Watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as a young person, Hilary Banks stood out not just as a character, but as a beacon of confident style. Her unwavering self-assurance and personal style felt aspirational, especially when navigating the uncertainties of adolescence. Like many, I yearned for a guide, a stylish older sister figure who embodied the kind of self-expression I was hesitant to embrace. Hilary, alongside Denise Huxtable, became that figure, demonstrating the power of clothing as a form of personality and self-discovery. Seeing Hilary Banks confidently express herself through fashion was a pivotal moment, suggesting that I too could explore and define my own style.
Inspired by Hilary Banks, I embarked on my own fashion journey, experimenting with various looks from scene girl to tomboy, and even dipping into drag. This exploration eventually led me to preppy style. While my initial interpretations of preppy might not have earned Hilary’s approval, my style has evolved into a personal and refined version. I’ve transitioned from oversized argyle sweater vests and popped collars to more sophisticated fitted tartan wiggle skirts and elegant blush-colored sweater sets, always accented with gold jewelry and a statement luxury handbag.
Season one of The Fresh Prince delivered an iconic look that continues to influence my “bougie preppy” aesthetic: a striking two-piece red and black tartan skirt set, complete with gold-trimmed accents and a matching hat. Hilary Banks masterfully layered this ensemble with thick gold chains and flawlessly manicured nails. This attention to detail resonated deeply, and like Hilary, I now consider perfectly painted acrylic nails an essential part of my polished look. Furthermore, my affinity for blush sweater sets can be directly attributed to a stunning monochromatic season five outfit worn by Hilary. This pearl-buttoned jacket and skirt set, adorned with a fur-trimmed collar and sleeves, solidified blush as my signature color. Hilary Banks was the epitome of spoiled and stylish, enjoying unlimited access to high fashion – a trait she shared with another style icon who would later influence me, Cher Horowitz of Clueless, who lived just a few fashionable miles away.
Considering that Fresh Prince premiered five years before Clueless, Hilary and her sophisticated circle were likely in college while Cher and her friends were navigating junior high. It’s easy to imagine their fictional worlds intersecting within the stylish landscape of 90s pop culture. The older, more established style of Hilary Banks and her peers could have undoubtedly served as inspiration for a young Cher, Dionne, and Amber. One can envision them admiring tartan skirts and suede pumps, subconsciously shaping their future fashion sensibilities. However, in this fashionable fantasy, the often-overlooked truth is that while Hilary Banks was undeniably an influencer, she rarely receives the widespread recognition she deserves as a 90s fashion icon.
