"Personally speaking, I think it’d be criminal to skip past the opening credits of Sex and the City. The iconic jingle that plays as Carrie weaves in and out of a line of taxis in front of a New York City skyline is the mood-booster that instantly lifts my spirits (and simultaneously my shoulders, in what I’ve coined as my “SATC shimmy”). Despite the fact that over 25 years have passed since the series premiered, there’s a reason that I, and a troupe of other fiercely devoted fans, tune into reruns week after week. The four women—Carrie, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte—have taught us that it’s OK to break the rules: in life, in love, and most importantly, in fashion.
Luxurious, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make you look like the best gift-giver ever (with minimal effort required).
As much as I admire the cast’s commitment to their careers and their unwavering loyalty to their friends, I can’t help but feel the most compelled by each character’s commitment to their individual style. From Carrie’s steady allegiance to maximalism to Samantha’s early adoption of power dressing, each leading lady’s style is completely their own and void of any influence, no matter how much time they’ve spent with one another. It’s also, perhaps, the very reason that the series has managed to garner millions of viewers in its lifetime: There’s something, and someone, for everyone.
No matter which character you find yourself drawn to, it’s safe to say that no show has cemented itself as the people’s style guide quite like this one. And in the thick of a new, cold-weather season, what better place to turn to for winter outfit inspo? Below, I’ve rounded up eight looks, based on our four favorite New Yorkers, to replicate that same sought-after style all season long.
Carrie
A Late-Night Bodega Run
Coat (Plus) | Gloves | Mules | T-Shirt | Silk Pants (Plus) | Beanie
Nothing—and I repeat, nothing—stresses me out more than watching Carrie frantically move about her apartment, half-dressed, on the phone, with a cab waiting for her downstairs. But no matter how late she’s running, who she’s on the phone with at the 11th hour, or how messy her apartment is, she somehow manages to skate down her stoop in an outfit I could only dream of being able to pull off. Whether she’s running out for a late-night cigarette or an early-morning cup of coffee, her emergency trips to the bodega are by far some of the looks I’m most envious of.
A Matinee Showing
Jacket (Plus) | Boots | Skirt (Plus) | Tights | Hat | Clutch
No matter Charlotte’s opinions on the matter, Carrie’s not afraid to take herself out every once in a while–be it a solo matinee showing or a romantic solo date. Though she’s notorious for showing up overdressed, I find that there’s always a note or two about her outfits worth jotting down and tucking away for a rainy day (read: when I don’t know what to wear). One note in particular: Don’t be afraid to put your best foot forward. While I can’t exactly step out in a pair of Manolo Blahniks, I can probably manage a heeled boot instead of my usual sneakers, complete with an elevated jacket and a couple of eye-popping accessories.
Miranda
A Long Day at the Office
Sweater | Boots | Bag | Bracelet | Skirt
Miranda’s early commitment to conservatism, shown through her buttoned-up suit jackets and straight-laced pencil skirts, is a far cry from the sophisticated, trend-forward style we see her in toward the end of the series. Though her early looks weren’t “bad,” per se, they weren’t exactly inspiring either. Miranda’s later use of boho-infused prints and accessories helped to revolutionize her style while simultaneously cementing her as a pioneer of of-the-moment, high-fashion trends.
An Afternoon at the Park
Jacket (Plus) | Tote Bag | Sneakers | Baseball Hat | Sweater (Plus) | Jeans
Though you’d likely never catch the other three ladies in something so laid-back, in Season 2, Episode 1, Miranda made headlines when she wore a pair of overalls accompanied by a puffy jacket and beat-up baseball cap. At the time, many of us wanted to scream “What are you wearing?” at our screens. But now, the look is actually something worth saving (and in retrospect, is actually pretty genius). For better or worse, the iconic look comes as a casual reprieve to the slew of more overdone looks featured in the show.
Samantha
An Office Party
Coat (Plus) | Heels | Bag | Top (Plus) | Skirt (Plus) | Bracelet
PR powerhouse Samantha Jones is never without a stacked social agenda. Though my calendar will never be on par, I find her looks ultra-inspiring, especially for the handful of upcoming holiday events on the horizon. Known to sport a myriad of cut-outs, plunged necklines, and body-hugging silhouettes, Samantha managed to pull off sex appeal with a surprising amount of sophistication.
A Dinner with the Girls
Top | Bag | Heels | Trousers (Plus) | Bracelet | Earrings
From her cheeky comebacks to her sultry style, if there’s one thing Samantha’s known for, it’s her ability to make a statement. For years, I’ve mostly identified with Carrie; however, I’ve recently begun to wonder if I’m actually more of a Samantha. While she tends to stick to more structured, corporate-leaning silhouettes, her style is chock-full of bold colors and statement accessories that are anything but serious. With a slew of wide-width belts, brightly colored blazers, and larger-than-life jewelry, her flair for being extra is personified through her style.
Charlotte
A Last-Minute Shopping Run
Coat (Plus) | Gloves | Boots | Sweater (Plus) | Earrings | Bag | Jeans (Plus)
It’s unclear whether or not Charlotte York laid the groundwork for 2023’s quiet luxury trend, but one thing we do know? Her signature preppy look, which flew under the radar in comparison to Carrie’s loud style, is every bit aspirational now as it was 20 years ago. Thanks to a new minimalist movement, Charlotte’s commitment to timeless style seamlessly fits into the rising popularity of the “old money” aesthetic, making it easy to recreate her looks today.
Making a home-cooked meal
Sweater | Skirt (Plus) | Belt | Tights (Plus) | Flats
It wouldn’t be a proper SATC episode without at least a scene or two of Charlotte happily hosting her family or friends in her lavish, pre-war Park Avenue apartment. These days, you’ll likely find me in sweats, pouring my friends a glass of wine from the couch, but I commend her commitment to her craft–tweed skirt.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.