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Cynthia Nixon as “Miranda Hobbes,” Sarah Jessica Parker as “Carrie Bradshaw,” Kristin Davis as “Charlotte York.”
Cynthia Nixon as “Miranda Hobbes,” Sarah Jessica Parker as “Carrie Bradshaw,” Kristin Davis as “Charlotte York.”
HBO Max
Style > Fashion

How to make Carrie Bradshaw your spring style icon!

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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Vic chapter.

And just like that…Carrie returned to our screens with her unique fashion sense, taste for accessories and bright-toned palette. From the Versace wedding gown to that newspaper dress, the show’s wardrobe has become as big of a pop culture phenomenon as its racy subject matter and refreshing portrayal of female friendship. No matter your opinion on the revival (and that Samantha subplot), Carrie Bradshaw remains an enduring style inspiration due to her whimsical and stunning outfits. Use Carrie’s wardrobe to re-inspire you, and find the joy in “dressing up” this spring.

Frills and fineries.

Carrie’s look is elegant and pretty and sometimes seems  better suited to a garden party than the rain-soaked urban streets of Manhattan. Spring opens up the perfect opportunity to incorporate more delicate styles; think soft, layered fabrics with ruffles. Think of decorative silhouettes like the original credits’ ballerina-style tutu and show off your lovely pins (SJP style) with this organza skirt. Light, flowy tea dresses give a fantasy “vacay in the Hamptons” vibe, even if that’s not your reality.

https://www.asos.com/us/asos-design/asos-design-drape-detail-midi-dress-in-textured-chiffon-with-tie-detail/prd/22503424?affid=25595&_CjwKCAiA6seQBhAfEiwAvPqu17BQmwB3oCzYZjFWWtI6myPJEcQ2l_uRqWFXmCVxOofvukRZK1dKNxoCHVQQAvD_BwE&channelref=product+search&ppcadref=10447930469%7C103942460139%7Cpla-293946777986&gclid=CjwKCAiA6seQBhAfEiwAvPqu17BQmwB3oCzYZjFWWtI6myPJEcQ2l_uRqWFXmCVxOofvukRZK1dKNxoCHVQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-organza-midi-prom-skirt-in-floral-print/prd/200264546?clr=multi&colourWayId=200264547&SearchQuery=print+skirt

Spaghetti straps and slips.

Carrie’s silhouette tends to be slinky, sleek and suited to SJP’s petite frame. She favors a slip dress that is body skimming rather than hugging, embracing the naughty 90s ‘underwear-as-outerwear’ trend. Adopt this look by going for light, iridescent or translucent fabrics, such as satin or silk blends that drape softly away from the body. If you prefer not to show off your chest, consider layering camisoles or bralettes under blazers and balancing out with a wide-leg pant. 

https://www.asos.com/us/asos-design/asos-design-cami-maxi-slip-dress-in-high-shine-satin-with-lace-up-back-in-black/prd/14917941?clr=black&colourWayId=16654655&cid=50041

Dare to use clashes and prints.

Keep the 90s feeling alive while channeling your inner Carrie with these cute spring dresses from Cider. Summer and spring lend themselves to a brighter, sunnier color palette while leaving room for some tactical layering. Carrie never shies away from prints, mixing them with bright block colors or even layering clashing patterns together.

https://www.shopcider.com/product/detail?pid=1013166&style_id=113151&gaListId=100&gaListName=Feeling%2520Dreamy&ciderListId=2&ciderListName=Feeling%20Dreamy&selectSkuIndex=0&moduleTitle=1&shopPage=1&shopIndex=15&navTitle=Feeling%2520Dreamy&navId=100&listSource=product_list-1215%3Bcollection_100%3B1-0-3&listSort=&listId=100&listAttribute=&operationContent=Feeling%20Dreamy&operationId=product_list_category&operationpageTitle=product_list&operationPosition=1-0-3&operationType=category&productPosition=16

https://www.shopcider.com/product/detail?pid=1013074&style_id=113055&gaListId=100&gaListName=Feeling%2520Dreamy&ciderListId=2&ciderListName=Feeling%20Dreamy&selectSkuIndex=0&moduleTitle=1&shopPage=5&shopIndex=96&navTitle=Feeling%2520Dreamy&navId=100&listSource=product_list-1215%3Bcollection_100%3B1-0-3&listSort=&listId=100&listAttribute=&operationContent=Feeling%20Dreamy&operationId=product_list_category&operationpageTitle=product_list&operationPosition=1-0-3&operationType=category&productPosition=97

Classic accessories with a playful twist.

You are never fully dressed without your accessories and Carrie is known for her decorative style. She puts her signature mark on outfits with avant-garde fascinators, berets, flower brooches or accent accessories in bold colors like greens, hot pinks and turquoises throughout the show.

Yet she just as frequently perfects her look with more classical silver chains, pearl earrings and the delicate butterfly or flower pendants. Who can forget the now-iconic “Carrie” pendant?

Dress up by pairing your favorite looks with silver or gold chains and jewelry from your high street or drugstore. 

https://www.forever21.ca/products/6041-63845287-butterfly-bobby-pin-set?variant=41721742000281

https://www.asos.com/topshop/topshop-retro-style-sunglasses-pink/prd/200338821?clr=tortoise&colourWayId=200338827&cid=30173

Pair vintage with haute couture.

Delightfully unrealistic for a freelance journalist in Manhattan, Carrie is no stranger to luxury labels, yet she also blends these with charming vintage pieces like 50s petticoats or 20s flapper dresses. If the dress-up scene in the SATC movie is anything to go by, Carrie is not afraid to keep old favorites, creating a fictional treasure trove of beloved classics to step out in at any time. Try scouring your local consignment stores for unique pieces, or try an online reseller like Poshmark or Thredup to find labels at an affordable price mark.

https://poshmark.ca/listing/Kate-Spade-Large-WristletClutch-5fcc1f99bcdb2f83578a29d6

Make a statement with light spring coats.

While Carrie’s wardrobe is decidedly more suited to a sunny climate and evening dress, we all know this doesn’t line up with the windy Manhattan climate of her beloved NYC. On the rare occasions that she dons a coat, it tends to be a long-line, lapelled jacket. Think of a tailored trench stretching down to the knee and thrown over the shoulders while you hail a yellow cab. Try a printed jacket or statement color a-la Carrie’s floral trench to keep in tune with spring’s light and fresh palette. 

https://www.zara.com/ca/en/warm-wool-premium-coat-p02283747.html?v1=150504177&v2=2024686

https://www.therealreal.com/products/women/clothing/coats/maison-alma-linen-floral-print-coat-a9myn?sid=pxogmz&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=shopping&cvosrc=cse.google.google&cvo_crid=550196048573&gclid=CjwKCAiA6seQBhAfEiwAvPqu1yTnqjBYRNWi0O93D0T53koboixkNtnfVu5CN4v6t55furbyyXMqGRoCzhIQAvD_BwE

Sarah is a 27 year old MA Art History and Visual Studies student at Uvic. She loves writing about art, film and music. When she's not busy blogging or studying she loves to dance, practise yoga, visit galleries and cook yummy vegetarian food!