One of the most influential and pioneering TV shows turned 18 this week and what better way to celebrate than a deep look into the style of the show’s heroine?
Sex & The City helped push boundaries for women, men and the LGBT scene way before Lena Dunham and her GIRLS crew hit the scene. The OR girl squad consisted of at least one personality to match yours or your BFFs. Either that or you figured out (after a few bevvies) that you were totally a mix of Carrie and Miranda and your mate was Samantha with a bit of Charlotte when hungover.
As annoying as Carrie Bradshaw could be, her outfits nearly always hit the mark and ended up spawning entire trends. The show’s stylist Patricia Field made Carrie the one to watch in SATC thanks to a mass of flamboyant, fun and frivolous looks.
It might be a whole 18 years since SATC crashed onto our telly screens but we are definitely still feeling Bradshaw’s vibe.
(BTW, we’re skilfully avoiding any SATC movie refs because, well, you know.)
SATC's Carrie Bradshaw's Style Tricks
SATC 18th birthday - Carrie Bradshaw Style (heat)
1 of 11carrie bradshaw satc sex and the city style fashion sarah jessica parker
Every girl needs a jaw-dropping coat to throw on. This lace cami dress (majorly on-trend now, btw) got a serious amping thanks to the added addition of that cover up.
2 of 11carrie bradshaw satc sex and the city style fashion sarah jessica parker
3 of 11carrie bradshaw satc sex and the city style fashion sarah jessica parker
A huge part of Carrie’s outfit success was down to the accessories she packed. Vintage gold belts helped cinch flowery dresses; old school aviator shades perked up a simple vest dress; THAT nameplate necklace was literally everything.
4 of 11carrie bradshaw satc sex and the city style fashion sarah jessica parker
5 of 11carrie bradshaw satc sex and the city style fashion sarah jessica parker
She might have been all about the lacy frocks but Carrie was a traditionalist when it came to her undies. She slept in men’s pants and wore giant ones under her party dresses. Sensible. And strangely attractive.
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7 of 11carrie bradshaw satc sex and the city style fashion sarah jessica parker
In 2001 Carrie Bradshaw clashed prints without a care in the world. Patterns don’t complement each other? Whatever. Colours totally different? Yep. The neutral tee and heels kept her from looking too nutty.
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Doing undies as outies in the best possible way by teaming a lacy top with a cosy knit and jeans. Top marks for the contrasting bra, too.
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Bradshaw pulled off ladylike without looking lame. A laidback hair ‘do, sexed-up heels and major jewellery helped.
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Another trick she employed was to team a sexy piece (e.g., a sheer top) with something basic (e.g., cargo shorts) and skyscraper heels.
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The final outfit was everything we dreamed of any more. Strutting through her beloved city on the phone to Mr Big, Carrie’s look was OTT in every way. Netted petticoats, furs, prints, neon pink and heels – this was Carrie in a fabulous nutshell.
Now take a look at the lessons we've learned from these trends that should NEVER have happened: