Dressing Like Carrie Bradshaw
Lately, it feels like Carrie Bradshaw has jumped off the screen and straight onto the streets of London. Open TikTok or Instagram, and chances are you’ll see Gen Z women building outfits inspired by the Sex and the City icon. But this isn’t just a trend driven by nostalgia. It’s more of a creative movement—one that blends fashion, personality, and the hunt for something real in a world of fast-everything.
Streaming Carrie Back Into the Spotlight
With And Just Like That entering its third season and the original Sex and the City now available on Netflix across Europe and the U.S., a whole new generation is discovering what longtime fans already knew: Carrie’s style is unforgettable. Even though the series first aired between 1998 and 2004, the fashion choices still resonate—and not in a “vintage costume” way. They still feel bold, expressive, and deeply personal.
How Social Media Turned Curiosity into Obsession
Many of these younger fans never watched the show when it aired. Some weren’t even born. But they’ve found their way in through TikTok creators like sarah belle elizabeth, who curates Carrie’s closet like it’s a mood board for modern-day dressing. Her collection features rare gems like the Chloe horse-print pants, the J’adore Dior tee, and those silver Manolos from the unforgettable “A Woman’s Right to Shoes” episode.
The Resale Market’s New Best Friend?
At the heart of this revival is a serious love affair with secondhand fashion. Carrie’s purple sequined Fendi baguette bag—iconic and elusive—now fetches upwards of £9,000 on Vestiaire Collective. Her Dior saddle bags and 2003 Fendi ring clutch are also having a second life. For Gen Z in London, eBay, Poshmark, and vintage pop-ups are where the real treasure hunts begin.
Heels Are Having a Moment—Again
Comfort-first fashion has long ruled Gen Z closets, but that’s shifting. Carrie didn’t just wear heels—she made them a statement. A 24-year-old journalist spending £245 on gold Rixo stilettos may seem steep, but in the context of Carrie’s $400 Manolos, it’s practically on brand. And like her, this generation isn’t saving them for special occasions—they’re wearing them to work, on nights out, and even to the grocery store.
Gen Z Fashion Revival
Carrie’s Style Rules? There Aren’t Any
The appeal goes beyond designer labels. Carrie’s looks were unpredictable, unfiltered, and full of personality. Gen Z is clearly ready for that kind of freedom. They’re weaving in silk scarves, metallic minis, and layered textures. They’re saying no to fleeting TikTok trends and yes to wardrobe pieces that actually feel like them.
Some of Carrie’s greatest hits making a comeback include:
- The white tutu from the very first episode
- The DKNY “naked dress”
- That Vivienne Westwood green skirt with the dramatic back poof
- The Dior newspaper dress, most recently revived by Jenna Ortega
Fashion Brands Are Paying Attention
New-age brands like Handover are building entire lines around this early 2000s energy—think sequin midi skirts and daring silhouettes. Luxury houses aren’t far behind. Jimmy Choo’s 30th anniversary capsule brought back several Nineties staples, including those lilac feathered heels Carrie made famous. Fittingly, they reappeared on Alex Cooper during her interview with Sarah Jessica Parker.
What About Sustainability? Carrie’s Got That, Too
While Carrie’s closet wasn’t built with eco-consciousness in mind, her love for re-wearing standout pieces actually fits today’s call for slower, more intentional fashion. Influencers like Emma Chamberlain are speaking openly about ditching hyper-trendy hauls in favor of cohesive, mix-and-match wardrobes. Emma’s “I got rid of (almost) everything” video, where she talks about purging 95% of her clothes, struck a chord with many looking for style that lasts longer than a TikTok trend.
The Bigger Lesson in Carrie’s Closet
Carrie didn’t dress to impress anyone; she dressed for herself. That’s the magic Gen Z is tapping into. Whether you’re playing with gender-fluid styling, mood-based dressing, or just trying to step outside your comfort zone, there’s something incredibly liberating about her fashion philosophy.
So if you’re reconsidering your own wardrobe, here’s your sign: skip the fast-fashion dopamine hits. Hunt for the sequin, the heel, or the scarf that makes you feel something. As Carrie would say, sometimes a shoe is more than just a shoe. Sometimes, it’s a statement.
