Howard University’s Homecoming has been a hub of cultural expression since its founding as fashion plays a role in defining the Black experience. Over the past century, Howard’s campus has evolved into a platform for showcasing creativity and innovation, where photographers capture memories, models are discovered, and connections are made. The opportunities Howard’s Homecoming offers are unmatched.  

In the 1920s, fashion at Howard reflected the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. Students dressed in tailored suits, fur coats, and cloche hats, embracing an aesthetic of sophistication and glamour. These looks embodied not only style, but a sense of Black pride during an era of segregation and racial inequality.  

As World War II raged on, an effort to conserve the country's resources inspired the fashion of the utilitarian aesthetic of the 1940s. By the end of the war and entering into the 1950s, fashion had become more playful. The era of cinched waists, shoulder pads, tailored suits, and fedoras ushered in a new decade.  

Fashion at Howard saw a shift as students embraced both Afrocentric and classic styles in response to the Civil Rights and Black Power movements during the 1960s and 70s. Suits were a symbol of pride, while natural hairstyles like afros symbolized a growing consciousness about Black beauty, culture and resistance from the Eurocentric beauty standard that permeated American mainstream media.  

By the 1980s and 90s, fashion became synonymous with bold. Students showcased streetwear and preppy fashion. This period saw the influence of brand name items, oversized jackets, sneakers, grunge and color block patterns, blending urban influences with the legacy of Howard’s classic elegance.

From the 2000s to today, fashion at Howard has continued to thrive and consistently reflect the trends of the past, present, and future. From the “first day of school ‘fits” laid out on the bed, to the niche, customized pieces of cutout fabrics and sew-in Howard logos, the impact of Howard’s fashion has never slowed. Social media platforms like MySpace, Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok have amplified creativity and made sure that students are always “’fit check” ready. 

Throughout history, fashion at Howard University has always been a celebration of self-expression and cultural fusion. This year’s Homecoming theme, “The Centennial,” celebrates 100 years of Howard’s legacy by looking to the future. Honoring Afrofuturism, the show merges African culture with futuristic innovation. Designers will present collections that reimagine traditional African aesthetics using cutting-edge materials and technology, blending cultural heritage with avant-garde concepts to embody visions of the future.   

Whether showcasing custom-designed outfits, rocking the highest fashion or incorporating elements from Black history, the legacy of fashion at Howard extends far beyond Georgia Avenue.