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The very first episode of Sex and the City premiered 20 years ago next month. To mark this auspicious anniversary, ELLE is celebrating some of its most ridiculous, memorable, and controversial moments—from the fashion to the flings.
The ladies of Sex and the City didn't just have our dream jobs, or dream friends, or realistic trash boyfriends, but their style was the definition of wardrobe goals. They wore Prada to breakfast on a Tuesday like it was no big deal, crawled the Lower East Side in five-inch stilettos, and treated every day as an over-the-top sartorial opportunity. Their individual styles are iconic, and we salivate at the thought of what costume designer Patricia Field would do if she could dress them today. Ahead, see the 12 modern fashion designers that didn't exist during the tenure of SATC, but would fit the girls to a tee today. The only question is, are you an Off-White, a Céline, a Brock Collection, or a Balmain?
Off-White
Original show counterpart: Jean Paul Gaultier
Off-White is a polarising brand; you either get it, or you don’t. Carrie would fall in the former group, and would definitely love the collab the brand did with Jimmy Choo. Can’t you just see her running down a cobblestone street in SoHo (while you watch in fear for her ankles)?
Off-White x Jimmy Choo Claire 100 Pumps, £850
Jacquemus
Original show counterpart: Helmut Lang
The sultry vibe of Jacquemus is resort wear meets a wild night out on the (beach) town. It’s Carrie through and through, and the slinky, barely there dresses would fit right into that episode where Carrie throws up in the Hamptons.
Jacquemus Cotton-Poplin Embroidered Crepe de Chine Dress, £590
Rosie Assoulin
Original show counterpart: Prada
Rosie Assoulin is an industry favourite for her whimsical designs that still never feel saccharine. Carrie would be BFFs with Rosie and the duo would get posh cocktails together in outrageously feminine, floral designs.
Pleated One Shoulder Blouse, £1420
Tom Ford
Original show counterpart: Gucci
Tom Ford was on the scene when SATC aired, but back then he was heading up Gucci. At his own namesake label, it’s all about colour and power suits with a heightened sense of sex appeal—i.e. exactly what Samantha gravitates toward.
Tom Ford Frayed Satin Pump, £840
Brandon Maxwell
Original show counterpart: Versace
There is no better showstopper than a fitted Brandon Maxwell that hugs the figure. With his celebrity clientele and penchant for bold colors, the luxe designer would be guaranteed a fan in Samantha.
Brandon Maxwell Chiffon Halter Top, £612.65
Balmain
Original show counterpart: Vivienne Westwood
Samantha would definitely be a general in Balmain’s 'Army.' Can’t you picture her in the designer’s signature power shoulder while wining and dining her latest celebrity client?
Balmain Belted Double-Breasted Crepe Blazer, £1895
Céline
Original show counterpart: Marni
Miranda would fully back a brand with a female creative director— like Céline during Phoebe Philo's reign (RIP). Nothing says "career woman" more than a chic handbag.
Céline Medium Big Bag, £2600
Stella McCartney
Original show counterpart: Haider Ackermann
Stella McCartney's runway looks are a little more experimental than Miranda is, but the designer's sleek jumpsuits and business-ready suits are perfect for the lawyer's career-focused style.
Stella McCartney Quince Tuxedo Jumpsuit, £1345
Altuzarra
Original show counterpart: Diane von Furstenberg
The beauty of Altuzarra's brand is its unapologetic assertion of femininity through impeccable tailoring, classy prints, and thoughtful design. Miranda would buy it in bulk.
Altuzarra Pavilion Bandana-Print Silk Dress, £1765
Carolina Herrera
Original show counterpart: Oscar de la Renta
The modern iteration of Carolina Herrera looks like Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, and a circus had a baby. It's playful without veering too far from nipped waists and classic Americana, putting this striped dress right in Charlotte's wheelhouse.
Carolina Herrera Open Back Midi Dress, £3314
Emilia Wickstead
Original show counterpart: Calvin Klein
Australian-based designer Emilia Wickstead brings modernity to classic cuts. This look might read more mischievous than Charlotte tends to actually be, but imagine it with a matching cardigan and pearl earrings...
Emilia Wickstead Safron Halterneck Mini Dress, £815
Brock Collection
Original show counterpart: Chanel
Brock Collection is prairie girl meets Upper East Side WASP. Its romantic couch florals would be a perfect match for the thoughtfully selected fabric wallpaper in Charlotte's penthouse apartment.
Brock Collection Thadine Shirred Floral-Print Top, £1045
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.
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