Howard Homecoming Yardfest Delivers Food, Fanfare, and Fanciful Fashion

It’s homecoming and Howard has a distinct annual feel--- more people, more entertainment, more to look forward to. First stop is the school’s esteemed Yardfest, themed The La Grande roué Royalfaire in honor of the anniversary of the nostalgic homecoming fanfare here at “the real HU”. In addition to enjoying the event repertoire, the Stylish Reality team set out to find some of the most unique styles amongst the thousands of Yardfest goers.

Although most attendees stood out with their eccentric, well-planned fits, we were honored to make acquaintance with these four, distinctly-different individuals during our time on the yard. Some looks are attainable, others personify eccentricity. However, each can be described with one word…

Mr. Stocks proves a smile can accent any fit

Daring- Teron Stocks, @n0_apologiez: We caught up with the ever-so-stylish Mr. Stocks near Douglass Hall after spotting his style minutes earlier amongst the crowd (notice we said amongst the crowd). Maybe it was his elegance, made apparent by his veiled beanie with his Jackie O –adjacent shades. Or perhaps it was his red and black color blocking with his Aztec print shawl and dark-turtle timepiece, matching his Louis Vuitton clutch. On the contraire, after meeting him, we realized it was his smile that has set his style apart from all others.

    

Choosing a bold lipstick can set any contemporary look off

Trendy- Desiree Clark, @afro__thunder: The Fro. The Fit. The Fabulosity. Her look embodied trendy, from her stand-out rouge lipstick to her matching Chuck Taylor's. The components to her look may be “simplistic” separately, but combined they make for a perfect look for a day out in the DC sun. Want to achieve Desiree’s look? Combine your favorite crop with shorts, sneakers, and a waist-wrapped shirt. Oh yeah, don’t forget to wear it with a spunky attitude to tie it all together!

   

A look of mystique for an outfit that bares it all

Unique- Nicolette McClendon, @2welve: Sitting gingerly on a bench in the middle of Yardfest, we met Nicolette, a young lady who's look was unique, but familiar. Conservative yet spunky, Nicolette captured us with her flannel-shirt dress and black patent leather booties accented by her sizable bracelet combination and golden rod crew socks for a pop of color. She brought a new, revitalizing twist to a style that we all know so well, but it was her radiating beauty that enchanted us the most, illuminating her sweet demeanor and courageous sense of fashion. 

The "Voodoo Rebel" enchants us with his medley of
medallions and trinkets  

   Bold- Donovan Vega, @voodoo_rebel: We were at a loss for words upon spotting Donovan, coincidentally holding a conversation with Nicolette (pictured above). His style was nothing shy of bold, from his gorgeous dreadlocks, to his symphony of rings on both hands. He welcomed us in for an interview, proving that humility in fashion still exists. To list the components of his look would be understating, but the harmony of his fedora, bow tie, and rolled cropped pants were some of our favorites. To achieve his look would be to ask to raid his closet, seeing as how it would be almost impossible to wear this fit as wonderfully as he.