HBCUs Aren’t A Beauty Competition: Wear Whatever You Want!
Putting that sh*t on everyday gets tiring.
You’d think the main focus for incoming college freshmen would be academic success, but think again. What could possibly be more important than the very reason you go to college? Unfortunately, it’s something that’s plagued the Black community—and society in general—for a long time: competition. Not just any competition, but social competition over who’s hot and who’s not, all based on appearance.
There’s an ongoing conversation about this issue, and it’s often highlighted at HBCUs, where the competition is believed to be the strongest. HBCUs are home to many academically gifted Black students, and the pressure to "look the part" is immense.
This issue is particularly intense at elite HBCUs like Spelman College, where the all-female student body faces pressure to maintain stylish appearances and social connections, especially in a city as vibrant as Atlanta. Some argue that this competition takes away from the sisterhood that students come to Spelman to experience in the first place.
"As school went on, I felt like I started to understand what people meant by the pretty girl competition," shared Ashley, a rising sophomore at Spelman (name changed for privacy). "Whenever it came to pageants, specific clubs, Spelman social media pages, etc., it seemed like it was the same type of girls getting the spotlight."
What’s making the issue worse is the growing trend of “fashion niggas” on social media. These are the folks dressed in the latest high-end brands, often with a pretentious attitude toward style. They can come across as dismissive of others' preferences, pushing the idea that if you’re not dressed like them, you’re somehow less sophisticated. This can leave students who choose not to conform feeling left out.
"I can’t leave my dorm without feeling like I don’t measure up. Sometimes I just want to wear a hoodie and sweats, but I feel pressured to look my best. I’ve seen people on campus dressed in Gucci and Prada just to go to class. How am I supposed to compete with that?" said a student from Howard University who preferred to remain anonymous.
For many HBCU students, style becomes intertwined with their sense of social status. But B.B. belts and Margiela Tabi’s don’t define your intelligence, your skills, or your ability to succeed.
HBCUs aren’t a beauty competition, so no, you don’t have to PTSO (put that sh*t on) every single day. Comfort should be your priority. Honestly, no one really cares what you wear to class—so wear what makes you happy. Focus on your education, and let go of the pressure to conform. Your happiness and comfort will help you thrive in all aspects of college life.