If I were to try my hand at analysing the reasons why Sex and the City still holds so much sway over our wardrobes, I’d say it’s because, thanks to Patricia Field’s genius styling, the outfits remain incredibly relevant. No matter how long ago the show started and ended, there are plenty of great looks that hold up today. As a huge fan of the show, I still remember some of the best looks from the six seasons. That’s how groundbreaking I found the fashion.
While I loved all the characters, it was Carrie’s fashion-forward style that influenced my teenage and early-20s wardrobe. From trying to hunt down my own name necklace to being persuaded to wear a bum bag, Carrie’s style continues to help me be more adventurous with my own wardrobe. But it’s not just about Carrie. Charlotte’s preppy outfits were always well put together and super polished. Miranda’s corporate attire was minimalist perfection, and Samantha’s daring and sassy wardrobe was always spectacular.
In an interview with Vogue in 2018, Field said, “The girls were described to me, and it was interesting because the only one who wasn’t communicated clearly to me was Carrie. She was the one who sort of developed over time. The other three you could describe, and an image was conjured, but Carrie evolved, working together with Sarah Jessica Parker.”
While we’ve got more looks to come with And Just Like That…, the show’s reboot,I’ve detailed some of my favourite SATC looks of all time. Keep scrolling for more.
Season: six. Style Notes: This Oscar de la Renta gown really packs a punch. When Carrie tells Aleksandr Petrovsky that she loves the dress, he decides to buy it for her. Not only does she wear it to the ballet, but she also wears it in McDonalds.
Season: three. Style Notes: For me, this is when Carrie really hits her stride style-wise. It’s the simple white top with the oversized flower broach and the sleek pink trousers topped off with the Dior Saddle Bag.
Season: three. Style Notes: Designed by Richard Tyler, this floral dress looked incredible on. However, it soon met a wet ending as Big and Carrie tumble into a lake.
Season: four. Style Notes: Shout-out to Charlotte York-Goldenblatt for being so ahead of the bucket-hat trend. While she’s not always one to push it when it comes to fashion, here, she’s gone for something a little different, something more laid-back than her usual preppy style. Of course, it wouldn’t be Charlotte without it being pink and pretty.
Season: three. Style Notes: Those with a photographic memory of SATC outfits will remember immediately which scene this dress was featured in. It’s the one where Carrie gets stuck on a boat with Big. While she’s with Aidan and Big is married to Natasha, this is the trip (and outfit) that arguably kicks off their affair.
Season: six. Style Notes: While all the dresses in SATC tend to be pretty memorable, this one is incredibly special, as it’s the dress Carrie’s wearing when Big finally realises how much she means to him and goes to find her in Paris. Also note how it echoes the pink tutu dress in the opening credits of the show.
Season: six. Style Notes: The velvet! The satin! This is when Carrie’s outfits felt super riche. There were fewer thrift-shop dresses mixed with high-end pieces and more very expensive pieces all around. This felt like a real grown-up’s wardrobe.
Season: three . Style Notes: Let us not forget the other characters’ style. True, Carrie’s wardrobe does stand out the most, but Miranda’s quietly chic pieces deserve an honorable mention, too.
Season: three. Style Notes: There’s something about Carrie’s knitted minidress that feels so 2021.
Season: six. Style Notes: Another grown-up look from Carrie in season six. This long, black, double-breasted coat is incredibly elegant, but there’s a nod to the more flamboyant Ms. Bradshaw with the leopard-print cuffs.
Season: six. Style Notes: This outfit has two parts to it. The top is easy, accessible and pretty. The bottom is trend-led and fun.
Season: four. Style Notes: While Carrie’s outfit is great here, I’m really looking at Samantha’s colour-block ensemble. The cowl-neck halter might feel a bit dated, but the bold colours are very 2021.
Season: six. Style Notes: If there’s one dress I think about a lot, it’s this tasseled frock Carrie wears for her first date with the Russian. It’s when Carrie stops over-accessorising and starts letting her outfits do all the talking.
Season: six. Style Notes: I like this look because it’s quintessentially Carrie. The nightie over jeans plus a bolero cardi is perfection. There are also the OTT shoes, and to finish, there’s a bold accessory. Never change, Carrie.
Next up, these are the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know.
