Life and Style’s writer Ellen Campbell reflects on Sarah Jessica Parker’s most iconic looks in celebration of the star’s sixtieth birthday
And just like that, Sarah Jessica Parker is 60. What better way to celebrate than by revisiting Carrie’s most unforgettable fashion moments.
SJP is, without a doubt, one of the most influential style icons of our time. Since Sex and the City’s premiere in 1998, SJP has been the catalyst for a number of fashion trends and iconic eras. SJP’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, combines stunning pieces with eye-catching accessories, and styles them with unwavering confidence. I mean, who else could strut through the streets of Manhattan, effortlessly dodging taxis and sidewalk grates, whilst wearing six-inch heels?
“I mean, who else could strut through the streets of Manhattan, effortlessly dodging taxis and sidewalk grates, whilst wearing six-inch heels?
When reflecting upon some of Carrie’s most iconic looks throughout Sex and the City, one that immediately comes to mind is her outfit from the opening title sequence. Carrie wears a pink vest top, paired with a gorgeous white tutu and strappy heels. This look is quintessentially Carrie, and fans have, and will, be re-creating it for decades.
Another one of Carrie’s infamous pieces is her beautiful newspaper mini dress. Designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior, the unique slip dress is one of the ‘rarest and most coveted garments in the fashion world.’ First appearing in season three of SATC, the Carrie dress also appears in the second Sex and the City film. This illustrates how timeless the garment is, and is a testament to the longevity of Carrie’s immaculate style.
One of my personal favourite looks is Carrie’s beautiful Richard Tyler summer dress. The pink and cream floral midi dress is the epitome of feminine fashion, and fits SJP like a glove. I only wish it could’ve had more screen time, as the dress’ debut is cut short when Carrie falls into Central Park’s boating pond.
https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/carrie-bradshaw-newspaper-print-dior-dress-sale
https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/best-carrie-bradshaw-outfits-satc
Another undeniably Carrie-esque look, is her DKNY ‘naked dress.’ Carrie wears her legendary pale peach slip dress on a date with Mr Big in season one, however the dress is arguably more famous for appearing on buses all over New York City, particularly the one in the title sequence. SJP herself wore the dress to the 1997 Vogue Fashion Awards, and her choice of nude strappy sandals and lack of jewellery illustrates the ‘peak 90s minimalism’ of the ‘barely there ensemble.’
One standout Carrie outfit is her satin emerald Vivienne Westwood mini skirt, with a tulle bustle at the back. The skirt is paired with a fitted white button-down shirt, and cherry red stilettos. The look is beautifully eccentric, and as ever, SJP makes it work.
I cannot write this article without addressing Carrie’s ultimate ‘revenge’ dress, worn when she bumps into Mr Big leaving his engagement brunch outside the Plaza. The white bias-cut Dior slip dress is the perfect balance between sultry and sleek, and she pairs it with her precious Carrie necklace and nude mules. If you ever want to make a man rethink his decisions, this is the outfit to wear.
Sex and the City, the 2008 movie, provided us with one of the most gut-wrenching scenes in television history. Carrie beats Mr Big with her flower bouquet after he leaves her at the altar, and despite the tears, she looks fabulous doing so. Carrie’s Vivienne Westwood wedding gown, paired with white satin heels and the infamous bird headpiece, is undoubtedly the most iconic of all her ensembles. So iconic in fact, that it returned for HBO original series And Just Like That, in which Carrie wore the ensemble to the Met Gala, accessorised with a teal cape.
https://www.byrdie.com/carrie-bradshaw-outfits-8634648
https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/carrie-bradshaw-vivienne-westwood-wedding-dress
Carrie’s street style is undoubtedly distinguished, she turns simple pieces into red carpet worthy outfits as she struts the streets of Manhattan. For instance, Carrie often takes seemingly everyday items, such as a white tank top or blue jeans, and elevates them with bold accessories. Some of my favourite accessories include her Fendi baguette bag, pink snakeskin knee high boots, and countless statement necklaces. These items add a flair to her outfits and make them extraordinarily unique.
“Carrie often takes seemingly everyday items, such as a white tank top or blue jeans, and elevates them with bold accessories.
Arguably Carrie’s most renowned accessory is her fur coat, a statement piece that accompanies Carrie throughout numerous seasons. Whether Carrie pairs it with a little black dress and sunglasses, or red checkered trousers and a pink shirt, the fur coat remains integral to the outfit.
Both SJP and Carrie have contributed to the world of fashion in phenomenal ways. Carrie’s distinctive and quirky style has inspired many of us to be more adventurous with our outfits and has provided us with a newfound appreciation for everyday fashion. It’s almost impossible to narrow it down to just a few favourite outfits, but I think these are the ones that sum up SJP’s glorious Carrie.
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