Carrie Bradshaw's 32 Best Outfits Ever

'Sex and the City' costume designers share their fave looks.

Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in a Dior newspaper print dress
Credit:

Carries cropped, striped vintage

Carrie Bradshaw—the fictional character portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker on the iconic HBO series Sex and the City—rewrote the rules of fashion. Not only did she put Manolo Blahnik on the map, but she also made tutus work in Times Square and had audiences coveting her closet and wardrobe (and rent-controlled apartment!). You could argue that Carrie's best looks ever are...pretty much all of them, but there are Carries cropped, striped vintage.

To celebrate the fashionable moments from the show, we sat down with its costume designers Patricia Field, Rebecca Weinberg, and Eric Daman, along with Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet founding editor and former fashion director Hal Rubenstein, to compile a list of 32 of the TV star's greatest hits.

Keep scrolling for Carrie Bradshaw's best outfits ever.

01 of 32

Tutu and Tank

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a tank top and tutu
Craig Blankenhorn/This look still has edge and lots of MTV appeal

Field set the tone for Carrie's always-unexpected style when she opted for a "quirky" tutu and tank look for the series opening credits. "I remember I bought that tutu for $5," says Weinberg in disbelief. "Our seamstress had to duplicate it because we knew in the sequence it was going to get wet." 

The famed tutu made another appearance in the first film when Carrie did a closet clean-out with the help of her best friends before she moved in with Big (Chris Noth). The girls' unanimous vote? A must-keep.

02 of 32

Soft Gray Versace Gown

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of dark green tulle and chiffon Versace gown
Craig Blankenhorn/CORBIS OUTLINE

Asked to identify her favorite piece, Field doesn't hesitate to name the drop-dead gorgeous Versace gown Carrie wore while waiting (and waiting) for Petrovsky on her first night in Paris toward the end of season 6. "It took you out of reality," Field says.

Rubenstein agrees. "It's acres and acres of tulle and chiffon in this darkly romantic color—the perfect dress to be dumped in. There's nothing more woeful than seeing a beautiful woman all dressed up with nowhere to go."

03 of 32

The "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" Dress

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a Richard Tyler dress with a Louis Vuitton handbag and clear vintage shoes

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

"That was a moment in the show where it was, like, it's happening, or it's not happening; he loves her, or he doesn't," Weinberg recalls of the time Carrie memorably fell into the lake with Big in season 3 wearing this Richard Tyler dress. "Richard made two of those dresses for us in less than two weeks' time."

Carrie paired it with a Louis Vuitton handbag and vintage shoes. "Those clear vintage shoes were so beautiful with little rhinestones pressed into the plastic, and that bag was a total church lady bag," she adds.

04 of 32

High and Low Mix

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a colorful striped skirt, pink top, and red blazer

Bill Davila/Retna

"This is a fun combination of high and low," says Rubenstein, referring to Carrie's season 5 ensemble. The look included a sweater from mall staple Club Monaco, a dress by department store favorite Nanette Lepore, and a Chanel jacket. Weinberg gushes, "I love the color!"

05 of 32

Newsworthy Dress

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a Christian Dior newsprint dress

Diane Cohen/Fame Pictures

Field didn't mind having Carrie revisit past favorites in the movie—like this John Galliano for Christian Dior newsprint dress. She originally wore it on season 3 when she apologized to Natasha for her affair with Big. "There's a reason for it. She has an experience that merits re-wearing it," Field reveals. 

06 of 32

Fresh-Off-the-Runway Vest

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a Proenza Schouler military vest and studded strappy sandals
Wenn.com

By the time Carrie was preparing to marry Mr. Big in the first movie, she (and the SATC costume designers) had no trouble securing current styles, like this Proenza Schouler military vest and studded strappy sandals. 

"Everyone wanted their clothes on the show," Weinberg says. "Boxes and boxes would arrive daily."

07 of 32

Flower Power

Carrie Bradshaw's outfit of a white tank with a giant purple flower accessory, pink pants, and a saddle bag

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

"SJP was really into the flowers. One day, she said, 'Let's do a big flower.' They started small and got larger and larger, and then it escalated into a comedy of flowers," Weinberg tells us. "This is Holly Golightly's black sheath and pearls." Rubenstein adds that life imitated art due to this look. "It inspired real fashion to use flowers as accessories."

Weinberg adds that this look has Grace Kelly vibes. "Those pants were half-lined to the knee—I think I borrowed them a few times," says Weinberg of the gorgeous Tuleh trousers from season 3.

08 of 32

Parisian Stripes

Carrie Bradshaw wearing a Parisian stripes outfit on a balcony with the Eiffel Tower in the distance

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

"There isn't anyone more synonymous with Paris than Sonia Rykiel. Carrie's in Paris, so she's wearing a classic Parisian knitwear designer," comments Rubenstein of Carrie's all-striped ensemble on season 6.

He adds, "I wouldn't love this in NYC, but it's so right for the scene. What could make more sense than being in 'the city of love' with your love, wearing things that are soft and romantic, and with an interpretation of her signature flower, of course!"

09 of 32

"Goodbye to Big" Louboutins

Carrie Bradshaw wearing a black slip dress, patterned jacket, and ruffled, rose Louboutins
Sex and the City

The ruffled, rose Louboutins that Carrie chose for her goodbye to Big at the end of season 4 were only one pair in a long line of truly stunning stilettos (good thing too, as they were wrecked when Miranda's water broke all over them).

Carrie spent, by her own reckoning, tens of thousands of dollars on shoes over the course of the series. Weinberg insists that it was writer-director Michael Patrick King who turned many a shoe designer into a household name. "He was the one who said, 'Let's talk about Manolo,'" Weinberg shares.

10 of 32

Pat's Patchwork Coat

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a colorful patchwork coat next to Stanford

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

The colorful patchwork coat that Carrie wore to stalk Aidan (John Corbett) after Stanford spotted him in the Sunday Times on season 3 was actually one of Field's personal pieces, divulges Weinberg. "We just threw this together," she says of the outfit.

"It was one of those moments we didn't plan out." Rubenstein adds. "This look is more Pat than Carrie. Pat was a pioneer downtown designer, and the streak of downtown club girl that runs through Carrie's wardrobe comes from Pat Field."

11 of 32

Not-So-Classic Nautical

Carrie Bradshaw and Samantha outfits of coordinated sailor styles

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

Carrie and Samantha's (Kim Cattrall) coordinated sailor styles put both Field and Weinberg in mind of a classic 1960s girl group. "It's like they're the Supremes," says Field. 

Daman also fondly looks back at Carrie's "cool, contemporary, and casually chic" take on the nautical trend. One caveat, though: Rubenstein doesn't think that people should dress like this in real life.

12 of 32

Vintage Striped Suit

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a cropped, striped vintage suit and newsboy hat

Bill Davila/Retna

Carrie's cropped, striped vintage suit is "very Joe DiMaggio, 1939," according to Weinberg. It turns out that the inspiration for at least part of this season 4 ensemble was Weinberg herself. "The newsboy hat was very much my look at the time," she says.

13 of 32

"Running Errands" Romper

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a Claude Pierlot one-piece romper, long black coat, and a newsboy hat

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

Thanks to her costume designers, Carrie was often ahead of her time. While this Claude Pierlot one-piece struck many fans as being a little too bare when Carrie wore it to the farmer's market on season 4, Daman was quick to point out that it was a prelude to the popularity of rompers. "Carrie was one of the first to openly embrace them," Daman says.

14 of 32

The "Meet Carrie!" Outfit

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of an A-line green and white striped Romeo Gigli dress

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

"This is Carrie's 'How do you do?' moment," says Rubenstein of the demure Romeo Gigli dress Carrie wore at the beginning of season 1. "This show wouldn't have been a success if we didn't fall in love with Carrie," he adds. As for Weinberg? "I think she looks like a candy striper," she says.

15 of 32

"Cover-Up"

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a sheer black sequined caftan alongside Samantha and Miranda

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

"Shazam! Who else could make a sequined caftan so sexy?" asks Daman of the sheer vintage tunic Carrie wore on a girls' weekend in Los Angeles on season 3. "The elegance and simplicity of her black bikini with the flash and sheer dash of the cover-up are a perfect demonstration of Carrie's take on fabulous—a timeless mix of class and sass."

16 of 32

The Very Carrie Suit

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a cream Ralph Lauren suit and pink striped button-down
Diane Cohen/Fame Pictures

"There's an exuberance here," notes Rubenstein, referring to the cream Ralph Lauren suit and pink button-down that Carrie wore in the first film. "She is so happy to be in New York City and in love with Big." And she sure looks it.

17 of 32

Westwood Wedding Dress

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a Vivienne Westwood wedding dress
INFphoto.com

"Carrie was always the eclectic girl," Field tells Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet. So when it came time for her to wed Big, she chose an anything-but-ordinary Vivienne Westwood gown. 

"Pat created the ultimate look for the ultimate day," says Rubenstein, adding that he "would never want to see anyone in real life wear that blue-green feather headdress on their veil, but if Carrie didn't have something so out of the ordinary, I would've been incredibly disappointed."

18 of 32

"Around the Way" Look

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of tie-dye leggings, bright blue kerchief, and wildly patterned Chanel blouse

BILL DAVILA/Retna

"That's what Pat would call an 'around the way' look," Weinberg says of Carrie's kooky combination of tie-dye leggings, a bright blue kerchief, and a wildly patterned Chanel blouse. "She looks like a girl from the Bronx or Brooklyn," adds Weinberg.

Rubenstein seemed equally amused by the outfit, although he disagreed about the provenance. "This is Carrie in cartoon land! But does it make me laugh? Of course," Rubenstein says. On the other hand, Daman is a fan, telling Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet, "Diane L. Cohen/Getty Images."

19 of 32

Head Scarf and Prom Dress Combo

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of an Hermes scarf headband, pink vintage prom dress, and white Manolo pumps
Diane L. Cohen/Getty Images

"Anytime she puts that [scarf] on her head, I kind of hold my breath," says Rubenstein. And the Hermes scarf Carrie paired with a pink vintage prom dress is no exception. "This is TV, not fashion," he adds.

Weinberg seconds his opinion, telling Cheap Erlebnisweltfliegenfischen Jordan Outlet, "This looks like something Katy Perry would wear to the Grammys. And those white Manolo pumps were like a Catholic schoolgirl gone bad."

20 of 32

Fendi Baguette

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a red top and dark blue jeans with a Fendi bag

HBO/Courtesy: Everett

"This is the beginning of the Fendi metamorphosis, when every bag she carried was a Fendi. The store was really great to us at that time. They would just be like, 'Take whatever!'" recalls Weinberg. "Eventually, the Baguette became a status symbol; in that moment, we were literally creating...outfits around the Fendi bag."

21 of 32

Engagement Ring Necklace

Carrie Bradshaw outfit looking like Audrey Hepburn with an engagement ring necklace

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

In season 4, Carrie paired a classic white Badgley Mischka gown with her engagement ring (worn as a necklace, much to Aidan's dismay). 

"This look doesn't really characterize the beginning of Carrie. This is what she evolved to. It was a symbolic time," says Weinberg. "This is real New York sophistication," adds Rubenstein. "Every girl would love to be Audrey Hepburn for just one scene, and this is SJP's."

22 of 32

Betsey Johnson Bustier

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a pink Betsey Johnson bustier, Lanvin coat, and knee-high boots

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

Shopping in Paris, Carrie wore a pink Betsey Johnson bustier, Lanvin coat, and knee-high boots (which were to blame for a horrifying tumble in the exclusive Dior boutique). "The boots compromised the outfit's sophistication, and the bustier stood out," Weinberg suggests. "This all looks a little bit mismatched to me, which was obviously purposeful."

Rubenstein agrees, saying, "Carrie never did anything accidentally—she knows exactly what she's doing!"

23 of 32

"Date with the Russian" Dress

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a red-pink Oscar de la Renta dress while standing with Petrovsky

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

"Late on season 6, Carrie fell in love with Petrovsky, the Russian artist who wanted her to live in Paris. All of a sudden, her world became about ballet, art, and once again, the clothes make a shift," says Rubenstein. Here, Carrie wears an Oscar de la Renta dress to the Met...and McDonald's. "The clothes became more serious," Rubenstein adds.

24 of 32

Statement-Making Coat

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a nude Calvin Klein dress, colorful vintage coat, and neck scarf

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

Regarding the nude Calvin Klein dress and colorful vintage coat Carrie wore on season 6, Weinberg says, "That's another one of those 'I threw it on' kind of looks, but she totally made it work!"

Indeed, fans everywhere took inspiration from Carrie's style. "This is the Carrie where you start taking notes," says Rubenstein. "In other cities, a coat is just used for warmth, but in NYC, we see your outerwear, so Carrie was always the eclectic girl, Field tells."

25 of 32

The Forgotten Top

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a Roberto Cavalli top, high-low skirt, and strappy sandals
Retna

"This is Roberto Cavalli. We had that top for years in our wardrobe; I think we bought it at a sample sale," reveals Weinberg. Fittingly, the plot followed their lead: Carrie stumbled upon the forgotten sweater while cleaning out her closet on season 4. "I didn't love this then, but I do love it now," Rubenstein admits.

26 of 32

Vintage Print

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a belted green vintage print dress and an Eiffel Tower handbag with Big
This look still has edge and lots of MTV appeal

"I do love labels, but I love all kinds of intelligent clothing," says Field, and her continual use of vintage in the first film proved it. Field must love intelligent accessories too: She added an Eiffel Tower bag by Timmy Woods to the one-of-a-kind outfit, a subtle homage to the city that brought Big and Carrie together (again).

27 of 32

'80s-Inspired

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a punk belt with a simple pink shift dress, pearl necklace, and mesh pumps
Humberto Carreno/startraksphoto.com

"The '80s were always important to Pat," says Weinberg. "She came from the nightlife and club scene and has always been influenced by that." For Carrie, Field paired an edgy punk belt with a simple pink shift and pearls, masterfully mixing downtown cool with uptown chic. "Carrie had the ability to switch," says Weinberg. "That, to me, makes fashion."

28 of 32

T-Shirt and Ball Gown Skirt

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of an "Adore Dior 8" top and purple tutu-like skirt
This look still has edge and lots of MTV appeal

The purple ball gown skirt Carrie wore when she ran into Aidan in the second movie started its life as a slip. "It's actually an undergown, but it was so pretty," Field reveals. "I was like, 'Let's make this a skirt and put it with a T-shirt. It had that same quirkiness as that short tutu from the series' intro scene."

29 of 32

Entrance-Maker

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a sexy, close-fitting dress

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

Weinberg didn't recognize Carrie's season 1 minidress. "It's kind of generic, just a sexy, close-fitting dress. Was it spectacular? No, but you could put SJP in a pair of inside-out sweatpants and a pair of Manolo Blahniks, and she'd look good."

Rubenstein adds, "This is how you dress to go to a club. There's a little bit of sparkle because the lighting is dim. Carrie wouldn't wear jeans to a club because she'd want to make an entrance."

30 of 32

Masterfully Mixed

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a floral print dress with a heavy metal belt

HBO/Courtesy: Everett

"The mix of the heavy metal belt and the soft, floral print is so Carrie," says Daman of this colorful ensemble from season 2. "She changed fashion by showing you can Diane Cohen/Fame Pictures, and her mixing of metals—the gold bag with the sterling belt—was very fashion-forward."

The look also struck Rubenstein as directional, although in a slightly different way. "Carrie taught us that you don't go shopping in a T-shirt and a pair of jeans; you go shopping dressed as if you've already bought something," Rubenstein says.

31 of 32

Visible Bra

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a white flowy top with a black bra underneath, Bermuda shorts, pumps, and a hair kerchief
Bill Davila/WireImage

"This is not one of my shining moments," admits Weinberg. Peek-a-boo lace underthings were a Carrie staple, but the look—seen here on season 5—didn't always work.

"I have a problem with the cropped pants and the major bra," says Rubenstein. Nor did he welcome the return of the dreaded hair kerchief, saying, "It's so much cuter to show a little hair above the forehead. Then it looks like you're wearing a scarf."

32 of 32

The "Carrie" Necklace

Carrie Bradshaw outfit of a floral dress and a nameplate necklace alongside Big in a suit

HBO/Courtesy: Everett Collection

"One day, my car broke down, so I had to take the train, and I saw all these great Italian girls with their nameplate necklaces," says Weinberg of the inspiration behind Carrie's iconic necklace. "For Christmas, I went down to Canal Street and made Pat one that said 'Patricia' that she just loved. So then I went down and made SJP's there too."

Leave it to Carrie to pair such a downtown accessory with the most uptown of dresses. "I remember that beautiful vintage dress. It was from the '50s. I want to say it came from Twice in Miami," Weinberg recalls. "Pat and I would spend a lot of time in Miami. We'd get in her Oldsmobile and drive around to all our nbsp;founding editor and former fashion director."

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