A Deep-Dive into Carrie Bradshaw Part 1
Season 1 - Practical magic.
Hi All,
Today, I thought I’d do something extra fun—a deep dive into Carrie Bradshaw’s fashion: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Regardless of how you feel about Carrie and what she represents, she’s an iconic character who defies categorization, and her fashion makes that abundantly clear. The magic of Carrie—and much of her personality—is in her wardrobe rather than her character arc. Out of all the characters, she’s the most creatively dressed each season. While she does re-wear pieces, she doesn’t subscribe to any one style. She’s the epitome of “wear what you want” and embodies creativity in dressing, even when it results in occasional misses. I’m constantly inspired by her wardrobe. Watching the series in full reveals her personal style evolution, with Pat Field working her magic behind the scenes.
I thought it’d be fun to explore Carrie’s style season by season, track its evolution, and see how we can apply it to our own lives.
Let’s start with Season 1.
Much of Season 1 has been criticized for Carrie’s lack of accessories and, frankly, “boring” outfits. While it’s true that her accessorizing flair is more prominent in later seasons, many of these looks are among the easiest to wear without feeling like you’re in a Carrie costume. They’re very ‘90s (which I personally love), and while some may call them “basic,” the silhouettes are sexy, refined, and sophisticated. Many of the pieces are reused throughout the series—like her iconic fur coat! We first see this coat on her first date with Mr. Big, paired with the iconic Naked Dress. The coat makes numerous appearances in later seasons and shows that a practical statement coat is essential in Carrie’s wardrobe.
In 2025, fur coats have made a significant comeback, though they’ve never really gone out of style. They’re practical and chic, and there are plenty of options for finding one that suits your personal taste. If real fur isn’t your thing, vegan fur alternatives are equally fabulous.
To reflect various personal styles, I’ve linked a variety of coat options. For instance, a fur coat doesn’t have to be fully fur—I love the fourth option for its subtle nod to the trend without being too literal.
Styling fur: If fur feels intimidating, here’s a way to approach it—remember these two words: texture and color.
For example, I styled a textured, fun fur jacket (example 1, my personal fave) in a casual look. Pairing it with a classic denim piece keeps it relaxed, while a modern wide-leg cut prevents it from looking dated. I added a chic blazer worn as a top and incorporated complementary colors like blue and red. The animal print boots add a playful touch.
To dress it up, there are plenty of options (see below).
I leaned into vintage vibes that Carrie would envy, pairing a sequin top with the coat to highlight its glam aspect, statement green/purple heels, and unique cut-out trousers. A mini bag, chosen for its practicality, ties it all together. It’s perfect for a night out with friends!
Moving on—this next outfit is one of my favorite looks from Season 1.
It’s chic, wearable for brunch, errands, or anything in between, and feels more approachable than a full-on Carrie costume. Carrie styles a tube top (a piece she repeats often), black pants, a tan leather jacket (another repeat item from Season 1), and red shoes.
This look is simple but modernizable. Again, to style let’s focus on texture and color.
I updated it with mesh flats (love them or hate them), a silk tube top, and a red clutch reminiscent of Carrie’s. The trench coat-inspired jacket adds a cool vibe. It’s a great lunch outfit, don’t you think?
Another option? Add a skirt!
Playing with proportions is key. Sweetheart necklines are flattering and avoid the boxiness that can come with strapless tops. I opted for a flowy white top paired with a classic brown leather midi skirt for balance. Color is crucial here—I added patterned heels and a red woven bag for a quirky touch.
Finally, let’s talk about a quintessential Carrie silhouette that repeats throughout the series. While this isn’t my favorite look from her, it’s a Carrie classic: gloves, a vintage skirt, and a chic farewell to Mr. Big in the final episode of Season 1.
As I mentioned, this isn’t my favorite look or silhouette of hers - I think its a bit dated. But, let’s just play for the sake of playing.
Not to brag but I think I killed this. To modernize this look, I embraced monochrome styling to make it feel fresh. A cinched-waist top helps to balance out the vintage skirt, and the leather gloves also compliment this fit beautifully. It feels very fresh and fun to me.
Here’s another way to do it.
I leaned into the outfit’s quirky charm with a unique top, lace gloves, gold accessories, and a printed canvas bag to add texture and color. There’s a lot happening, but somehow, it works.
I hope you enjoyed this deep dive into Carrie’s Season 1 closet! I can’t wait to explore more seasons with you.
Let me know your favorite looks and if inspiration strikes—I’d love to hear about it.
Until next time.
M.K.