The 10 Best, Most Iconic ‘Sex and the City’ Outfits From the Series and Movies
A nostalgic look back through the characters' spunky and fashion-forward styles
There are thousands of TV shows that have been created over the decades, but only a few have become as iconic as Sex and the City. The series, which aired on HBO from 1998 to 2004, was one of the first, if not the first, to display promiscuity, femininity and sexuality so openly on television, and it paved the way for hundreds of shows to come. It was so successful that two Sex and the City movies were even made after the TV show ended. The unapologetic franchise was an empowering movement for television and society, and not only had wild success during the years it was on air, but continues to remain popular and highly-streamed today. And one of the most iconic aspects of the show? The fashion and styling! Carrie Bradshaw, the protagonist of the series, had a passion for fashion and her outfits didn’t disappoint. Here, the best Sex and the City outfits and iconic looks through the years.
What were the outfits of ‘Sex and the City’ like?
Think New York City (where the series was set), colorful, mixed media, mismatched patterns, frill and tule, and of course dozens of pairs of Manolo Blahnik heels. The aesthetic of Sex and the City was all of this and more. The plot focused on four women — Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Charlotte York and Miranda Hobbes — in their 20s-30s navigating life, dating, sex and themselves in NYC in the late 90s to early 2000s. This plot was revealed not just through the acting and scripts, but through the outfits too.
The outfits also helped showcase the characters’ personalities. For example, Carrie was a freelance column writer writing about sex and relationships, and loved all things fashion. Therefore, she wasn’t afraid of color, fun textures and patterns and really exploring through her style. Whereas Charlotte York, who was more reserved and cautious, and appreciated the more timeless styles, dressed very polished, classic and elegant.
The most iconic, best ‘Sex and the City’ outfits
Keep reading for a nostalgic look back at some of the most famous looks from the show and the movies. You may even get some outfit inspiration!
1. Carrie Bradshaw caught in the rain
In this episode, Carrie gets stuck in the rain and runs under an awning to take cover, where a handsome man is also taking cover. She starts talking to him, trying to romanticize the situation, but really just ends up embarrassing herself as the man walks away mid-conversation. She’s sporting a bold and colorful striped skirt with a pink top and red-orange jacket over top.
2. Carrie Bradshaw boho chic
Carrie channels an effortless, carefree vibe with this iconic outfit, comprising long bermuda shorts, a flowy white tank paired over a peek-a-boo black lace bra, black pumps and a colorful head scarf.
3. Little black dress
Leave it up to Carrie Bradshaw to know how to elevate a basic little black dress. Throw on a fur coat, layered necklaces and a pair of black slingbacks, and you can channel your inner Carrie.
4. Carrie’s iconic green tulle skirt
If you’re like us, this green tulle skirt worn by Carrie lives in your head rent free. She may not have always gotten the fairytale endings, but she knew how to dress like a princess.
5. Carrie Bradshaw in the ruffle floral dress
We love a dainty ruffle moment, and Carrie was way ahead of the trend. In this episode, she wears a gorgeous pink and ivory floral dress with an off-the-shoulder ruffle neckline and ruffle hem.
6. Carrie’s polka dot chic
Only Carrie Bradshaw could take inspiration from a ladybug and make it chic. In all seriousness, this Sex and the City outfit is one of our favorites.
7. The legendary ‘Sex and the City’ wedding episode dresses
While the wedding day of Carrie and Big is definitely not the wedding of our dreams, her dress may be. The voluminous, layered gown was paired with a chic headpiece, and Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda all wore equally as stunning, textured gowns.
8. The fabulous four
Here, all four girls walk hand-in-hand down the streets of Manhattan dressed in outfits ranging from preppy chic to daring red.
9. The dynamic duo
Miranda was Carrie’s voice of reason throughout much of the series. The sidekicks are wearing fabulous A-line midi styles with classic pumps here.
10. Bright and bold frocks
One word to describe Samantha Jones? Vibrant. She wasn’t afraid to show some spunk, and that came through in her style. Here, her and Carrie wear bright, colorful, bold outfits with fun belts around the middle.
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