When thinking of the fashion icons of television, Carrie Bradshaw is the first that comes to mind. Decades later, her timeless, feminine fashion still makes frequent appearances on Pinterest inspiration boards. And she’s not alone in her fashion reign. From Charlotte’s polished Park Avenue chic to Samantha’s power-dressing, the influence of Sex and the City in the world of fashion is unmatched.
It’s impossible to mention Carrie Bradshaw’s style without thinking of her insane $40,000 collection of Manolo Blahniks. It may be worth more than she’s ever spent on rent, but I think it’s worth it. The appeal of a stiletto is timeless — especially when paired with a tutu or a vintage Dior newsprint dress — when getting cocktails and gossiping with the girls. Carrie taught us that fashion isn’t about following rules through her exploration of the eclectic.
Then there’s Charlotte York, whose wardrobe is a love letter to the “Old Money” aesthetic long before it was a TikTok trend. Charlotte York’s purse collection truly lives rent-free in my mind. Even better are her basics from Ralph Lauren that never go out of style. While Carrie leans into the avant-garde, Charlotte masters the art of the elevated staple. She proves that a crisp white button-down, a headband, and a perfectly tailored A-line skirt are the ultimate weapons of a sophisticated woman.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the legendary Samantha Jones. The phrase “Samantha Jones style” immediately evokes images of power suits in neon hues and floor-length fur coats draped over plunging necklines. Whether she was scoring a Birkin for (or from) Lucy Liu or rocking oversized sunglasses, Samantha used fashion as her armor. Her style didn’t just complement her personality; it shouted it from the rooftops of Manhattan!
We also have to give credit to the “Miranda Renaissance.” For years, Miranda Hobbes’ sensible power suits and oversized blazers were largely overlooked, but the return of office wear has brought her style back into the spotlight. Miranda was the original queen of the oversized trench coat and the “cool girl” sneaker-with-a-suit combo.
Sex and the City’s stylists knew exactly what they were doing. So many outfits (Carrie’s “skin dress,” for example) are so iconic that they are known even by those who have never seen the show. They taught us that your outfit is the story you tell the world before you even open your mouth.
The world of fashion would not be the same without Carrie Bradshaw and her girlfriends. They turned the sidewalks of New York into a runway and gave us permission to be whoever we wanted to be — as long as we had the right shoes to get there.
What are your favorite Sex and the City outfits?
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