Image via Complex Original
Lead
It's Alfonso Ribeiro's birthday today. For those of you who don't know our boy Alfonso, he was Ricky Schroder's best friend on Silver Spoons, he was that Moonwalking kid in the Pepsi commercial with Michael Jackson, and he was the show-stealing Carlton Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. We at Complex wanted to celebrate his birthday by taking a look at the style of his most memorable character, Carlton Banks. So sit back and check out how our boy made preppy look cool.
Summertime
Look 1: Summertime
This is 'preppy summertime swagger' through and through. Carlton rocked Ralph Lauren in almost every episode, and here he wears a pair of khaki shorts and a canvas/leather belt with it. Preppy Swag 101, take notes.
Bright Colored Trousers
Look 2: Bright Colored Trousers
These trousers came back this year from brands like Bonobos and Tommy Hilfiger, and we're giving Carlton all the credit. His daringly colorful polo shirt brought tons of style to the outfit. Don't call it chic, call it swag!
Crazy Madras Patterns
Look 3: A Crazy Madras Pattern
Very few men can pull this shirt off, and Carlton does it effortlessly. He makes preppy look cool even with sliced bread on his head.
Vertical Striped Shirt
Look 4: A Vertical Striped Shirt
You gotta remember, the Banks' lived in Bel-Air so it was good weather all year round and barely any dark colors worn. Still, Carlton was able to pull off darker shades of color with bold vertical stripes. If you're wondering, yes, good, bold vertical striped shirts are tough to find these days. Good luck trying to look this cool.
Sweaters and Shorts
Look 5: Sweaters and Shorts
Carlton's singing Bobby Vinton's "Mr. Lonely" in this shot, and we sympathize with him. I mean, it gets lonely at the top of the style mountain. Bright red v-neck sweater, bow tie, plaid shorts, matching socks. There are dope oxfords not pictured here, because we maxed out the swag limit.
The 'Scott Disick'
Look 6: The Scott Disick
We know where Scott Disick-Kardashian got his look from, but no one can pull off a sweater over the shoulders better than Carlton (on a polo no less.)
The Scott Disick into Fall
Look 7: The Scott Disick into Fall
Yeah it's warm in Bel-Air, but Carlton switches his patterned sweater over his shoulders for a plain color, and his polo for a button-collar oxford shirt. If you want to keep the look into colder climates, take note. Also, follow what Uncle Phil said in the Pilot episode, "...when in doubt, do whatever Carlton's doing." If you don't feel safe mixing patterns, don't. Keep the pattern on your sweater and your shirt solid or vice versa.
The Schoolboy
Look 8: The Schoolboy
We don't know how Carlton didn't jump straight into Princeton on swagger alone. He's wearing a varsity striped sweater vest over a flannel. Are you kidding me?!
Collegiate Cardigan
Look 9: Collegiate Cardigan
Carlton adds some maturity to 'The Schoolboy' look by adding full sleeves with the cardigan. The cream chunky knit sweater is great for a transition from Summer into Fall or for a chill Spring day.
Chunky V-Neck Sweaters
Look 10: Chunky V-Neck Sweaters
Carlton keeps it preppy with varsity stripes as well as stripes on the arms. Is that shirt pink too? Color coordination is killer with this kid.
Argyle and Polo
Look 11: Argyle and Polo
This look is tough. Yeah, it's both meanings of tough. Tough like, "Man, this is tough to pull off." as well as, "Damn! That outfit is tough!" Carlton uses his yellow polo to add a pop of color to his dark attire. That's an unofficial risk you can take this Fall.
Purple on Purple
Look 12: Purple on Purple
Ok ok, you can argue that the his sweater is pink or magenta or raspberry but we say it's purple, and if you throw 'Purple on Purple' use two different versions of the color. It's like navy blue on sky blue, copy?
The Paperboy
Look 13: The Paperboy
Some brands look at the '30s or the '50s for inspiration. Carlton didn't need any of that. This kid is rocking a sweater vest with a driving cap sporting the 'Paperboy' look.
More Collegiate Cardigans
Look 14: Old Money Green
Be sure to add some color to your 'Collegiate Cardigan' collection too. Carlton takes green and swags it out, as expected. The boy is used to green too, I mean he did say, "I don't have to beg! I'm rich!"
Straight Outta Compton
Look 15: Straight Outta Compton
Carlton killed the preppy look throughout the series, but one episode in season 1 saw a different side of him. Carlton takes a bet against Will to show that he can last in Compton. (Spoiler Alert!) Not only did he win the bet, but he showed Will he won't back down in their style war. That's versatility.