Campus fashions: coeds showcase their favorite styles

Ebony, Sept, 2004 by Zondra Hughes

WHAT styles will be hot on your campus this fall? Bold neon colors or muted shades? Square-toe shoes or basic white sneakers? Denim skirts or corduroy jeans?

EBONY took a sneak peek at several college campuses around the country to see what trends are dominating the dormitories, and we've learned that one style does not fit all--every campus has its own song, tradition and dress code.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON, D.C.

In a national survey, Howard University was selected as one of the best-dressed campuses in the nation.

Stylish students love to profile in practically everything from exclusive top designer threads to off-the-rack sale items to their very own creations.

"Howard's style is very trendy and diverse," says student Ravi Windom. "You can expect to see bright colors, high heels and pizzazz all over. We're very debonair."

Windom quickly adds that unlike the sassy Sistahs on the hit show Girlfriends, you are not expected to toddle to class in glitzy 4-inch stilettos, however.

"Walking back and forth on campus to attend class requires comfortable shoes," she says. "You can be cute and comfortable."

MUST-HAVES:

Howard ladies adore pleated skirts, pointy, high-heel shoes, wide-legged, cuffed pants and girly bracelets. Gents showcase fitted baseball hats (called "fitteds"), sneakers, white T-shirts, loose-fitting jeans, and hip-hop-inspired jerseys.

HANGOUT:

On a clear and sunny day, students gather around "The Yard" to people-watch.

"It's a fashion show every day," proclaims student Jo-La Washington. "The Yard is where everyone who likes to be seen will be seen."

Nina Dennis agrees. "On nice days, The Yard is a runway."

Upperclassmen (without meal plans) are more likely to people-watch at "The Punch Out," a rest area.

HOT Tip:

Overwhelmingly, Howard University students advise other coeds to remain true to their own sense of style:

"Be yourself and always remain feminine, professional and classy," urges Jo-La Washington.

Stephanie Erin Holland says that you shouldn't break the bank--or your parents" bank--when dressing for class.

"Be original, but don't fall into the expensive gaps," she states. "[Build your wardrobe] as you go along."

TOUGALOO COLLEGE

TOUGALOO, MISS.

Many say that when it comes to fashion, Tougaloo students have the best of both worlds: old-school Southern Charm and new-school individuality.

"The overall fashion atmosphere at Tougaloo College is definitely diverse," says student Tiffiney R. Gray, who describes her style as classy and fun. "On any given day, yon will see students wearing soulful Afrocentric clothing, hip-hop and urban wear, and classy-sophisticated styles."

Fellow student Kathlyn Castilla, who wears trendy styles, adds that the relaxed family atmosphere of Tougaloo allows for students to showcase laid-back looks regularly.

"The overall fashion atmosphere reflects this comfortable [family environment], which is youthful and trendy but also relaxed," she says.

MUST-HAVES:

Tougaloo ladies are fond of fitted jeans and slacks, pleated skirts and anything in denim. Gents are wearing the "professor's" sports jacket, short-sleeved shirt, baggy jeans and gym shoes, a style made popular by rap artist Kanye West.

HANGOUT:

Students say the cafeteria is usually jumping on Wednesday afternoons with funky music, impromptu fraternity/sorority step shows, and of course, good food, making "Time Cafe" the place to show off your threads.

"What's Up Wednesdays is the place to be seen at Tougaloo," says student Marcus J. Mason. "Whether you are fashionable, have a little fashion sense, or no fashion sense at all, you can parade around in the Cafe on Wednesdays."

HOT TIP:

Tougaloo students say it's best to be yourself and look your best rather than become a slave to the latest fashion trends.

"Though you may prefer certain styles over others, it is very important to always look appropriate," says Castilla. "And remember that first impressions are very important, so be stylish, but be yourself."

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI,

JEFFERSON CITY, MO.

Lincoln University students love to look hip in the heartland, and with a steady stream of fashion from all points of the country to choose from, the essence of Lincoln's style can best be defined as upbeat and unique.

Adrian Pascal Robinson, president of the Student Government Association, says he's mastered blending his individual style with the traditional professional look.

"I'm conservative, and very laid-back," Robinson states. "But the overall fashion trend here at Lincoln is very creative. We have students from all over the country, and they bring their [taste] with them."

Miss Lincoln University LaTasha L. Solomon describes her personal style as chic. As campus queen, Solomon's official duty is to represent her college, so she has an obligation to look her best at all times.

"I can never really dress down," she says. "Every time Heave my room, I must look chic and sophisticated."

MUST-HAVES:

Lincoln University ladies love finding the perfect accessories to complement their outfits, so handbags and shoes are a must. The traditional designer bags are popular, but the dainty less-expensive purses, such as the "cigar box" styles, are also hot. Gents like to emulate rap artist Nelly, a native of St. Louis; they prefer pure white gym shoes, comfortably baggy jeans, crisp, colorful shirts and huge belt buckles.