Where to Shop Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Style in 2021

When it debuted in 1990, the Fresh Prince of Belair introduced the mainstream to hip hop, and with it, a new style street style aesthetic. Will Smith’s style was as fresh as his rhymes, and he just never quit! He popularized many looks that are still seen today: dungarees with one shoulder falling off, Jordans, bright matching colors, tracksuits, busy graphic tees and even crop tops.

Costume designer Judy Richman dressed Will Smith in a beautiful mix of African prints and 90’s urban style. His outfits always turned heads. Will’s outlandish looks were in contrast to the uppercase establishment dressers of his rich Bel Air family. Carlton was always dressed as preppy as possible to drive home the contrast between him and Will. The fashion illustrated the show’s exploration of social issues related to race and class.

Many styles on the show were breaking barriers for what men and women were allowed to wear, and I think that’s partly why I loved it so much growing up.

My no. 1 favorite: The crop top

My no. 1 favorite: The crop top

 
Love the bright and bold patterns

Love the bright and bold patterns

 
Hilary was always dressed to the T.

Hilary was always dressed to the T.

Everything Will wore was in direct contrast with Carlton’s preppy upper class look.

Everything Will wore was in direct contrast with Carlton’s preppy upper class look.

That time Will turned his school blazer inside out and revealed a decorative interior.

That time Will turned his school blazer inside out and revealed a decorative interior.

 
 
One of Hilary’s many elegant dresses

One of Hilary’s many elegant dresses

When Tyra Banks showed up in a tomboy outfit.

When Tyra Banks showed up in a tomboy outfit.

My life would feel complete in this outfit

My life would feel complete in this outfit

I’ve pulled together some Fresh Prince-inspired items. Click on the image to buy from the retailer. Enjoy!

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Ru

As Qwear’s Fashion Director, Ru seeks to dismantle preconceived notions of gender expression and explore the identity constructs of queer fashion. Ru’s goal is to provide a platform for the community to share their stories with the aim of demystifying the borders of queer fashion and reinforcing queering fashion as an intimate experience closely related to one’s individuality.

Hailing from Scotland, with Trinidadian roots, this veteran designer and activist has immersed herself in queer theory and fashion for nearly a decade. A graduate of Rhode Island School Of Design, Ru merges their knowledge of queer theory and critical race theory with their passion for fashion. Recently, Ru’s work has been presented at Queer Fashion Week (2015), Rainbow Fashion Week (2015), The Institute Of Contemporary Art, Boston (2016 & 2017), and BU Art Galleries (2018).

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