yet another example of the U.S. staging a coup for different reasons than the government admits out loud …
Nelly Clarifies His 'No Changing Diapers' Comment, But His Explanation Is Still Annoying

Nelly Clarifies His ‘No Changing Diapers’ Comment, But His Explanation Is Still Annoying

Curious if Nelly has decided to help out Ashanti with their first baby after all? We’ve finally gotten our answer …
Check Out Stevie Wonder's Eye-Popping Net Worth!

Check Out Stevie Wonder’s Eye-Popping Net Worth!

The legend, the legacy — and the massive money bags back it up …
Tichina Arnold Talks About The One Time She Dated A White Celeb and You'll Never Guess Who It Was

Tichina Arnold Talks About The One Time She Dated A White Celeb and You’ll Never Guess Who It Was

Appearing on Deon Cole’s Podcast, Tichina Arnold spoke about the only time she dated a White man, and you’ll never guess who it was …
How The Creators Of 'Stranger Things' Licensed Two Prince Songs For Their Epic Finale

How The Creators Of ‘Stranger Things’ Licensed Two Prince Songs For Their Epic Finale

Here’s how the creators of “Stranger Things” managed to license two Prince songs for its finale …
'Abbott Elementary's' Janelle James Reveals What Chris Rock Did to Change Her Life Years Ago

‘Abbott Elementary’s’ Janelle James Reveals What Chris Rock Did to Change Her Life Years Ago

Before Janelle James was ‘Abbott Elementary’s’ stylish principal, the comedian got a major boost thanks to Chris Rock! …
Here's the Real Reason Folks in Atlanta Love Buddhist Monks Walking for Peace

Here’s the Real Reason Folks in Atlanta Love Buddhist Monks Walking for Peace

On their months-long Walk for Peace, a group of Buddhist monks stopped in Atlanta to get a taste of that southern hospitality! …
Tichina Arnold Finally Has Words For Ari Lennox Following Her 'Martin' Colorism Claims

Tichina Arnold Finally Has Words For Ari Lennox Following Her ‘Martin’ Colorism Claims

After singer Ari Lennox said some of the ‘Martin’ jokes towards Tichina Arnold’s character were rooted in colorism, the actress is now speaking out about it! …
San Jose Police Wrongfully Shot a Black College Football Player, The City's Response Will Shock You

San Jose Police Wrongfully Shot a Black College Football Player, The City’s Response Will Shock You

After K’aune Green disarmed an armed man inside of a taco shop, San Jose police mistakenly shot him four times …
Georgia Inmates Allegedly Escaped Jail, Kidnapped a Lyft Driver -- and the Rest Sounds Like a Movie

Georgia Inmates Allegedly Escaped Jail, Kidnapped a Lyft Driver — and the Rest Sounds Like a Movie

After three inmates escaped from DeKalb County Jail on Dec. 21, they allegedly turned to a popular app to summon a getaway driver …
You'll Never Believe How Much Dame Dash's Film Company Just Sold For -- Or Why!

You’ll Never Believe How Much Dame Dash’s Film Company Just Sold For — Or Why!

Hip-Hop icon Damon “Dame” Dash is trying to do all he can to get himself out of debt, but this latest endeavor doesn’t look like it’s going to move the needle much! …
Keisha Lance Bottoms Enters Georgia Governor's Race, But Can She Succeed Where Stacey Abrams Did not?

Keisha Lance Bottoms Enters Georgia Governor’s Race, But Can She Succeed Where Stacey Abrams Did not?

Stacey Abrams didn’t just run for Georgia governor twice; she built the table. Now, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is pulling up a chair …
Now We Know What <i>Really</i> Went Down Between Trump, Epstein Before They Fell Out

Now We Know What Really Went Down Between Trump, Epstein Before They Fell Out

The “Wall Street Journal’s” new report reveals scary ties between Jeffrey Epstein and President Trump …
A$AP Rocky Covers Rent for Residents In His Childhood Harlem Building

A$AP Rocky Covers Rent for Residents In His Childhood Harlem Building

As part of a “Rent Free” campaign with Bilt, rap superstar A$AP Rocky is paying January’s rent for residents in the same building where he grew up …
Internet Reacts To Reports That Teyana Taylor, Aaron Pierre Split

Internet Reacts To Reports That Teyana Taylor, Aaron Pierre Split

Fans are speculating the Hollywood couple may have parted ways, with social media sharing plenty of shade and opinions …
Stylist Tells The Fascinating Story Behind Brandy’s Iconic Braids

Stylist Tells The Fascinating Story Behind Brandy’s Iconic Braids

How Celebrity Stylist Chuckie Amos turned Brandy’s braids into a cultural revolution …