Let’s be real. We didn't tune into the Sex and the City revival solely for the plot lines about podcasting or the polarizing presence of Che Diaz. We came for the clothes. We came for the sheer, unadulterated chaos of seeing Carrie Bradshaw wear a Fendi Baguette like it’s a vital organ. The And Just Like That outfits have become a character in their own right, sparking more heated debates in the group chat than the actual romantic arcs.
Fashion isn't just decoration here; it’s the heartbeat.
When the show first premiered on Max, there was this massive collective gasp. People were shocked. Some were delighted. Others were genuinely confused why Carrie was wearing a dishwashing glove or a bird on her head (again). But that’s the magic of costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago. They aren't trying to make the characters look "nice." They are trying to make them look like themselves, twenty years later, with significantly larger bank accounts and a lingering penchant for the avant-garde.
The Evolution of the Bradshaw Aesthetic
It’s impossible to talk about the revival without acknowledging the heavy shadow of Patricia Field. She set the blueprint. However, Rogers and Santiago—who both worked under Field during the original run—have managed to evolve the look without losing that "Carrie-ness."
Carrie’s wardrobe in the new series is a frantic, beautiful mix of high-end vintage and "wait, is she really wearing that?" She’s still the queen of the high-low mix. One minute she’s in a thrifted oversized shirt, the next she’s rocking a Conna Walker-designed floral dress or that stunning teal Vivienne Westwood. Honestly, the way she repeats items now feels more grounded. We saw the return of the iconic purple sequined Fendi. We saw the wedding dress—you know the one—repurposed with a teal cape for the Met Gala episode. It’s a nod to sustainability, sure, but it’s also a nod to the fans who remember every stitch of the original series.
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What’s interesting is how the clothes handle grief. In the first season, after Big passes away, Carrie’s outfits become almost protective. There’s a lot of layering. Big hats. Stiff silhouettes. By season two, the colors start to bleed back in. It’s subtle, but it’s there.
The Charlotte York Goldenblatt "Perfect" Polish
Charlotte hasn't changed. Not really. And that’s exactly what we need. While Carrie is experimental, Charlotte is the anchor of classic Upper East Side chic. Her And Just Like That outfits are a masterclass in labels like Oscar de la Renta, Stella McCartney, and Lela Rose.
She’s the personification of a Burberry trench coat.
But even Charlotte has had her fashion "breakouts." Remember the Burberry dog-walking outfit? The matching hoodies for her and the dog? It was ridiculous. It was perfect. It showed that even the most rigid fashionista in the group has succumbed to the "extra-ness" of modern Manhattan. Her silhouette remains the A-line, the cinched waist, and the pristine pump. It’s a armor of perfectionism that she wears to navigate the complexities of raising teenagers and re-entering the workforce.
Miranda’s Brooklyn Transformation (and Identity Crisis)
Miranda Hobbes used to be the girl in the power suit. The oversized blazers of the 90s were her uniform. In the revival, her wardrobe shifted dramatically.
It was jarring for some.
She traded the corporate sharp edges for bohemian prints, long skirts, and a lot of Altuzarra. Some critics felt this reflected her internal loss of direction—her "gray hair" phase that eventually transitioned back to red. When Miranda moves to LA, her style goes full "California cool," which felt entirely wrong for a cynical New Yorker, but that was the point. Her clothes were lying for her. By the time she lands back in NYC and starts her internship, the blazers return, but they’re softer, more contemporary. The evolution of her style is perhaps the most honest representation of a mid-life pivot on the show.
The New Icons: Seema, LTW, and Nya
We have to talk about Seema Patel. If anyone filled the Samantha Jones-sized hole in our hearts regarding "glamour," it’s Seema. Her wardrobe is a monochromatic dream of silks, satins, and Hermès Birkins. She wears chocolate browns and creams like she invented them. Sarita Choudhury carries these clothes with a relaxed, wealthy energy that feels unattainable yet aspirational.
Then there’s Lisa Todd Wexley (LTW).
LTW’s outfits are loud. They are expensive. They are art. We’re talking massive chunky jewelry—think Mark Davis or Elbe Goods—and bold prints from Valentino or Schiaparelli. She represents the "New York Power Woman" who isn't afraid to be the loudest person in the room. Her wardrobe is often used to signal her status and her impeccable eye for curation, whether she’s at a school auction or a documentary screening.
Why the Internet Hated (and Then Loved) the Fashion
Social media accounts like "And Just Like That Costumes" on Instagram became hubs for investigative fashion journalism. Within minutes of a paparazzi shot leaking from the set, the internet had identified the brand, the price, and whether or not the piece was vintage.
The backlash was real, though.
Some people felt the And Just Like That outfits were too costume-y. They missed the effortless (though it was never actually effortless) vibe of the original series. There was a specific outcry over the "Maxi Dress over a shirt" look Carrie sported in season one. It felt forced to some. But isn't that New York? Fashion in the city isn't about blending in; it’s about a deliberate, sometimes manic, expression of self.
The show leans into the "costume" aspect because, at this point, these women are icons. They aren't just people; they are symbols of a specific type of aspirational lifestyle. If Carrie Bradshaw walked down the street in a plain gray tracksuit, we’d all be disappointed. We want the tulle. We want the 6-inch Monolo Blahniks. We want the absurdity of a pigeon-shaped clutch bag by JW Anderson.
Real-World Influence: The "Carrie Effect" in 2026
It’s easy to think this is just TV, but the retail data says otherwise. Whenever a specific piece appears on the show, searches for that brand spike. The "pigeon bag" became a cult item. The Birkenstock x Manolo Blahnik collaboration was a direct response to the "comfort meets couture" vibe the show championed.
Even the vintage market has felt the ripple.
Resale sites like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective report surges in searches for "vintage Fendi" or "Jean Paul Gaultier" after episodes air. People are looking for pieces that feel storied. The show has successfully moved us away from the minimalist "Quiet Luxury" trend—at least for an hour a week—and back into the world of "Dopamine Dressing."
How to Get the Look Without the HBO Budget
You don't need a million-dollar costume budget to channel this energy. The core philosophy of the show’s styling is actually quite simple:
- Trust the Tailor: Even Charlotte’s "basic" dresses look expensive because they fit her perfectly. Getting a $50 dress tailored can make it look like a $500 piece.
- The Power of One Weird Thing: Carrie’s outfits often work because of a "disruptor." A sequined bag with a casual coat. A massive flower brooch on a simple blazer. Find one accessory that doesn't "fit" and make it the star.
- Invest in the "Third Piece": Whether it’s a vintage kimono, a bold duster, or a structured cape, the third piece is what turns a "top and pants" into an "outfit."
- Texture Over Color: If you’re scared of bright colors, look at Seema. She stays in a neutral palette but mixes suede, silk, and gold to create depth.
The And Just Like That outfits remind us that getting older doesn't mean becoming invisible. It means having more history to pull from. It means being confident enough to wear a bird on your head because you like it, not because it’s "in style."
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That, honestly, is the most stylish thing of all.
If you want to start curating your own version of this aesthetic, start with your accessories. Dig through vintage shops for oversized brooches or unique belts. The next time you’re tempted to buy a boring black coat, look for one with an interesting collar or a pop of color in the lining. Fashion is supposed to be fun, and if Carrie Bradshaw has taught us anything over the last thirty years, it’s that there are no rules—only choices.
Check your local high-end consignment shops specifically for "archival" pieces from the early 2000s, as that era is currently the gold mine for recreating the show’s most iconic vibes. Focus on structured silhouettes and bold, unapologetic textures.