6 Summer Trends Carrie Bradshaw Made Famous, and 6 She’d Ditch Now

I may not excel at many things like DIY, time management, math, and map reading, but when it comes to the wardrobe of Sex and The City’s Carrie Bradshaw, I am an expert. I can name episodes, recite quotes, and even identify moments in Carrie’s life just from her outfits. Some may see this as a trivial skill, but for someone who grew up on Carrie’s iconic 2000s fashion, her style was a significant cultural influence. Corsages, Blahniks, and logomania were trends she popularized, and many of us have followed suit. Given Patricia Field’s incredible impact as the show’s costume designer, it makes sense to explore how Carrie might shop today, excluding her signature tutus and quirky accessories.

Many of Carrie’s standout outfits, like the New Year’s Eve fur coat and sequin beret, the beach cowboy hat and bandeau top, and the rain-soaked red coat and rainbow skirt, are still fashionable today. However, her summer style truly shines with strappy dresses, pretty sandals, micro shorts, and men’s shirts worn as dresses. Summer is when Carrie opts for classic pieces with unique twists, serving as major inspiration for our own wardrobes.

If you’re seeking summer fashion inspiration that Carrie Bradshaw would approve of, here are six summer wardrobe staples that remain timeless—and six that she would likely discard. Expect a chic palette, stylish accessories, and durable dresses that outlast her short-lived Petrovsky era.

CARRIE OFF: Coquette Camisoles
CARRIE ON: Tank Tops

Style Notes: While Gen-Z may adore embroidered camisoles with skirts and trousers, Carrie knows the simple tank top is a versatile staple. From dinner dates with a corsage-pinned tank to casual errands with a crossbody bag and jeans, the tank top is a timeless summer essential.

Shop Tank Tops:
Arket – Rib Racer Tank Top – £17
Toteme – Compact Knit Tank Dove – £230
Klayd – Square Tank – £45
H&M – Ribbed Vest Top – £7

CARRIE OFF: Straw Hats and Sundresses
CARRIE ON: Bandeaus and Bandanas

Style Notes: Carrie is known for her varied hat and hair accessory choices, though she’s unlikely to favor a floppy straw hat with a simple dress. Instead, designer scarves repurposed as bandanas paired with bandeau tops or dresses keep her look fresh and unique.

Shop Bandeau tops and Bandanas:
TOTEME – Printed Cotton and Silk-Blend Scarf – £170
THE FRANKIE SHOP – Winona Strapless Cropped Stretch-Knit Bandeau Top – £93
LE SCARF – Paisley-Print Silk-Satin Scarf – £75
Anthropologie – Bandeau Ponte Top – £48

CARRIE OFF: Tailored Shorts
CARRIE ON: Jorts

Style Notes: Carrie was ahead of the curve with long denim shorts, or “jorts.” These shorts defied the trend of the early 2000s and remain relevant today as a polished weekend outfit option.

Shop Jorts:
Reformation – Raye Mid Rise Relaxed Jean Shorts – £128
Gap – Mid Rise Longline Denim Shorts – £40
LOULOU STUDIO – + Net Sustain Isu Organic Denim Shorts – £165
Abercrombie – Low-Rise Longer Length Baggy Denim Shorts – £29

CARRIE OFF: Puff Sleeve Dresses
CARRIE ON: Spaghetti Strap Dresses

Style Notes: Many of SATC’s iconic moments feature form-fitting dresses. From brunch minis to white slips, and of course the newspaper dress, Carrie excels in strappy midis paired with statement heels. While oversized dresses are trending, timeless spaghetti strap dresses are a worthy investment.

Shop Strappy Dresses:
Rouje – Daria Dress – £185
SKIMS – Soft Lounge Rib Long Stretch-Modal Slip Dress – Oxide – £80
ZARA – Draped Open Back Dress – £36
NEVER FULLY DRESSED – Faro Printed Ruffled Chiffon Maxi Dress – £130

CARRIE OFF: Chunky Sandals
CARRIE ON: Mules

Style Notes: While chunky sandals have been a recent favorite, the heeled mule is making a comeback. These stylish shoes are ideal for both everyday wear and evening outings, embodying a more elegant fashion choice in true Carrie fashion.

Shop Mules:
ZARA – Faux-Patent-Finish Heeled Mules – £36
MANOLO BLAHNIK – Lolloso 50 Bow-Detailed Ruched Leather Mules – £645
Charles & Keith – Orly Leather Metallic Strappy Slant-Heel Mules – £95
MANGO – Pointed-Toe Leather Slingback Shoes- £56

CARRIE OFF: Linen Trousers
CARRIE ON: Capri Pants

Style Notes: When most opt for wide-legged linen pants in hot weather, Carrie often turns to capri pants. Whether paired with fine knits, high sandals, sports jerseys, or denim jackets, these mid-calf cropped trousers have become a staple in her wardrobe.

Shop Capri Trousers:
MANGO – Capri Leggings – £18
ASOS DESIGN – Bengaline Pedal Pusher in Charcoal Stripe – £24
MANGO – Striped Capri Jeans – £36
Reformation – Posie Pedal Pusher Pant – £128

Source: Everett Collection, HBO, FilmMagic, WireImage, Getty Images