Anyone who has attended an HBCU—or even stepped foot on an HBCU campus—knows that for the students and faculty, every day is an occasion to dress well and flex one’s personal style.

“From a fashion perspective, you got the D.C. kids, the Atlanta kids, New York, West Coast California kids, Chicago… and you’re seeing the best of all these styles,” says Jerry Lorenzo, who graduated from FAMU in 2000. Prior to enrolling, the Fear of God founder was one of few Black students at his high school and at Oral Roberts University, where he spent his first year of college. “To come from that experience to being entrenched in us, it was really what I needed in my life at the time, and so inspirational on every level,” he says of his time at FAMU.

Those feelings of pride and belonging, as well as a commitment to style, are especially heightened during homecoming—among current students and alumni who return for the festivities. “The emotion, specifically of homecoming, I use that as a gauge for when I’m designing,” Lorenzo says. “Is this going to feel like that felt? Like that feeling of the band coming out and playing [their] interpretation of Outkast? Like the stands swaying back and forth? If it doesn’t feel like that, it needs more work.”

In the lead up to homecoming, Vogue spoke to more alums about their most memorable—and fashionable—homecoming experiences, and once there, talked to students about their takes on style. Those stories, ahead.

Leisha Elusnor 20, Student, Class of 2026. Describes her style as: “Avant garde Punk”

Photographed by Wulf Bradley