With her sharp skirt suits and (nearly) unbreakable style commandments, Whitley Gilbert quickly and easily cemented herself as a 90’s fashion icon. Bursting onto the scenes of A Different World, Whitley Gilbert (played by Jasmine Guy) injected her southern charm and her attention to femininity into her everyday wardrobe. While the average HBCU student could be seen wearing baggy jeans and cross-color shirts, Whitley pranced around campus in chic mini skirts, kitten heels, and adorable coordinating handbags to finish it all off. With such a glamorous mother, (Marion Gilbert played by the late, great Diahann Carroll), it came as no surprise that such a stylish apple fell from a stylish tree. During the show’s hayday, viewers from the late eighties and early nineties could not help but pull style inspiration from the charismatic character. And yet decades later, fashionistas can still learn such great style lessons from the ever-wise Whitley. While researching style inspiration from years past, it’s not hard to wonder “What would Whitley wear today? Where would Whitley shop?” While we are sure Whitley would still frequent her tried and true department store favorites, we would not be surprised if she was seen popping into a Zara every now and again. Especially when there have such irresistible sales – Zara’s semi-annual sale is quickly approaching. Here’s what Whitley would add to her cart!
Cross body bags were Whitley’s accessorizing essentials. This vintage-esque piece would compliment all the glitz and glam in her closet (or even a little-black-dress).
Whitley’s outerwear was impressive to say the least, performative to say the most! I’m sure she would wear this cape with matching gloves of course.
Whitley’s hair accessories were to be rivaled. You know a woman is on a mission when her hair is swept back.
Whitley lived for a good blazer! Modern-day Whitley would pair a long-line blazer with a stylish pair of pants for a sleek and professional look.
Whitley’s tailor must have been her best friend! With two-piece sets like this, Whitley will continue to be chic and sleek.
Whitley’s shoe cabinet must’ve been full of kitten heels because she had a pair that coordinated with almost every skirt suit. She would definitely rock this modern twist on the classic kitten heel.
As they are now, structured and puffy shoulders were all the rage back then!
A stickler for accessorizing, Whitley had a belt that coordinating perfectly with each and every outfit. This belt buckle screams 90’s!
When it came down to business, Whitley always made sure she looked the part! These cuffed pants would definitely be a staple in her work wardrobe.
Whitley was no stranger to showing a little skin. She would adore this little mini skirt, especially paired with a simple black turtleneck and/or a matching blazer.
