Carrie Bradshaw's Style Evolution: A Shift in the Fashion Tide?
With the revival of 'Sex and the City,' Carrie Bradshaw's iconic fashion choices are sparking debate. Explore the reasons behind the mixed reactions to her whimsical wardrobe in the new series.
Welcome to ‘Look of the Week’, a series where we break down the most talked about outfit from the past week.
Carrie Bradshaw, portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker in the TV show “Sex and the City” from 1998-2004, is known for her daring fashion choices. From a floating belt on her midriff to a cowboy hat and python-print bandeau, Bradshaw's on-screen style is all about making a bold statement.
Bradshaw's unique fashion sense has always been a key part of her charm. The Instagram account, @everyoutfitonsatc, has diligently cataloged the character's top looks for its 746,000 followers. Many of the initial outfits featured on SATC receive a lot of love from Carrie fans who are quick to defend even the more daring ensembles in the comments section.
Carrie’s street puddle-splashed tutu from the opening credits of “Sex and the City” surpassed auction records on Thursday.
Carrie’s street puddle-splashed tutu from the opening credits of “Sex and the City” surpassed auction records on Thursday.
From HBO
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One fan commented on a picture of Carrie Bradshaw in a vibrant neon pink and green Betsy Johnson tulle dress, paired with abstract printed leggings, calling it one of their favorite looks that only she could pull off. They added that she always looks fabulous no matter what she wears.
However, since the release of the series reboot "And Just Like That..." in 2021, Bradshaw's quirky fashion choices have received more criticism than praise. The show, which airs on HBO and Max and is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, has showcased Bradshaw in outfits like a sheer, rose-adorned dress by designer Simone Rocha, a vintage color-blocked Ossie Clark dress, and an oversized Maryam Keyhani gingham sun hat as filming for the third season takes place in New York City.
Parker spotted in one of her character's more outlandish looks while filming for the new season of "And Just Like That."
Parker spotted in one of her character's more outlandish looks while filming for the new season of "And Just Like That."
Some viewers of the show have not been impressed with these looks. Under @everyoutfitonsatc's post of Jessica Parker in the latter look, one critique mentioned, "Definitely too much." Another comment stated, "This was not Carrie's style... This is trash."
Some fans of Bradshaw's fashion choices appreciated the Simone Rocha-designed look, especially for its nod to the character's love for florals and visible bra. The response to Jessica Parker's new look, a pair of vintage pastel separates from YSL and Ralph Lauren, was also positive among followers.
The departure of longtime stylist Patricia Field from "Sex and the City" has led some viewers of "And Just Like That..." to blame her for any fashion-related grievances. Field, known for her unique and absurd style choices, once stated that following fashion trends is a waste. She believes that originality, like in art, is what truly matters in fashion. If fashion ever feels intimidating, it's time for a change.
Courtesy Calvin Lom/Penguin Random House
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It is a natural instinct that Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago, the current stylists of the show, have respected by incorporating a mix of patterns and silhouettes into Bradshaw's wardrobe. However, this aspect of Bradshaw's style has often been overlooked. Has Bradshaw's style truly evolved, or is it our perception that has changed? Are viewers less accepting of a quirky dresser in her late 50s compared to when she was in her 30s? This could be a fascinating topic for Bradshaw's newspaper column, and Sarah Jessica Parker also has thoughts on this.
In a 2021 interview with Vogue, the actress expressed frustration at the misogynistic comments directed towards her character. She highlighted the double standards faced by women, particularly in the realm of social media, where criticism is often harsher and more frequent. Sarah Jessica Parker noted that such negative responses would unlikely be directed at a male character in a similar fashion.
Editor's P/S:
Carrie Bradshaw's
