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The OG trendsetters: Celebrating 25 years of SATC

Never has the concrete jungle of NYC witnessed such sartorial splendour as when the fabulous females of 'Sex and the City' strutted their stuff down the streets of New York.

These ladies not only fundamentally redefined what it meant to be single in your thirties, but crucially sparked a series of iconic fashion moments, with their impact remaining as potent as ever. To mark the show's 25th anniversary, we break down some of the standout-style moments that emerged from the series.

Sensational stiletto’s

SJP’s character Carrie Bradshaw, had a profound influence on footwear fashion. Data survey conducted by “Fashion Frenzy Magazine” found that 85 per cent of women admitted to buying shoes stretching outside their budget, inspired by Carrie’s obsession with Manolo Blahnik’s.

The slip dress

The SATC’s characters showcased the slip dress as a versatile and sophisticated wardrobe staple. The item featured in one of the show’s most important scenes, with Carrie stripped back in a silk white slip dress as she ‘accidently’ walks past Big and Natasha’s engagement party.

Nameplate necklaces

The iconic ‘Carrie’ necklace nameplate became a trendsetting fashion statement and one of SJP’s ‘favourite’ items to wear on set. Despite the numerous style evolutions that Carrie experiences across the span of six seasons of SATC, the ‘Carrie’ necklace remained one of her wardrobe staples, acting as a memento of Carrie’s own self-expression. The significance of this bling culminates in the final season of SATC when Carrie is convinced that she has lost the nameplate in Paris.

Monochrome moments

Stripping back and sticking to shades of whites and blacks is a powerhouse palette move, possessing the ability to truly surpass a coloured ensemble. Carrie Bradshaw’s newspaper dress (taken from John Galliano’s AW00 collection at Dior) was a pivotal moment in the show's history, and one that exemplifies the effectiveness of this ‘dress down’ approach. An article written by Dazed last year revealed how the garment was sold via Bonhams for £15,300, highlighting the cultural significance of this black-and-white number.

Marco, polo!

Charlotte Yorke’s love affair with Ralph Lauren aligns with her image as the archetype ‘perfect lady.’ Her inclination towards wearing shades of pink and oozing that ‘preppy’ style makes her the perfect poster girl for this timeless brand. Some of her best moments with the label include her knitwear collection, as she was seen styled in RL knits in various moments across the six seasons.

Accessory Overdose

"Sex and the City" taught us that the way you accessorize an outfit is central to adding a twist to your everyday look. Samantha rocked big hoops, Carrie confined in purses, whilst the best moment to come out of the SATC movie had to be the headscarf moment that Miranda served up. Whether it was necklaces, oversized sunglasses, and quirky handbags (one can’t top Samantha’s garish pink Croc Hermes’s Birkin), these ladies showcased how an outfit can be instantly elevated by those additional last few touches.

Yet when thinking about SATC and accessories, one must consider the show’s profound impact on the rise of the Fendi Baguette Bag. Created in 1997 by Silva Venturi, the show’s positioning of the accessory has been significant; functioning almost as a ‘cultural phenomenon’ of the noughties, one of the show’s most memorable moments spawned from the baguette bag, as Carrie’s baguette is robbed on the streets of NY. The baguette has been particularly cherished in the archival fashion space, with the bag carrying between 95 and 135 per cent of its retail value on the resale market. Whilst Bradshaw didn’t always have her personal finances in check, it’s clear she had a flair for spotting investment pieces in the wardrobe department.

Power dressing

These 4 ladies took the art of power dressing to a whole new level, showcasing how workwear does not need to be drab and dreary. Miranda’s style in this department was particularly compelling, as she seamlessly succeeded in dressing the part for her corporate career. The powerhouse lawyer was spotted wearing the latest up-to-date trends and knew how to nail a matching workpiece set.

Together the women of SATC have transformed depictions of womenswear both on and off screen, possessing an enduring ability to convey the transformative power of clothing. So whether you're strutting your stuff in heels, drowning in accessories, or experimenting with colour combos, take a page from Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda's ‘book’ and embrace your own unique fashion journey.