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And Just Like That – Recreating Iconic Sex and the City Outfits

11-10-2022   


Since its first appearance over two decades ago, Sex and the City has become one of the most popular shows in the world. After six seasons and nearly 100 episodes, fans still praise how mature themes such as femininity, sexuality (including safe sex and casual flings), relationships and female friendship were handled. The original main cast comprises four women whose friendship endures through the years despite their often starkly opposing natures and views. In 2020, a revival and sequel titled And Just Like That was announced, then renewed for a second season as of March 2022. 

The series’ enduring appeal lies in how it blends seriousness and escapism. While discussing important themes, it has also provided a safe haven to which you can escape after a long and stressful day. Cocktail parties and endlessly changing love interests are so strongly associated with the series that you don’t even need to have watched Sex and the City to know it. And there’s another factor to it: the fashion. 

Getting outfit inspiration from your favourite shows is nothing new. After all, it can be difficult to come up with creative ideas all the time, and shows help provide a fast answer to the eternal “What should I wear today”? dilemma. Perhaps there’s no other show whose stylish footsteps you should follow more readily than Sex and the City. There’s perhaps no other show whose stylish footsteps you should follow more readily into than Sex and the City. It’s just so easy to live in tracksuit bottoms, t-shirts and workout wear. And there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you want to spice things up a little bit and feel a little fancier, here are some outfits you can try to recreate. 

Carrie Bradshaw 

Perhaps the most fashionable member of the bunch, Carrie’s outfits are iconic because they are timeless without feeling stuffy or stiff. Carrie has long been considered one of the most fashionable fictional characters, so taking a page out of her book can only turn out well. Carrie’s style is eclectic and maximalist. She doesn’t shy away from being creative with her styling or stepping out of her comfort zone. Her style is so heterogenous that you might even argue if there’s any definitive comfort zone at all. At one point in the series, she claims to have spent no less than $40,000 only on shoes yet had nowhere to live at the moment. And while that is certainly not a financially sound decision to make, there are other ways to incorporate Carrie’s trademark pieces into your wardrobe. 

Tulle skirts are one of the most iconic pieces you can try if you haven’t stopped thinking about that opening credits scene since you first saw it. A classic baguette bag, ideally in a bold colour like Carrie’s vibrant purple one, can be a statement piece for the simplest outfit. It’s the perfect piece to carry all your essentials, from cards to large condoms and skincare products to hand sanitiser and a portable charger. 

The soft pink floral dress from series three or the blue-striped shirt dress are also important pieces if you want to get that Carrie vibe, like wearing monogrammed or personalised jewellery. If you’re feeling daring, you might even want to try the now-infamous croissant dress. And, of course, you can’t omit the heels. Carrie’s favourite Manolo Blahnik’s may be too much for some budgets, but there are many more affordable options to look chic without draining your bank account. 

Samantha Jones

Samantha is the epitome of power dressing. She was a fan of bold colours, clashing prints, shoulder pads and bodycon dresses. She didn’t shy away from being the centre of attention and was daring and confident in her choices. If you’ve often felt self-conscious about what opinion the rest of the world might have about how you choose to get dressed, this might just be your sign to ignore the voice of self-conscious doubts and set yourself free. 

The next time you want to go all the way and be festive and inspire self-assuredness at the same time, go for a sequin mini dress and pair it with high-heeled, knee-high boots. This outfit is guaranteed to turn heads at any party. But, if you want to bring the same energy into the office, look no further than the bright pink suit Samantha wears with a strappy heel. Animal prints and feathers will also complete the quintessential Samantha look, especially when paired with earrings or necklaces. 

Charlotte York 

Charlotte is the most traditionally feminine of the group. Every one of her outfits has a classic and preppy air about it, and if you’re a girly girl, she will be the perfect inspo for you. Go for frocks and tailored jackets, particularly in pastel colours. Charlotte’s wardrobe is the place for you if you’re a fan of baby blues and pinks. 

You can’t go wrong with a flowy, ombre slip dress for the summer. A cable-knit jumper will do just nicely when the colder season rolls in. And who can forget that incredible burgundy and fuchsia blend shearling aviator jacket? Certainly not us, and probably not you either. And if you’re thinking about what you should wear for a smarter occasion, like a business dinner, a belted dress with crisp, clear lines is just the thing. Add delicate silver or diamond jewellery, and you’re ready to go. 

Miranda Hobbes 

When you start the series, it seems that Miranda is the least interested member of the close-knit gang regarding sartorial choices. Nothing could be further from the truth. While in the beginning, she did favour a more tomboyish look, based on oversized fits, dungarees and hoodies, as the series progresses, her style changed as well. Funnily enough, if the show were made today, Miranda’s more laid-back fashion would have been the most well-received. 

Her style actually shows that you don’t have to compromise on comfort just because you want to look cute. Also, there’s no problem with not conforming to rules and norms if they don’t fit you. Miranda herself wore a velvet suit the day she walked down the aisle. Blazers are a must-have if you want to channel your inner Miranda, as are heels. Just make sure they’re not very high and, therefore, more impractical. A tote bag is also the perfect choice. After all, Miranda is a working mother and needs to carry many things around. 

Regardless of the style that fits you best, remember to wear it with confidence. That’s one of the most important lessons from Sex and the City.

Intro image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/2_tjJJqsZms 

Street style image by Sherion Mullings




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