The Rise of Black Dandyism

The Rise of Black Dandyism: From the 2025 Met Gala to
Clark Atlanta's Freshman Uniform Week

Rooted in Culture. Driven by Purpose.

By Lauren Yanthis

When the Met Gala announced its 2025 theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" the fashion world turned its spotlight on something that has always been more than fabric and thread: Black dandyism. For centuries Black men and women have used fashion as a tool of identity, resistance, and self-expression. This year that tradition took center stage, reminding us all that style carries history, pride, and power.

What Is Black Dandyism?

Black dandyism is more than sharp suits, bold colors, or tailored elegance. It is a cultural tradition born out of both necessity and defiance. In the 18th and 19th centuries when enslaved and formerly enslaved people were denied dignity, some used clothing as a statement of self-worth and resistance. A finely cut jacket or an elaborate hat was not just fashion, it was a declaration: I am somebody. My presence matters.

Through the Harlem Renaissance and beyond this tradition continued, blending heritage with creativity and redefining what it meant to move through the world with confidence and pride.

Fashion as Resistance and Legacy

For African Americans fashion has always been about more than looking good. It is about being seen on our own terms. From church pews filled with Sunday best to HBCU campuses alive with bold student style, clothing has served as a way to claim space, preserve culture, and pass on traditions. That is why the spotlight on Black dandyism at the 2025 Met Gala matters. It is not just about red carpet looks. It is about honoring the deep cultural roots of style as a form of legacy that continues to inspire and empower today.

Black Dandyism on Campus

Nowhere is that connection clearer than on HBCU campuses. This fall Clark Atlanta University required all freshmen to wear uniforms during their first week of school. On the surface that might sound limiting, but students took it as a challenge. They showed up with creativity, flair, and confidence, turning the simplest dress code into a showcase of individuality and culture.

Matching polos and slacks became canvases for fresh sneakers, bold accessories, and sharp hairstyles. The message was clear: even within a uniform, Black students can express pride, identity, and excellence. That moment echoed the spirit of Black dandyism itself — transforming fashion into a declaration of presence, resilience, and legacy.

Black Dandyism in the Urban Community

The same spirit is alive and thriving in the Black urban community. From Harlem to Atlanta to Chicago to D.C., city streets have always been runways for cultural expression. Think of Harlem Renaissance jazz clubs, Detroit Motown suits, or today’s sneaker culture. Each generation has used style to make a statement: we belong, we are creative, and we will not be ignored.

In neighborhoods across the country, barbershops, block parties, and music scenes all double as stages for Black style. Just like dandyism, this urban creativity turns clothing into language, a way of saying who we are and where we come from.

Black Dandyism in Today’s Culture

Modern artists like Pharrell Williams, André 3000, and Janelle Monáe have carried this tradition into the mainstream. Their bold, eclectic styles reflect both individuality and cultural pride, turning everyday fashion into storytelling. At the Met Gala celebrities brought that same energy with tailored suits, dramatic gowns, and looks that blended tradition with innovation.

But you do not need a Met Gala invitation to be part of the movement. From HBCU students setting trends on campus to Black creatives in urban communities redefining what it means to be fly, Black style remains a powerful tool of identity and representation.

How This Connects to Plana for Success

At Plana for Success we believe culture is power. Our mission is to create resources and opportunities that uplift the African American community, honor heritage, and celebrate Black excellence. Fashion, like storytelling, is a part of that mission. Both are ways of saying: We are here. We are proud. We are building something lasting.

Just as Black dandyism uses style to resist erasure and affirm identity, Plana uses its platform to empower students and young professionals. Whether it is through our scholarships, student support programs, or the cultural storytelling here on Voices of the Legacy, we are committed to creating impact that is rooted in culture and driven by purpose.

Looking Forward

The conversation sparked by the 2025 Met Gala and echoed on HBCU campuses like Clark Atlanta, as well as in Black urban communities across the country, is bigger than fashion. It is a reminder that African American heritage is woven into every aspect of our culture, and that legacy continues to evolve.

As we carry these traditions forward, let us remember that what we wear, what we create, and how we show up in the world all contribute to a larger story of resilience, empowerment, and pride.

At Plana for Success we will keep honoring those stories not just through style but through action. That means opening doors for students, amplifying voices, and preserving legacy for the next generation.

Join the Conversation

What does style mean to you? How do you use fashion to tell your story? Share your thoughts in the comments, subscribe to Voices of the Legacy, or connect with us on social media. Together we will keep building a legacy that outlives us all.