And Just Like That… The Fashion Lost Its Style
When Sex and the City premiered in 1998, it didn’t just redefine how television portrayed love, friendship and dating in New York City. It transformed fashion on-screen.
Tutus became streetwear. Fendi baguettes turned into cultural icons. Manolo Blahnik wasn’t just a shoe designer; he became a symbol of status, independence and glamour. Now, with the third season of the reboot And Just Like That…, something feels off. While the storylines may still inspire brunch debates, the fashion no longer carries the same weight. It lacks the boldness and originality that once made the show a visual feast.
So what happened?
Carrie Bradshaw: The Original Style Icon
Carrie Bradshaw didn’t follow trends—she dictated them. She wore a Dior newspaper dress to a casual lunch, got dumped while wearing a sheer beige dress (otherwise known as the “naked dress”) and pinned a flower the size of a dinner plate to her chest, just because she could.
Under the creative direction of costume designer Patricia Field, every scene told a story. Carrie’s wardrobe mixed vintage with high fashion, chaos with couture. Her outfits weren’t just pretty. Instead, they were unpredictable and deeply personal. They made bold statements without needing explanations.
From Unapologetic to Overthought
Today, that magic feels watered down.
In the reboot, Carrie’s outfits come off as overly curated, sometimes even stiff. Instead of effortless chaos, there’s a noticeable effort to be polished. The looks feel like the result of mood boards, not moods.
Take her iconic opening outfit from the original: a tulle skirt, pink tank top and heels—right in the middle of Manhattan traffic. It was absurd, but that was the point. It was unforgettable. Now, the show seems hesitant to be anything other than tasteful.
Where Did the Risks Go?
Back then, fashion in Sex and the City broke rules. Carrie mixed prints, textures and eras. She once wore a men’s button-down with pearls after a one-night stand. She didn’t need a stylist because she was the stylist.
In And Just Like That…, the wardrobe plays it safe. Think tailored blazers, neutral dresses and meticulously matched accessories. They’re nice to look at, but they don’t stick with you.
Sure, the clothes are expensive. But what made Sex and the City revolutionary wasn’t price tags.
A New Fashion Landscape
Of course, times have changed. Today’s fashion scene focuses more on sustainability and social responsibility. The reboot reflects that shift, and understandably so.
But in trying to align with modern values, the show has lost the joyful chaos that once defined its identity. Carrie was never supposed to be perfect. She was a beautiful mess in vintage Chanel and a heartbreak wrapped in sequins. Watching her felt like flipping through a fashion journal filled with impulsive choices, and that was the magic.
Nods to Nostalgia Aren’t Enough
Yes, there are still glimpses of the old brilliance. A throwback heel here and a vintage bag there. But these pieces feel more like nostalgic winks than fully integrated style choices. Today’s wardrobe feels curated for the audience, rather than from the characters.
That disconnect makes the fashion feel performative and not personal.
Fashion Is a Feeling
The original series worked because it took chances. It wasn’t afraid to be wrong. Belts didn’t need a purpose. Feathers could appear on a wedding dress. Mismatched shoes belonged on Fifth Avenue.
That spirit—messy, fearless and emotionally charged—was the essence of Carrie’s style. She made us believe that fashion wasn’t about perfection. It was about personality.
Right now, the fashion of reboot feels sanitized. Safe. Clean.
But fashion is supposed to be a little wild. A little off. A little spontaneous.
Just like Carrie.