Fashion and Friendship: Lessons from ‘Sex and the City’
Written by Molly Bloomfield
While watching a recent Sex and the City episode, I couldn’t help but wonder, what makes this 90s sitcom so relevant today? Why is the show still alluring to viewers in 2025?
Other than the relatable relationship and life advice, I found the most compelling evidence to be the outfits. Watching the show is so fun because the style is so fun. Visually, it’s an exciting experience, watching the kaleidoscope of colors and unique fashions of each character.
The show, Sex and the City, aired in 1988, and the world was changed forever. The show has had an immense impact on every aspect of life: relationships, careers, friendship and fashion. Significant stylistic advice can be taken from the hit sitcom, as every episode is filled with incredible outfits and priceless pieces. Each of the four main characters, Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda, manage to maintain their personal style throughout the entire show and earn their rightful place as fashion icons.
Carrie
As the main character, Carrie Bradshaw’s style becomes a focal point of the show. As a journalist, her outfits stem from her creativity. She is a champion of natural curls, funky patterns, and unique heels. Unapologetically herself, she is not shy of the unique pattern, embracing her sensuality, and slightly questionable choices. She’s free and she’s herself, not letting the opinions of men get in her head. Carrie’s outfits feel slightly impulsive, but they always seem to work out in the end. Picture strong color blocking, an immaculate outline, and lots of high heels.
Miranda
Miranda Hobbes boasts a more serious style. As a professional woman, she dresses for everyday practicality, and a more professional taste. Her work as a lawyer creates space for flawless and elevated business outfits. Sharp shapes and serious colors define her work wear, but on her time off, she flouts more unique and colorful styles. She isn’t afraid to show her unique perspective and spunk through her stylistic choices. To emulate Miranda, choose crisp pantsuits and solid colors.
Charlotte
Charlotte York is the epitome of Park Avenue chic: pastels, soft beauty, and florals. As an art gallery owner, she certainly dresses the part, and fine art is reflected in her outfits. She has high morals, as well as high fashion. Imagine pearls and preppy, and you’d see Charlotte. Her outfits constantly scream chic, feminine, and posh. She manages to constantly appear put together, and part of this is her timelessly tasteful outfits. For a full Charlotte look, pick soft colors, impressive jewelry, and innovative design.
Samantha
Samantha Jones’ outfits all come from her confidence. She isn’t afraid to wear more risqué and daring pieces, because she has the ability to pull off nearly anything. Her sex appeal factors into her outfits, and she isn’t afraid to define her beauty and style with eye-catching clothes. Strong pantsuits and beautiful accessories define her work wear as a public relations extraordinaire. For a Samantha look, look for funky patterns and dramatic flair.
Considered as a whole, the four women’s styles reflect their individuality, career, and personality. The four of them together represent different facets of 90s style and serve as inspiration today. Sex and the City provides young women role models, of both self and style. The 90s fashion of Sex and the City remains relevant today and has influenced fashion since its premiere.
Edited by Claudia Rothberg, Ava Palmieri and Isabella Zapata
