Elizabeth Gilmer
By Tyler Martin
A Forbes article recently announced a new ranking that put Southern Methodist University squarely in the spotlight. The basis for the evaluation wasn’t academic rigor or admissions – it was vibes. Universities with good vibes are places “where campus culture, lifestyle and aesthetic identity weigh just as heavily as academic reputation,” and vibe schools prioritize campus culture, a sense of belonging, and balance, according to “The Rise of the Vibe School In College Admissions.” SMU was among the handful of schools namechecked in the article.
When I think of vibes, obviously, I think of fashion. Dallas has such a specific and strong fashion identity, and fashion is a natural part of our campus life, too. SMU students aren’t afraid to try all the trends, and I always see an amazing mix of styles walking across campus every day. And of course, nothing means more than a compliment delivered with a little Southern charm—and don’t forget, it always comes with a smile.
I wondered if others felt this way, too. So I asked some of the most fashionable Mustangs on campus how they’d describe the style vibe at SMU. Here’s what they said:
To start with a campus-wide perspective, I spoke with Rachel Mersey, Executive Vice President and Provost of SMU, who sees student culture from the top. She explained, “Forbes named us a top vibe school because you can feel that energy on campus and in the style and ambition our students bring to campus every day. On the Hilltop, the fashion vibe reflects what makes our campus community so special: confidence, creativity, and staying unapologetically individual! You’ll see students in cowboy boots and sneakers, vintage tees and tailored blazers — all walking the same campus with purpose. … The vibe at SMU isn’t about style for style’s sake. It’s about self-expression and making space for every form of brilliance! That’s what I’m here for!”
Next, I turned to student leadership. These are the students setting the tone on the Boulevard, in classrooms, and beyond. Brianna Kunich, President of Kappa Kappa Gamma, said, “The fashion vibes at SMU are confident, polished, and creative. People love to dress up and show their style, whether it’s for class, brunch, or the Boulevard. It’s not about looking the same — it’s about feeling your best and expressing yourself.”
SMU’s fashion reputation isn’t just limited to sorority life. You can see it on the field too. Michael De Hoyos, cornerback for the SMU Mustangs football team, shared, “The vibes are very high fashion. People tend to wear a lot of designer brands and higher-end clothing even when going to class.”
Social media plays a huge role in how SMU style is seen and shared. To get a perspective on that, I spoke with Mia Blanton, student influencer, who said, “I love how inclusive SMU is in every aspect – everyone is so supportive and encouraging of who you are and the vibe you bring. What makes the energy on campus so great is that everyone has their own unique style and personality.”
Finally, I wanted the perspective of someone who not only appreciates fashion, but teaches it. Sara Idacavage, Assistant Professor in the Fashion Media Program, explained, “My students often tell me they prioritize comfort in fashion, and I think that speaks to something bigger about the culture at SMU. There’s a strong sense of belonging, so fashion becomes less about seeking identity and more about reflecting it. Of course, while everyday outfits emphasize casual comfort, the trendy, sleek attire and cowboy boots that come out for Boulevarding and parties show that students still value looking polished for those “Instagrammable” moments.”
So what is the SMU fashion vibe? It isn’t just one specific look, it’s more of a feeling. It’s designer sneakers and cowboy boots, t-shirts and blazers, Alo workout set one day and custom boots the next. It’s polished but personal, comfortable yet confident. Maybe that’s why Forbes calls us a vibe school. Because on campus, style isn’t just what we wear, it’s the way we walk across campus, compliment each other, and express who we are, all with a little Southern smile.