A style icon to the masses, if you've ever wondered how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw, you've come to the right place. With a new season of 'And Just Like That', Carrie's exceptional fashion choices are back on our radar and we've compiled a guide of how to copy her looks.
Carrie Bradshaw has been a fashion force to be reckoned with ever since she first stepped onto our screens back in 1999. Setting the latest fashion trends rather than following them, Carrie Bradshaw's closet has long dictated what will rise in popularity, with many of her favorite designer shoes and bags still much revered after their time on the show.
The show's original series was masterfully sourced and styled by costume designer Patricia Field, with Carrie Bradshaw's clothing becoming one of the defining features of Sex and the City, influencing a generation. Today, the show's costume department is headed up by Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago, and Carrie's wardrobe is no less iconic. While Carrie might be too eclectic to exercise an over 50s capsule wardrobe, watching the star's style mature, continues to serve as a new source of inspiration to shoppers everywhere.
How to dress like Carrie Bradshaw
Selecting just a handful of Carrie Bradshaw's best fashion moments is no easy task, but there are a few looks that stand out in our minds, as pivotal ensembles that made us want to learn how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw.
Effortlessly mixing colors, textures, prints and styles, Carrie's outfits are a masterclass in fashion-forward dressing, and even no, Carrie's looks remain ground-breaking. Our fashion experts have scoured the internet to bring you the ultimate guide on how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw.
1. Carrie's Timeless Tulle Skirt
When we think of how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw, the first thing that comes to mind is a statement tulle skirt. Her iconic short tutu, which Carrie is seen wearing in the Sex and the City opening credits, became a defining piece that has been frequently revisited by the character throughout the years - and even cropped up in the first season of And Just Like That with a more mature restyle. Carrie, an over-50s fashion icon is a stark reminder that favorite statement pieces can live on your closet with some clever restyling.
Despite the belief that you need to be brave to wear a tutu, this voluminous skirt is surprisingly versatile. From what to wear to a wedding to how to wear ruffles, a tulle skirt can be styled with hundreds of different essentials to create a show-stopping look that works every time. Dress it down with a sweater or tee and pair of trainers for a smart casual outfit idea, or dress it up with a silky camisole or blouse.
RRP: $140 / £99 | This chic skirt is a perfect example of how you can dress down a tutu style to work for every day. The epitome of how to dress simple but stylish, this skirt will instantly elevate the most basic of ensembles. Alternatively, wear it with a floaty blouse and dressy flats for more formal occasions.
RRP: $39.95 / £29.95 | A Breton top is a timeless classic, but it wouldn't tick the how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw without a little added flare. This colorful version will liven up your wardrobe effortlessly and can be styled with everything from the best jeans to chic Quiet Luxury handbags.
RRP: $66 / £38 | Channel the coastal cowgirl trend with these western ankle boots in the same color scheme and pointed shape as Carrie's. With a slightly lower heel that is more wearable for day-to-day, these cowboy-inspired boots are the perfect way to nail Carrie Bradshaw's enviable style.
2. Carrie's Floral Midi Dress
Fans of SATC will remember this iconic dress - or rather, they will remember when it got soaked through as Carrie fell into the boating pond at Central Park. Made by designer Richard Tyler for his Resort collection in 2001, it is a true vintage piece that is just as lust-worthy today as it was when Carrie first sported it, thanks to the timelessness of floral prints.
From what to wear to Wimbledon to wedding guest dresses, this is a style that will take you through all summer occasions. We love the asymmetric cut and ruffled hem that sets this apart from all the other best midi dresses out there, whilst the semi-sheer texture keeps things light and soft.
RRP: $129 / £280 | With an almost identical shape to Carrie's gorgeous dress, this strappy midi will emulate the star's style effortlessly. Ruffles have cropped up throughout the summer fashion trends of 2023, making this a brilliant on-trend purchase that will stand the test of time.
RRP: $49.90 / £35.99 | Heels are a major part of the shoe trends 2023, so it's worth investing in a pair that will work with everything. Carrie balanced out her statement dress with a pair of clear mules to let the print do the talking, and this particular shoe style will come in handy for any dressy event.
RRP: $121 / £65 | With so many of the same elements as Carrie's designer dress, this affordable option is a purchase we can't resist. A gorgeous mother of the bride outfit, it can be accessorized with a pink mini handbag and dainty necklace in true Bradshaw style.
3. Carrie's Pant Suit
A pant suit has become the back bone of many occasion and workwear wardrobes, offering a polished finish when you need it most. If you really want to learn how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw, forget everything you know about classical styling and experiment with layering different patterns and textures. A fantastic alternative to the best cocktail dresses, this white ensemble solves the problem of what to wear to the races with items you will get wear out of for years to come.
Tuxedos for women can be worn so many different ways, and we're obsessed with this waistcoat outfit that is just the right balance of modern and timeless. But the key to a Carrie-approved ensemble is well-fitted pants that stop just at the right part of the ankle. To ensure you get the look, make friends with your local tailor, they can term the simplest item into a wardrobe staple that exudes Stealth Wealth. Ankle grazing pants give the opportunity to show off footwear, something we're sure Carrie would approve of, and also echo the slender fit of a tailored pant.
RRP: $259 / £129 | This linen version of Carrie's suit is bang on trend for this year, bringing in a tailored silhouette with a relaxed linen texture that will keep you cool. Dress down with the best white trainers for a smart-casual office ready look, or style with black heels for evening soirees or cocktail parties.
RRP: $299 / £149 | Linen trousers are a summer capsule wardrobe essential, so you can justify investing in a slightly more premium pair. Master how to style linen pants for work with this foolproof outfit that will see you through the season in unmatched style.
RRP: $43.99 / £25 | Made from pure cotton, this light and breezy shirt can be worn for the office or as a beach cover-up on vacation. It has a longline fit that is slightly baggy, so we recommend sizing down to copy Carrie's form-fitting look and tuck your shirt into the waistband of your pants.
4. Carrie's Naked Dress
It has been 26 years since Carrie Bradshaw first wore the 'naked dress', and it is still one of the most talked about outfits from SATC. Featured in season 1 episode 6, the mini dress is a point of huge discussion between the characters, and it caused the same stir with viewers. Sarah Jessica Parker loved the piece so much that she opted to wear it to the 1997 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards, and the slip dress silhouette remains a key '90s fashion trend that is still much loved today.
Although this seems like quite a daring choice, there are so many ways you can channel this 'barely there' look without feeling too exposed or out of your comfort zone, and nailing how to wear a slip dress will unlock a whole new level in your wardrobe. Start by considering what to wear over a dress and also think about how you can incorporate neutral fleshy tones into your wardrobe through other means, such as with accessories or outerwear.
RRP: $78 / £78 | This longer slip dress can easily be layered with a baggy tee or jumper to give a skirt and top feel. This ankle length design will work brilliantly with summer sandals, or wear into the fall pairing with chunky boots and a knitted cardigan.
RRP: $160 / £110 | Another way to channel this look is with a slinky satin skirt that captures the same fit and movement as Carrie's dress. Contrast this skirt with a bright white cami and the best sunglasses for a summer outfit that will keep you looking and feeling cool.
RRP: $29.99 / £19.99 | Dip your toe into Carrie's slip-dress style with a simple strappy camisole top. Pair with the best flared jeans for a Carrie Bradshaw-inspired look that is slightly more practical than her original thigh-skimming ensemble.
5. Carrie's Rainbow Dress
This outfit from season 1 of And Just Like That immediately caught our eye, and we've been thinking about it ever since. Not only did it see the reunion of Carrie and her beloved Fendi baguette bag (if you really want to know how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw, a designer handbag is essential), but it also saw Carrie continuing to experiment with color in her wardrobe.
Yellow and blue are some of the biggest fashion color trends 2023, and this look finds a way to bring them together harmoniously. If there's one lesson we've learned from Carrie over the years. that contrary to the famous Chanel quote about removing the last accessory you put on, when it comes to Carrie Bradshaw's style, more is more - so don't be afraid to layer different bright hues and sparkly accessories.
RRP: $100 / £55 | This kitschy midi dress has the same plentiful color palette and flouncy hem as Carrie's, with just as much versatility. Pick one of the included hues, such as pink, and accessorize with monochromatic heels and a clutch bag to channel the Barbiecore trend in true Carrie fashion.
RRP: $134 / £89.95 | Despite Carrie Bradshaw's love for statement style, staples will always have a place in her closet. This midi cardigan can be thrown over bolder items to add warmth and break up colors, providing the perfect blank canvas for statement accessories.
RRP: $1,142 / £890 | Carrie's purple Fendi baguette is almost impossible to get your hands on, but there is an abundance of similar styles available second-hand. Easily one of the best bags money can buy, this is an investment you won't regret.
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