HBO is finally calling time on the Sex And The City universe, as the much-debated And Just Like That airs its final episode this week. As Samantha Jones once said: “the party’s officially over.”
With it, we bid farewell to what is arguably TV’s most talked-about wardrobe. The brainchild of costume designer Patricia Field, Carrie Bradshaw’s outfits were bold, eclectic and trend-setting; never before had there been an on-screen character with such influence.
And if Sex And The City gave us our love of Manolos, tutus and Fendi Baguette bags, then And Just Like That, styled by Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago, certainly continued the show’s legacy for talking-point fashion – like it or not.
I’ll admit it… there’s not a Carrie Bradshaw look I hate, no matter how unhinged. But unhinged they have sometimes been. Whether it’s wildly oversized headwear, unexpected accessories or completely bonkers blizzard-wear, ‘quiet’ fashion doesn’t often come under the Sex And The City lexicon. Even And Just Like That‘s Charlotte has no time for minimalism.
While AJLT has copped plenty of criticism for its many, er, choices, I would be remiss to say that every original Sex And The City look was well-received – in fact, there are many Pat Field looks that divide viewers.
Some condemn, some question, but instead I choose to embrace the truly wild ride that has been SATC’s fashion evolution. Here’s a look back at some of both shows’ most WTF fashion moments over the years – the madder the better, I say.
That hat
J Mayer/Shutterstock
Ah, the hat that launched a thousand… memes.
Worn in the premiere episode for season 3, most of us couldn’t help but (pun intended) feel distracted by Carrie’s – quite frankly – enormous hat. SJP herself has actually admitted that she chose the accessory herself, stating that she felt it completed the outfit. “Once you’ve put a lot of hats on your head, you feel like it’s missing its punctuation point,” she told USA Today. “So there was that hat. It was going to be a lovely summer day, and it just felt like the period at the end of the sentence. I loved it.”
Carrie’s ‘lockdown’ look
Craig Blankenhorn / HBOCraig Blankenhorn/HBO
Since this was one of the first photos to emerge from the set of And Just Like That back in 2021, it’s safe to say viewers were a little perplexed by Carrie’s supposed ‘new look’ – featuring a smock dress, zip-up hoodie jacket, rubber gloves and a silk headscarf. It instantly went viral.
Headlines suggested the rubber gloves hinted at the character’s Covid protocols, but in fact it was all down to Carrie taking up smoking again, and wanting to avoid smelling of smoke. Duh.
The puffer coat
Craig Blankenhorn / HBO
During season two of And Just Like That, New York is hit by a blizzard which causes all sorts of chaos (including an ill-timed condom hunt). Naturally, Carrie ventures out in this gigantic Moncler puffer gown – which even the most loyal fans found a little ridiculous.
Lisa’s blizzard look
©HBO Max/Courtesy Everett Collection
During the same episode, Lisa Todd Wexley also decides to brave the snow – giving Zorro in a Balmain cape, leather gloves and her statement Monrowe hat. Who needs realism?
Carrie’s jumbled 80s look
©HBO/Courtesy Everett Collection
Arguably, this is one of the more memorable looks from the original Sex And The City, though many fans feel it was a miss thanks to the headscarf-brooch-ruffle combo.
Charlotte’s Met Gala look
.jpg)
©HBO Max/Courtesy Everett Collection
In season two of AJLT, our ladies finally attend the Met Gala. While Carrie chooses to re-wear her iconic Vivienne Westwood wedding dress, Charlotte wears a bold equestrian ensemble. Most would agree it’s a miss.
Another bonkers hat
©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection
For many, the Sex And The City movies marked the moment when the original essence of the show began to leave us, with many claiming the fashion became a caricature of itself. Exhibit A: this ginormous hat, as worn by Samantha Jones. Great for sun protection purposes (and spying on sexy neighbours), though.
… And another
.jpg)
©HBO Max/Courtesy Everett Collection
As for why Carrie felt the need to wear this beacon of a hat while preparing a light lunch, I have no idea.
Carrie’s dress and leggings combo
©HBO/Courtesy Everett Collection
Admittedly, the trainers aren’t Carrie’s fault (‘A Woman’s Right To Shoes’, and all) – but generally, this bizarre dress-bra-leggings combo isn’t a top-hitter on her best outfits list.
Miranda’s fashion evolution
Mark Mainz/Getty Images
I have to say it – we miss the old Miranda! While she started out in sharp suits and laidback layering, Miranda’s fashion evolution has been a little confusing for viewers. Can I find much to like about Miranda’s AJLT wardrobe? I’m sorry, I can’t, don’t hate me.
The tutu that couldn’t
.jpg)
©HBO Max/Courtesy Everett Collection
Another AJLT fashion moment that is bordering on the absurd. Would Carrie wear a full-length tulle skirt to pop to her local shop? Probably not, but I’m sad I’ll never see her do it again.