Campus fashions '93 - African-American college students model current fashions

Ebony, Oct, 1993

On campus this fall, smart students wear clothes that project their class and style

From the conservative to the liberal schools of thought, high-style, low maintenance and all-around comfort attire always head the class when it comes to campus fashions.

With emphasis on sophisticated yet personal flair, future leaders studying at the various Black colleges and universities around the country flaunt the most up-to-the minute, drop-dead fashions to be worn by chic college students this fall. Cool cottons, wool blends and sultry silks remain the fabrics of choice. Enterprising coeds find their greatest strengths in combining various clothing styles and textures. Resourceful students with limited funds find that they can add zest to their wardrobes without spending a lot of money.

Although classic turtlenecks, oxfords, multicolored blazers, denim jeans, vests, sweaters, sneakers and loafers still dominate the collegiate closet space, the daring student now makes room for active sportswear, Southwestern and aristocratic prints as well as grunge and '60s apparel to make bold, personal statements.

From the library to the student union to the homecoming game, students are sporting the fashionable layered-look. But when it is time to step out to the college balls and other festivities, double-breasted suits and chiffon gowns are en vogue. And for that all-important job interview, the classic suit with a surprising new flair is still the most appropriate attire.

Whatever the occasion, today's college students know how to strut their stuff. That point was quite evident when Ebony visited the campuses of the University of the District of Columbia, Johnson C. Smith University and Tougaloo, Savannah State, Florida Memorial and Lane colleges. On the following pages, students from these schools model the latest in campus fashions.

TOUGALOO COLLEGE

Jackson, Miss.

In front of Tougaloo College's Robert O. Wilder administration building, Larry Bland Jr., an 18-year-old sophomore accounting major, looks handsome in this light wool double-breasted coat. Malinda Fuqua is also dressed for a special occasion in rich burgundy Anne Klein II silk jumpsuit and DKNY crocheted beret.

Above, Malinda, a senior majoring in interdisciplinary career-oriented humanities, is more casual among the moss-covered trees in denim blanket wrap skirt and vest worn with denim blouse with Native American motif. Larry, a 6'4" star forward for the Tougaloo Bulldogs basketball team, sports a cotton knit shirt, denim shorts and red denim anorak jacket, all by Polo.

SAVANNAH STATE COLLEGE

Savannah, Ga.

Strolling through Felix Alexis Circle, a.k.a. "The Yard" (right), 25-year-old ViRegina Lawrence-Foster of Swainsboro, Ga., and 21-year-old Michael Fayoyin of Washington, D.C., take a study break and shoot the breeze. ViRegina relaxes in a crinkled swing skirt, rounded neck short-sleeve sweater and open crochet knit vest accented with Liz Claiborne accessories. Michael sports a Tommy Hilfiger burgundy sweater latched over an aristocratic print shirt that is comfortably tucked into olive green Hilfiger chino pants. Below, the two strike a professional pose in front of Walter B. Hill Hall, the college's signature building. Dressed to impress corporate America, ViRegina, a senior marketing major, wears a sophisticated cranberry checkered '60s retrospective two-piece suit. Michael, a senior mass communications student, looks dapper in a suave, micro-check, double-breasted Hart Shaffner and Marx suit with Pointe lapels and Christian Dior accent handkerchief.

LANE COLLEGE

Jackson, Tenn.

On the campus at Lane College, Heather DeBerry and William McCrary show off their sense of fashion style. Near the Bell Tower in front of historic Cleaves Hall, Heather, a junior biology major, wears a three-piece Carole Little print ensemble. It perfectly complements William's double-breasted light wool black-and-white checked suit by Kasper. Below, Heather, a soloist with the Lane College Concert Choir, wears ivory silk poet's blouse and denim wrap skirt with Southwestern print. William, a junior criminal law major and editor of the Lane College Enquirer, looks great in Guess jeans and striped Tommy Hilfiger shirt. In bottom shot, William wears Guess denim shorts, black T-shirt and colorful striped cotton vest, while Heather sports the '60s look in mock turtleneck bodysuit under sheer burgundy print blouse that ties at waist, and bell bottom jeans that snap up sides.

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY

Charlotte, N.C.

Back to school in style, 19-year-old Haiba King, a junior biology major and international studies minor from Newark, N.J., looks great (below) dressed in her Karen Kane brown denim washed skirt, white T-shirt, chambray button-down blue denim shirt and gorgeous plaid linen jacket. Melvin Porter Jr., 21, senior banking and finance major from Portsmouth, Va., complements Haiba's campus chic style in his Girbaud striped hooded campus jersey and olive green brushed denim pants. With Biddle Memorial Hall as the backdrop (at right), Haiba is prepared for an on-campus interview in a fitted Liz Claiborne houndstooth vest, flowing A-line black skirt and delicately ruffled blouse. Bound for the boardroom, Melvin is a picture of success in a debonair Hugo Boss pin-striped, double-breasted suit and power print tie.