15 Style Tips You Can Learn From Carlton Banks

Image via Complex Original

Carlton Banks was a strong advocate for the v-neck underneath the button down, and for good reason: a stark white crewneck contrasting underneath your plaid shirt is gross.

Horizontal stripe shirts are an interesting take on the patterned shirt because you really don't see them a lot. They add a part-nautical, part-Southwestern vibe to any outfit, and are a quirky twist on a prep staple.

Denim jackets and waxed canvas are cool and all, but a collared golf jacket instantly smartens up any outfit. Take Carlton's plaid shirt for example, it's perfectly balanced out by the khaki Polo jacket. That tab collar is also a pretty sick detail, which has us scouring eBay for a vintage version of this outerwear piece.

Move over argyle. See ya later, stripes. Farewell, fair isle! Sweaters in unexpected patterns like camo, polka dot, or plaid are a refreshing way to add something interesting to your layers. Just be sure to balance it out with solid pants (sans pleats), and a crisp shirt underneath.

Carlton was like, the original dude who did not give a fuck what the haters said. Here, he is definitely seducing this chick in a pink polo, tucked in no less. Too bad that while she definitely tried to hook up with him, he was more interested in clearing his sister's name. PRIORITIES THOUGH.

Before rappers like Kanye West, 2 Chainz, and Smoke DZA had a heavy rugby shirt game, Carlton had them all beat. The athletic staple looks great off the field, especially with chinos or jeans. See? Carlton's style even has Will looking butthurt that he just got out-swagged.

While everyone else slept on this style (we see you though, Ryan Gosling), Carlton slept in this style.

Socks are awesome, and so are boat shoes. What happens when you put both of them together? Your shoes don't smell, and your feet stay warm. Which is useful in the fall and anytime you're in a cold, unforgiving place... like a prison cell.

Tell Muffy to leave the cucumber sandwiches and afternoon tea waiting at the clubhouse. The cricket sweater has long since broken out of the confines of expensive, recreational sports facilities and entered the canon of reliable prep staples. Pair it with a nice button down, and embrace the cable knit.

Before you started wearing floral shirts and five-panels, Carlton was rocking full-on robes. That's true confidence. is he responsible for today's trend of floral gear? Well... we can't fully say yes, but we can definitely attest that he knew how to wear it extremely well.

Carlton knew that you don't always have to wear your sweater. True G's just let it drape around their neck like a luxrious scarf, or a loose-hanging backpack that held nothing but the spirit of your style. Sometimes he'd tie it up for extra flair, but really, having it hang off your shoulders just so said more than enough.

Huge in the '90s, vertical striped shirts look best when not too crazy, like the one Carlton's wearing right now. The right amount of contrasting color and uneven placement really sets this apart without making it look ridiculous. It's not surprising that streetwear brands like Durkl and menswear labels like GANT Rugger have reintroduced similar styles in their collections.

Patterned pants are awesome. Just look at how confident he looks. He knows he's the shit. Sure, today you can throw in patterns like camo, but a strong tartan like this would have made your dad proud.

The Brooks Brothers "Fun Shirt" was made from factory scraps made from different colors sewn together to make one multicolored shirts. Today, everyone from Gitman Vintage to Rugby Ralph Lauren make modern takes on the style, but here, Carlton shows how to really rock it well.

In case you don't know how to buy a suit, Carlton spells it out for you: when you need to absolutely, positively, murder everyone else in the room with your outfit, go for a double breasted tuxedo and a smart, slim bowtie. The nice watch, flat top, ring, and proper amount of smugness in the face is what makes this so epic.

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