According to Urban Dictionary, the proper definition of the verb "to smize" is "smiling with your eyes." But those already familiar with Tyra Banks — not as a person, but as a powerhouse — know that "smizing" is so much more than a squint. It's an attitude. It's a statement. It's Tyra freaking Banks in a nutshell. Never has a woman said so much with her eyes.
Discovered at the age of 15, Banks was the first African-American woman to land the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (which she nabbed twice). She was one of the OG Victoria's Secret angels. Then, in 2003, America's Next Top Model hit our screens, making us fall in love with her all over again. When she cried, we cried; when she laughed, we laughed; and when a wannabe model dared to challenge the kween, we recoiled, eyes wide, hand gently pressed to our necks in disbelief.
Today, the 42-year-old model is still every inch a goddess. But there's something about her '90s aesthetic that still captures our hearts. Click through to see some of Tyra's finest #TBT fashion moments.
At the 13th Annual Soul Train Music Awards (which sound like a pretty decent bash) Banks stunned in a slinky crystal slip and pretty much nothing else.
Photo: Getty.
Pictured here in a chic black halter top and XL hoops, Banks looks every inch the super-super model that she is.
Photo: Getty.
At the 70th Academy Awards, she rocked a strapless column dress and coordinating sash. Bring back the sash!
Photo: Getty.
Ty in a T-shirt with her name, because why not?
Photo: Getty.
Is there a more all-American girl next door than Tyra Banks in a backwards baseball cap, striped crop top, and blue jeans?
Photo: Getty.
This '60s 'do and retro shift dress get a '90s kick in the shape of some suede just-under-the-knee boots.
Photo: Getty.
Banks gives us a master class in looking too cool for the red carpet in a bohemian embroidered blouse and mom jeans.
Photo: Getty.
Holy Cow. Tyra Banks in fishnet. In the back of a limo.
Photo: Getty.
Does anybody wear a beret like Tyra does?
Photo: Getty.
Slides, a white tee, backwards cap, and Levi's. You know what they say about fashion being cyclical...
Photo: Getty.
Forget Gigi Hadid and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. We're looking to Trya's athletic leggings, chunky white trainers, and Matrix -style sunglasses for airport style inspiration.
Photo: Getty.
Hello, Ms. Banks. That eye makeup. That wet-look hair. That asymmetric gown. We kneel before you.
Photo: Getty.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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