7 'Fresh Prince Of Bel Air' Halloween Costumes To Help You Make The '90s Everlasting
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air went off the air nearly 20 years ago, but with news breaking recently about a Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff reunion tour, there's no better time than to take a crack at a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Halloween costume and brush up on the lyrics to the theme song.
The show's characters each have such rich and individual styles. Heck, even old Aunt Viv and new Aunt Viv dressed slightly differently. You have Will's signature wacky-printed apparel paired with Zubaz pants and neon snapbacks. Hilary is known for her polished yet gaudy suits and sexy bodycons. Ashley's style — once she got older — still reminds me a lot of Janet Jackson during the same era. And Carlton... well, his style stayed pretty true to form with sweater vests and pleated khaki pants all six seasons.
The Fresh Prince cast is so recognizable that searching for '90s Halloween costumes will present you with amazing recreations of Will and Carlton ensembles. Of course, plus size blogger GabiFresh's spot-on Hilary and Will costume from 2012 is still the source of many a Fresh Prince costume inspiration as well. With the right eye for '90s vintage and the ability to not take yourself too seriously, there are plenty of signature looks from the series that will make you ready to sit on that throne as the prince of Bel Air.
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1. Will's Opening Credits Outfit
When you search "Fresh Prince Halloween costume" on Google, this seems to be the most common interpretation. Jimmy Fallon even recreated the opening in Feb. 2015 to promote The Tonight Show in Los Angeles. It makes sense when you consider that the opening credits never changed in six years. The look features all of Will's staples, straight down to the Jordan's on his feet.
Neon Trucker Hat, $6, Amazon
Men's Yellow & Green Stripe T-Shirt , $15, Amazon
Alleson 815P Soccer Shorts, $13, Ebay
Jordan Flight Origin 2 Boys Grade School, $80, Footlocker
2. Hilary's Everyday Look
Hilary Banks definitely has one of the most notable personal style when it comes to '90s TV characters. While her endearingly ditzy personality charmed some, it was always her over-the-top outfits that made me come back for more. Every day is very matchy-matchy one for Hil. Think Clueless with slightly more refinement. A '90s-style bowler hat is a must if you are going to recreate this look. When in doubt, add some pearls (or 20).
Women's Vintage Bodycon Pencil Dress, $10, Amazon
Bodycon Pencil Dress, $24, Amazon
1980s Crimson Bow Hat, $38, Etsy
3. Carlton Dancing
Nearly 20 years later and Alfonso Ribeiro is still being asked to do the "Carlton Dance." For many of us who grew up watching Fresh Prince, there was always something lovable about Will's nerdy and pretentious cousin. He was a character you rooted for, even though you weren't always sure why. This is a look that's pretty easy to recreate with the help of regular brick and mortar stores, which is good because you'll need all the time you can get to nail Carlton's signature moves.
Front Row Long Sleeve Classic Rugby Shirt, $17, Amazon
Braided Men's Belt, $15, Amazon
Dockers Comfort Waist Classic-Fit Pleated Pants, $40, Amazon
4. Ashley's High School Style
While the other characters seemed to never age, Ashley was the one that viewers who grew up watching the show got to grow up alongside. By season five, it was clear that Hilary wasn't the only female Banks with style, and Will wasn't the only one with musical talent (as evidenced by her singing "Make Up Your Mind"). Recreating this pink swimwear look is one last excuse to wear a bikini before winter.
Marie Meili Women's Bandeau Bikini Top, $13, Amazon
Noontide Black and Fuchsia Bikini, $44, Lulus
Light Chiffon Beach Dress, $13, Amazon
5. Will's School Uniform
I still don't really understand how Will got away with not wearing the actual uniform at his Bel Air prep school, but nonetheless, he found a way to bring his own individual style to the dress code. As a winner of the high school superlative "Most Creative With The School Uniform" award myself, I can definitely appreciate this. It's nearly impossible to find a blazer just like this one, though, so if you aren't one for DIY, you will probably have to settle for a pattern that's slightly different but still floral.
OG 5Panel Snapback Navy, $20, S hop Behold
Men's Fashion Floral Print Lapel Slim Fit Suit Blazer, $27, Amazon
Narrow Stripe Tie, $12, Amazon
6. Hilary's Eveningwear
If there's one thing Hilary knew well, it was shopping. When she wasn't rocking plaid power suits during the day, she was sporting sexy bodycon dresses. The key to doing a costume based on something Hilary might wear on a date is definitely picking a bold color like red and looking for details such as cut-outs that add '90s flair.
Plus Size BodyCon Dress, $24, Amazon
Halter Bodycon Dress, $17, Amazon
7. Aunt Viv's Dance Class
If there's one beloved Aunt Viv moment for me, it would have to be when she slays this dance and shuts up all the haters. While recreating this look isn't too difficult to do with real dance apparel, you'll definitely have to practice the dance in front of the mirror if you want to get it to Aunt Viv levels of flawlessness.
Adult Cotton Camisole Leotard, $19 , Discount Dance
Adult Ultra Soft Transition Tights, $13, A mazon
Plus Size Strappy Sleeveless Leotard, $20, Amazon
Adult Plus Size Total Stretch Tights Convertible Tights, $12, Amazon
By dressing in a Fresh Prince costume, you're helping make sure the '90s never die. And isn't that what we all really want?
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Images: NBC Productions; Courtesy Brands
