30 Years Later, The Style From The Fresh Prince of Bel Air Is Still Fresh
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 ‘90s 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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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. Photo: Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank.
Zara Printed Dress With Fringe, $, available at Zara
Eloquii Satin Duster with Fringe Detail, $, available at Eloquii
Onalaja Megan Embroidered Floral Dress, $, available at The Folklore
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. Photo: Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank.
Richer Poorer Women's Fleece Sweatshirt, $, available at Richer Poorer
Richer Poorer Fleece Sweatpant, $, available at Richer Poorer
Hiking boots and high-waisted jeans have become a staple in fall wardrobes over the last few years.Photo: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images.
ASOS DESIGN Curve High Rise Slouchy Mom Jeans, $, available at ASOS
Simon Miller High Tracker Ankle Boots, $, available at Farfetch
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. Photo: Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images.
Missoma Gold Large Graduated Necklace, $, available at Missoma
Mejuri Drawn Cable Chain Necklace, $, available at Mejuri
Jules Smith In Chains Necklace, $, available at Shopbop
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.
American Apparel Gabardine Tennis Skirt, $, available at American ApparelPhoto: Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images.
rag & bone White Nylon Visor Cap, $, available at SSENSE
American Apparel Gabardine Tennis Skirt, $, available at American Apparel
Everlane The Organic Cotton Pique Polo, $, available at Everlane
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.Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images.
Marc Jacobs Black & Silver Ribbed Tights, $, available at SSENSE
Canadian Tuxedo & 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?).Photo: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images.
Polo Ralph Lauren Denim Letterman Jacket, $, available at Ralph Lauren
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