Fashion Influence in Sex and the City: How Your Style Defines You

As Sex and the City resurfaces as a popular show again, it’s easy to see the influence it has on fashion styles and trends. Through the show, watchers learn how “fashionable” can mean many things. A main aspect shown in the seasons is that one can dress well while still maintaining their personality. How can the way you dress affect your life? Sex and the City shows that the different ways in which you dress change how you are depicted. Your style is one of the biggest forms of non-verbal communication to the people around you (Hester, 2023).

Let’s Dive into Each of the Characters

Carrie Bradshaw: Extravagant, Bold, Eclectic

Her ever changing style reflects her impulsive yet charismatic personality. She is in bright colors, various patterns and silhouettes. She’s not afraid to go about out there or set a new trend. Carrie can be dressed for a variety of occasions but the overarching theme is that they aren’t ever basic. Her signatures include striking accessories such as her horse purse or statement shoes like her signature Manolo’s.

Carrie’s style in the show ultimately reflects her relationship with Big. His first date with her starts as he comments on her see through dress. The outfits she wears around him. Big sees her as irresponsible and not the type to settle down with because like her clothes, her mind is constantly changing and slightly dramatic. He won’t commit to her in the same way she won’t commit to a more basic style such as the woman Big settles down with, Natalia’s.

Charlotte York: Gentle, Feminine, Preppy

Charlotte is seen in soft feminine colors and vintage silhouettes much like her soft and gentle personality. She’s seen in the Old Hollywood theme through pinks, pearls, and A-lin dresses, her most common styles. She has a lot of respect for herself and her style demands a humble respect for her as well. Even when she steps out of her usual and dresses more sensual, she still keeps to her style with pink/red tones and floral details.

Charlotte is the clearest opposite of Carrie. She stays in more simple, feminine styles much like Natalia wears. Her style makes others take her seriously as a woman, in the way that Big can’t for Carrie.

She wants the world to see her personality through her clothing. They’re strong minded choices and don’t shy away from eliciting strong reactions, much like her unapologetic character. She’s comfortable in her sexuality and enjoys showing it off. She understands how to show that she deserves respect without sacrificing her style.

There are times where her outfits bring a reaction that affects her emotions, but that is how Samantha can be. She says and does what she wants and sometimes it still doesn’t go her way. But, as seen on the red carpet with Miley Cyrus, her bold choices make for great moments.

Miranda Hobbes: Practical, Classic, Sophisticated

Miranda has the most professional style out of the group, sticking to deep tones and sophisticated lines. She is strategic in her clothing choices and the same in the office. She is a non-conformist who keeps simple but practical pieces. Her clothing is effortless but fashionable. Her casual outfits are all about comfort, she doesn’t need to impress anyone.

Miranda’s shown constantly trying to dress for her job. She’s often wearing office styles and more masculine businesswear to gain respect in her field. She is a more serious minded person than her friends and this is reflected by her clothing. Even at more extravagant events she keeps the same theme, as shown by the black gown she wore to Charlotte’s wedding.

As seen by the four iconic characters of the show, how you are perceived can go beyond or along with personal and intellectual qualities. The next time you’re shopping or planning an outfit, try and think about what is reflected from you (Riise Team, 2024).

References:

Hester, N., & Hehman, E. (2023). Dress is a fundamental component of person perception. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 27(4), 414–433. https://doi.org/10.1177/10888683231157961

RIISE. (n.d.). How to dress like your favourite Sex and the City character. RIISE. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://riise.world/blogs/fashion/how- to-dress-like-your-favourite-sex-and-the-city-character

Graphic by Kayla Pyrtle