Three decades ago today, on September 10, 1990, Will Smith — or, more accurately, the fictional version of him — moved in with his aunty and uncle in Bel Air, thus beginning the phenomenon that is The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The NBC sitcom lasted six seasons, launched Smith’s career, and featured guest appearances by Naomi Campbell and Oprah. The style — not just on Smith, but also on Ashley Banks (played by Tatyana Ali), Hilary Banks (Karyn Parsons), Monique (Kim Fields), Jackie Ames (Tyra Banks), and of course, Carlton Banks (Alfonso Ribeiro) — is another legacy that Fresh Prince of Bel-Air left behind when the last episode aired back in 1996.
The show’s fashion was so good, in fact, that, to commemorate the 30th anniversary, a clothing line inspired by Smith and his music partner DJ Jazzy Jeff, just launched. The 30-piece line is exactly what you’d expect: a nostalgic collection of letterman jackets, brightly colored T-shirts and sweatsuits, socks, hats, masks, and bags that look straight off the set of the show.
But it's the original trends from the show’s six-season arc, that are just as relevant today as they were in the ‘90s, that we're inspired by. Think tennis attire — from pleated mini skirts to varsity sweaters — on Ashley and Carlton, groutfits and ‘90s sportswear on Jackie, and plenty of gold jewelry to go around on Hilary. Monique’s fringe coat is also something we wouldn't hesitate to wear today, as are Ashley’s sparkly tights.
Ahead, we rounded up some of the show’s memorable looks. And, as an added bonus, made copying them all easier than ever before.
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Gift of the Day
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Fringe
Looking at Monique's coral-colored fringe coat, you'd think she was living in 2020 — when fringe is at peak popularity — rather than the early '90s.
Sweatsuits & Chunky Sneakers
Of all the trends that played out on the set of Fresh Prince, matching sweatsuits and chunky dad sneakers are the two that have held up the most, especially since the pandemic ushered us indoors and into our comfiest attire.
Mom Jeans & Hiking Boots
Hiking boots and high-waisted jeans have become a staple in fall wardrobes over the last few years.
Gold Chain Necklaces
Thanks to Paul Mescal's affinity for chain necklaces both on-screen as Normal People's Connell Waldron and off it, chain necklaces are experiencing some serious popularity in 2020. But it was Hilary Banks who really perfected the classic jewelry item first.
Tennis Fashion
Thanks to the US Open (and Gen Z's affinity for pleated mini skirts on TikTok), tennis fashion is on the up and up. To try the trend, take style cues from Ashley Banks.
Sparkly Tights
Some may say that the pandemic killed tights, but this look on Ashley Banks proves them wrong — and has us searching for similar styles to wear indoors.
Canadian Tuxedos & Berets
Most of us are used to taking fashion advice from Tyra Banks via reruns of America's Next Top Model, but she was showing off top-notch style long before her role as head judge on the reality show — as Smith's girlfriend Jackie Ames on Fresh Prince. Two of her best style highlights from the show: Canadian tuxedos and berets (a souvenir from her early days modeling in Paris perhaps?).