Style Swap With 5 Black Fictional Fashionista's

By: Krystal Bailey

If I could swap styles with 5 fictional fashionita's I'd swap with...

Justice

Everyone, if not, most people, have heard of the phenomenon poetic justice braids – the fad that has grown and lasted through the years, inspired by the beautiful Justice of the movie Poetic Justice. Just as it did to some people, Justice’s style has left a lasting impression on me. Besides her famous snapback and high pony-tail, her street-style has influenced me to hunt through department stores for her Harlem-inspired wear. Out of all her looks, my favorite has to be the high-waisted, baggy jeans outfit she wore with a black, long sleeve crop-top, creating a simple but edgy look.

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Ashley Banks

Ashley Banks has done more than warm hearts on the show The Fresh Prince of Bel-air. Her no-style style had to have been inspirational to the many teen girls who watched her. I admire that she managed to stay with the times – following up on the hippest trends – and let off a sexy, cool vibe. I have always looked to her for inspiration on my next wardrobe addition. Her floral mini dress that she wore with white knee-high socks has especially inspired the purchase of one of my favorite dresses.

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True Jackson VP

True Jackson’s style is playful, but sophisticated, just like her personality. I was not always a fan of incorporating color into my wardrobe, having the fear of looking tacky. However, watching Jackson and her ability to pull off the bubbly scheme, on the show True Jackson, VP, changed my perspective on utilizing color and fun patterns. The high-spirited vibe that I received from Jackson’s wardrobe motivated me to add a little more pizzazz to my choice of wear, while still being able to maintain a refined charm, just as she managed to do.

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Joan Clayton

Girlfriends’ Joan Clayton, or as I like to describe her as the black Carrie Bradshaw, had to have been the chicest African American woman. She definitely knows how to show off her assets modestly in clothing that reflects, who I would think, is a powerful woman who has confidence and believes in herself. Witnessing her playful, yet, graceful sense of style leaves me drooling for a chance to walk in her shoes, (or better yet – stilettos) and get a taste of what it’s like to rock beautiful clothing. Her name is at the top of my list when it comes to fashion inspiration.

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Olivia Pope

You can spot Olivia Pope’s individual style within her choice of wear – it’s obvious that she loves neutral colors, which is no problem because it seems that neutral colors love her, too, with the way they beautifully complement her ebony skin tone. Her sense of style is the definition of elegance and class, blending couture with business attire. I find her fashion choice admirable; her closet must be to die for. Just like Pope, I, too, prefer colors within the neutral palette. Her sophisticated sense of style is a replica of the woman that I would like to be – classy and polished.