One of the best parts about watching classic episodes of the first women-dominated HBO series, Sex and the City, is appreciating the timeless yet 90’s flare style of the four main characters. These proud New York City women cherish their clothes and are always after the next best trend. Because the show was filmed in the 90’s, they wore many outfits that we wouldn’t always consider wearing today. On the flip side, there are many outfits that I have definitely wanted to snatch right through the TV from Carrie Bradshaw’s closet.
Many trends from the 90’s and early 2000’s have resurfaced today in even more chic forms. They have been modernized and worn in slightly more revealing ensembles. For example, crop tops. Carrie wore many midriff-bearing tops around NYC in the summer episodes. Today, crop tops range from shirts that are all different lengths. A play on crop tops now is tight cropped bustier-like tops, a la Leona Lewis. An ideal outfit would pair the top with a high-waisted skirt or skirt.
Another trend that we see so often on Carrie is the topknot hairstyle. She effortlessly tosses her golden curly hair on the top of her head and makes it look polished. Another trend, or staple item, found on Carrie religiously is her Christian Louboutin, Dior and Manolo Blahnik strappy sandals. This trend is definitely back (if it ever left!) and can be seen on celebrities like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian. This healed style of sandal always completes Carrie’s outfits and feeds her shoe shopping addiction. Finally, each of the ladies in Sex and the City perfects the LDB: little black dress. Carrie wears black bandage dresses, Samantha throws on slinky black numbers, Miranda masters the LDB with sleeves and Charlotte captures the A-line style.
Each episode of SATC I watch inspires me to channel Carrie in some way. She makes you want to take fashion risks. She epitomizes the fast-paced yet put together style of city women around the world. We can all take tips and tricks from her character as she transitions from day to night looks on the show. Though there are some styles that we hope to not see again until they’ve been completely re-vamped, like her hair bandanas and fanny packs, Carrie has always been spot-on with her style.
Patricia Field, the costume designer of the HBO show, became very well known from creating the dynamic, unique styles of the four main characters. She was known to create outfits by mixing designer pieces with thrift shop and bargain bin items. This would keep their outfits interesting and add some New York flare. Ms. Field found the $5 tulle tutu in a bargain bin that was worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the show’s opening credits. She decided to use it because it was timeless and would be chic years after the show ended. This was definitely a smart choice by Ms. Field because the show is still as popular as ever and impacts a whole new generation. Ms. Field told Emmy TV Legends in an interview years later about the tulle tutu and t-shit outfit in the opening credits that, “it’s logic, not fashion.”
Photo credits:
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http://fashionablepeople.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/topknot.jpg
http://www.azarialamode.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/carrie-bradhsaw-crop-top.jpg
http://adammnevee.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/20120814-202105.jpg
http://jcherne.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/sex_and_the_city.jpg