How to Dress Like Carrie Bradshaw in 2020

Whether you’re a longtime Sex and the City fan, have just seen the movies, or only know of SJP from her fantastic shoe line, it’s undeniable that Carrie Bradshaw is a style icon. Though every leading lady on the HBO comedy had her own distinctive style, Carrie’s resonates with us the most. She constantly shopped vintage but splurged for Prada and Cavalli dresses or the latest pair of Manolo Blahnik heels, whenever the opportunity struck. Her wardrobe is eclectic and varied, mixing high and low pieces in the truest vein of personal style. That’s what everyone loves about Carrie; whether it’s flower pins, nameplate necklaces, or mixed prints, her wardrobe combines aspirational and approachable pieces that thrive on capital-F fashion. Nothing was too practical or impractical for her to wear, from midriff belts to a tangle of pearls. Her no-holds-barred method of dressing is why she’s the ultimate style icon.

I couldn’t help but wonder how she’d dress in the new decade, or how people could take a page or two from her extraordinarily fashionable life. Though they ranged in fashions the nineties to the mid-aughts, Carrie’s ensembles and style wouldn’t be out of place in 2020. In fact, she’d probably become a fashion influencer from her street style alone! Many of her outfits actually contained elements everyone can wear—and have been trending for years. Whether you’re looking for outfit inspiration or adding an SJP-worthy piece to your closet, this is what everyone needs for their own Carrie Bradshaw moment.

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Simple necklaces

Aside from the occasional statement piece, she typically wore layered chains and simple pendant necklaces. Who could forget her mixed horseshoe pendants, crystal strands, or the iconic ‘Carrie’ nameplate necklace? We’d like to think she was ahead of the layered gold jewelry trend, which has been a style staple for years since the show’s premiere. Add a couple of layered chains or a single pendant to any outfit, and you’re already dressing like Carrie!

Kendra Scott ‘Clove’ necklace, $58; kendrascott.com

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Standout shoes

From Manolos to Louboutins, Carrie knew her way around a statement shoe. Whether they were pink ruffled pumps or steal-worthy strappy sandals, she always wore fabulous heels wherever she went. Like fashionistas today, she experimented with a range of shoe trends and staple styles. However, there’s nothing like a fantastic pair to pull an ensemble together. In her eyes, the shoes make the outfit—no argument there.

Manolo Blahnik ‘Camparinew’ pumps, $775; manoloblahnik.com

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Voluminous skirts

As if her iconic pink tutu wasn’t a giveaway, Carrie loved wearing skirts with plenty of drama. From a massive Versace gown in Paris to a trailing purple maxi skirt in Abu Dhabi, NYC’s favorite It-girl always pumped up the volume when it came to dressing below the waist. As far as bottoms go, styling a tulle or textured maxi skirt with just about anything in your closet will ensure a Bradshaw-worthy outfit.

Zara skirt, $40; zara.com

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Tees and tanks

Though “Sex and the City” characters rarely dressed down, Carrie’s love affair with tank tops and T-shirts was well-documented throughout the show. From a lacy white tank over capris to a Dior logo tee, adding a casual top to an ensemble made her outfits more practical and less stuffy. A graphic tee or tank are wardrobe essentials, and incorporating one into your next OOTD is an easy fashion fix! If it’s a bold logo that shows some label love, you can count yourself as a total ‘Carrie.’

Versace Jeans Couture T-shirt, $127; italist.com

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Trendy bags

All of the leading ladies on “Sex and the City” wore their fair share of trends, but none more than Carrie. Case in point: her expansive handbag collection. Though she was a shoe girl at heart, bags were a focal point for Carrie’s many ensembles. Who could forget her floor-length fringe pouch, structured hobos or Eiffel Tower clutch? We know Carrie would relish the oversized clutch, beaded, and mini-bag trends in 2020. On par with her heels, Carrie’s handbags were uber-trendy, dramatic, and made up of It-pieces. The numerous Fendi baguettes and Dior saddlebags are proof enough of that—and thanks to popular new versions today, they’re proof that her style is a fashion hallmark.
By Far mini bag, $560; saksfifthavenue.com