The first ‘10 Greatest‘ feature was on the best streetwear brands the world has ever seen, you can catch up on that HERE. So here we go, continuing our breakdown of the 10 Greatest things from every corner of life, from the well known to the weird and wonderful. It could be something to do with the repeats playing every weekday evening on TV, but the Fresh Prince of Bel Air has been on my mind a lot lately. Watching a few episodes back with my 21st Century retrospect I’m not sure if my tastes have dropped massively but I really like the clothes, especially some of the outfits Will Smith’s character sports from episode to episode. Would I wear them myself? Probably not. But can I appreciate them? Definitely. I did some asking around, alongside some Google searches and it seems Fresh Prince is a huge style influence for a lot of people.
Look, I’m not saying you should head out right now and buy yourself a loud silk shirt, what I am are saying is – how great are these clothes to look at (but maybe not wear)? Everything about the show is so quintessentially 90s, it defined an era and it’s great to see Big Willie right at the beginning of his gaining fame, where he took more risks and looked awesome in the process. So let’s get it started, here’s my top 10 looks from this cult TV show…
10. Fashion Police
Some of the outfits should’ve been apprehended by the fashion police and not been allowed to see the light of day again, like Hilary’s outfit here – but not Will’s! He’s looking as fresh as ever, not many people would think to match some denim dungarees with a black tee, jacket and cap in this way. I’m tempted to go get myself some but I feel it may be one of those occasions where you think you look like Will Smith in your head when in reality you look more like Andy Pandy.
9. Fashion Miracle
It’s not every day that fashion miracles happen at school, but they do at Bel Air High, or whatever it’s called. He’s pulled it out the bag, adding a back cap and paisley print jacket to his school tie and white shirt. If you’re gonna get pulled into the Principal’s office then it might as well be for looking pretty damn slick.
8. Gucciwanka
It’s pretty easy to wear designer clothing and look like a right Gucci… well, yeah. You can’t buy taste right? That’s why it’s better to play it down, go for understated style; less is more. You’re not gonna very far with the ladies while dressed up to the nines in a trying-too-hard get up, or if you’re using any of Will’s pick up lines. That’s why you keep it subtle; a plain white tee coupled with a blue jacket and a contrast green collar.
7. Five Finger Discount
For a guy who just stole a couple of Gucci bags from a pair of poor old ladies or is moving some counterfeit gear on, he doesn’t look half bad. I wish all small-time criminals looked like this, it wouldn’t be so bad being mugged by someone who doesn’t look like they just crawled out of a bin. We don’t condone Carlton’s teal coloured knit v-neck cardigan however… those words should never have to be used toegther in a sentence.
6. Boat Print
The nautical look has always been a good one, but it’s easy to go wrong. Most people will spring for the easy choice – a striped blue and white jumper or shirt, but this could lead to some unwanted attention from the lonely pub creep who sits in the corner. A much safer choice would be to sport a boat print like the one above.
5. Freddy Krueger
You can only really pass judgement on some unfortunate looking girl if you yourself don’t look like Freddy Krueger’s worst nightmare. There’s a lot of prints and colours going on here but some how it weirdly works. Most people when hanging out with their buddies opt for comfort over style. Mistake!
4. Got It Down
It’s not often, in fact probably never, that you see Will mirroring Carlton’s style but it’s happening here. He’s all about the college prep look – the Head Boy, that kind of vibe but it looks as if that sheer perseverance has led to an actually sort of alright outfit for once. Fair play, Carlton, fair play.
3. Willow Smith
Now it’s all clear – we can see where his daughter Willow Smith has been getting all her style inspiration – her dad’s Fresh Prince outfits. Don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself. Will was doing it all the way back in the 90s while stuck in a basement, sitting on a tricycle. Years ahead of his time, years ahead.
2. Courtroom Playground
The Fresh Prince doesn’t save his best outfits for hanging out and school, nope he manages to look sharp even when in a courtroom. Suits can be difficult, it’s very easy to end up looking like a banker or your grandad, so take note from the image above – this is how it’s meant to be done.
1. The Original
It was really easy selecting the number 1 look, it had to be the first one we ever saw Will in when he first arrived at the Banks residence. It’s also the very same lime green and yellow striped tee we see him wearing in the opening credits. With his pushed up peaked cap, shades on a string and camera pouch, he’s making tourist chic look cool.
WAIT, wait, wait, hold on… do you really think we forgot? Yes we can hear you all – “Where’s the Carlton dance, where’s the Carlton dance?” We don’t like to disappoint.