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Will Smith’s Style Evolution, From the 1980s to Now

Will Smith’s Style Evolution, From the 1980s to Now

As we enjoy the success of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die," let’s look back at the style evolution of one of Hollywood's biggest stars

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Image for article titled Will Smith’s Style Evolution, From the 1980s to Now
Photo: NBCU Photo Bank (Getty Images)

Despite Will Smith becoming a controversial figure because of the infamous Oscars slap, the “Bad Boys” star is still a beloved actor to Black folks. “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is a summer hit and Smith is promoting the movie like the movie star he always has been.

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With that in mind, let’s take a look back at his style evolution, from “Fresh Prince” to “Bad Boys.”

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1980s

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Photo: Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives (Getty Images)

Prior to becoming a star on the big screen, Will Smith was a hip-hop star as a part of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. As you can see, his style was much more flashy, befitting of a rap star trying to sell millions of records.

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1980s

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Photo: Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives (Getty Images)

One thing Will is always going to do is rep his city, so it’s no surprise he’s rocking a Philadelphia Sixers cap.

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1980s

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Photo: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection (Getty Images)

Will could clean up, too. Just look at this dapper outfit from his appearance at the 1989 American Music Awards.

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1980s

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Photo: MPIRock/MediaPunch (Getty Images)

The Fresh Prince cleaned up nicely again here during his appearance at the 1989 VMA Awards.

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1990s

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Photo: Chris Cuffaio/NBCU Photo Bank (Getty Images)

When millennials think about Smith’s style, this may be the first image that comes to mind. Backward hat, colorful clothing, and Jordan 5s with no laces.

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1990s

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Photo: Harry Langdon (Getty Images)

It was the 90s. Baggy clothes and baggy suits were all the rage. The star opted to go for a more colorful suit to make this look pop.

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S1990s

Image for article titled Will Smith’s Style Evolution, From the 1980s to Now
Photo: Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection (Getty Images)

Will could make anything look cool. He’s still fly despite looking like he’s about to go hiking.

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1990s

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Photo: Bob Riha, Jr (Getty Images)

Like the previous photo, if Will was going to show up in a baggy suit, it’s going to be flashy.

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2000s

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Photo: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage (Getty Images)

Although he was a family man at this point, he could still tap into his street style, as seen by this outfit above with his family on the red carpet.

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2000s

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Photo: Giovanni Rufino/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal (Getty Images)

Will Smith could always clean up with the best of them. He went for a nice, classic, clean-shaven look here with a timeless tuxedo.

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2000s

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Photo: Elisabetta Villa (Getty Images)

Burgundy suit jackets aren’t for everyone. But Smith seems to tie the look together with a Black turtleneck and purple scarf.

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2000s

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Photo: Frazer Harrison (Getty Images)

The late 2000s were an interesting time in fashion. It’s when celebrities start to mix streetwear with casual and formal wear. The above outfit is a perfect example of this, as Will is seen wearing Jordans with an otherwise casual look.

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2010s

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Photo: BORIS HORVAT/AFP (Getty Images)

In support of his son Jaden’s starring role in, “The Karate Kid,” Will Smith looked sharp in a striped shirt and black blazer at the Paris premiere of the 2010 film.

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2010s

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Photo: Bennett Raglin/BET (Getty Images)

Looking debonair in this 2015 photograph, Will Smith continued to rock those colorful suits, just like he did in the mid-1990s.

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2010s

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Photo: Kevork Djansezian/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal (Getty Images)

A classic tuxedo always gets the job done on the red carpet, but not man actors pull it off as good as Will.

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2010s

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Photo: Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Twentieth Century Fox (Getty Images)

Nearing the end of the 2010s, Will started to take more risks with his style. Just look at this fit with the loud trench coat and leather pants. It works.

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2020s

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Photo: Emma McIntyre (Getty Images)

At the beginning of the 2020s, Will Smith started to take even more chances with this style. Not only is this tailored suit unique for the star, but the choice he made with his facial hair is also different for Will.

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2020s

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Photo: Alberto Rodriguez/Peacock/NBCU Photo Bank (Getty Images)

This is a dapper fit Will effortlessly perfects with this burgundy turtleneck and burnt orange jacket. Can’t say he stands out as much as Jaden and Jada, though.

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2020s

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Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic (Getty Images)

This most recent outfit during the premiere of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” may be the most daring look on this entire list. And of course, Will pulls it off well.

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2020s

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Photo: Manny Hernandez (Getty Images)

Will Smith embodied his “Bad Boys” character Mike Lowry in this fit and truly looks like a fresh officer running the streets of Miami

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