Carrie’s back. And honestly, she brought a whole lot of tulle and some very questionable footwear choices with her. When we talk about And Just Like That fashion, we aren’t just talking about clothes; we’re talking about a cultural lightning rod that manages to be both aspirational and deeply confusing at the exact same time. It’s a lot to process.
Remember the tutu? Of course you do. That $5 bargain-bin find from the original series opening credits defined an era of "high-low" dressing that changed how real women actually put outfits together. But the revival is a different beast entirely. It’s louder. It’s more expensive. It’s curated by Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago—who worked under the legendary Patricia Field—and they aren't playing it safe. They are swinging for the fences with archival pieces and digital-age labels that most of us can't pronounce.
The Shift from Relatable to Relentless
Let’s be real for a second. The original Sex and the City had a certain grit to it, even when Carrie was wearing Dior to a dive bar. In the new chapter, the And Just Like That fashion feels more like a museum exhibition that walked off the pedestal and onto the streets of the Upper West Side. It’s glossy.
Take the Fendi Baguette. In the original run, it was a plot point—a literal "it bag" that got Carrie mugged. In the revival, it’s a nostalgic wink, but it’s also a reminder that these characters have evolved into a different tax bracket. We aren’t watching a freelance writer struggle to pay rent anymore. We’re watching wealthy women navigate grief and aging while wearing Valentino couture to walk the dog.
It’s polarizing. Some fans hate it because it feels "too much," while others live for the escapism. But that’s kind of the point of the franchise, isn't it? It was never actually about being realistic. It was about the fantasy of New York, and in 2026, that fantasy involves a lot of vintage Jean Paul Gaultier.
Why the "Ugly Shoe" Trend Rules the Screen
You’ve probably noticed the Birks. Or the clogs. Or those weirdly chunky platforms that look like they could double as a blunt force weapon.
The show has leaned hard into the "ugly-cool" aesthetic. Miranda, specifically, has undergone a massive style shift. Her corporate power suits are gone, replaced by bohemian prints and bucket hats. It’s a visual representation of her life falling apart and being put back together in a new shape. Whether you like the tie-dye or not, the costume designers are using the And Just Like That fashion to tell a story that the dialogue sometimes misses.
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The Pigeon Bag Heard 'Round the World
We have to talk about the bird. Specifically, the JW Anderson Pigeon Clutch.
When Carrie stepped out clutching a 3D-printed grey bird that costs nearly $900, the internet basically broke. It was weird. It was impractical. It couldn't even hold a phone. But it was so Carrie Bradshaw. It captured that specific New York energy of "I know this is ridiculous, but I like it, so deal with it."
This is where the show succeeds. It leans into the absurdity. In a world of fast fashion and "quiet luxury" (looking at you, Succession), And Just Like That fashion chooses to be loud. It chooses the pigeon.
Breaking Down the New "Core" Characters
It isn't just about the original trio anymore. The newcomers have brought their own distinct vibes to the table:
- Lisa Todd Wexley (LTW): She is the new queen of accessories. Huge wooden links, massive gold hoops, and Valentino capes. She represents the "Art World Wealth" that is more daring than Charlotte’s "Park Avenue Princess" look.
- Seema Patel: Effortless glamour. She’s the one wearing monochromatic silks and carrying Hermès Birkins like they’re grocery bags. Her style is expensive, but it feels lived-in.
- Nya Wallace: The most grounded of the bunch. Her look is academic but cool—lots of textures, braids, and jewelry that looks like it has a story behind it.
The Sustainability Factor (and the Archive)
One thing most people get wrong about the show is thinking it’s all brand-new luxury. It isn’t. Rogers and Santiago have been incredibly vocal about "shopping the closet."
They brought back the Vivienne Westwood wedding dress—the "Bird on the Head" dress—for the Met Gala episode. Seeing that gown again wasn't just a fashion moment; it was a gut punch for long-time fans. It linked Carrie’s past with her present. This use of archival pieces is a nod to the growing trend of circular fashion. Even the ultra-wealthy are rewearing their icons now.
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They also mix in pieces from ThredUp and Etsy. Seriously.
Mixed in with the Chanel is jewelry from independent designers you can find on Instagram. That’s the secret sauce of And Just Like That fashion. It’s the chaotic mix of a $10,000 gown and a thrifted belt. It keeps the "fashion as art" conversation alive without feeling like a 45-minute commercial for LVMH.
How to Actually Wear This Without Looking Insane
Look, most of us aren't going to wear a tulle skirt to the bodega. But you can take the energy of the show's styling and apply it to a normal life.
The biggest takeaway from the revival is proportional play. If you’re wearing something huge on the bottom (like those wide-leg trousers Charlotte loves), keep the top structured. If you’re doing a bold print, commit to it. Don’t half-ass a statement outfit.
Also, don't be afraid of the "wrong" shoe. The show loves pairing feminine dresses with rugged boots or "dad" sneakers. It creates tension in the outfit. It makes it look like you didn't try too hard, even if you spent an hour in front of the mirror.
The Impact of Social Media
In the 90s, we had to wait for magazines to tell us what Carrie wore. Now, accounts like @andjustlikethatcostumes identify every single thread within minutes of a leaked set photo.
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This has changed how the designers work. They know the internet is watching. They know every outfit will be dissected, meme-d, and eventually copied by Zara. This awareness sometimes makes the fashion feel a bit performative, but it also ensures that every single frame of the show is visually dense. You can watch an episode three times and still spot a new brooch or a hidden vintage bag.
Fashion as a Shield
There’s a deeper layer here. For Carrie, fashion has always been a suit of armor.
After Big passed away, her clothes became a way to reclaim her identity. In season two, we see her getting her "sparkle" back. The colors get brighter. The heels get higher. And Just Like That fashion serves as a barometer for the characters' mental health. When Charlotte is feeling overwhelmed by motherhood, her clothes are stiff and "perfect." When she starts to find herself again, the edges soften.
It’s easy to dismiss the show as a parade of expensive labels. But if you look closer, it’s about the joy of self-expression in your 50s. It’s a refusal to "dress your age" in the traditional, boring sense. And that is a message worth more than a Birkin.
Step-by-Step: Updating Your Wardrobe the "Bradshaw" Way
If you want to inject some of that New York flair into your own rotation, don't just go out and buy a bird-shaped purse. Start smaller.
- Audit your "Special Occasion" items. Most people leave their best pieces in the back of the closet waiting for a wedding. Stop doing that. Wear the silk blazer with jeans. Wear the sequins to brunch.
- Focus on the Third Piece. An outfit is usually just a top and a bottom. The "third piece" is what makes it fashion. It’s the oversized vintage belt, the silk scarf tied around your wrist, or the massive cocktail ring.
- Invest in Tailoring. The reason the women on the show look so good in simple items is that everything is fitted perfectly to their bodies. A $20 thrifted skirt looks like $200 if it’s hemmed correctly.
- Embrace the Archive. Search sites like The RealReal or Vestiaire Collective for pieces from five or ten years ago. "New" doesn't always mean "better."
- Clash Your Colors. Throw out the rulebook that says your shoes have to match your bag. In fact, it's usually better if they don't. Try pairing a cobalt blue bag with a neon orange heel. It shouldn't work, but it usually does.
The real legacy of the show's style isn't about the price tag. It’s about the audacity to be seen. Whether you’re a Carrie, a Miranda, or a Charlotte, the goal is to use your clothes to say something about who you are today—not who you were twenty years ago.
Actionable Insight: Pick one item in your closet you think is "too much" for a Tuesday. Wear it anyway. That’s the core philosophy of the show. Fashion is meant to be lived in, spilled on, and enjoyed, regardless of the occasion. Keep an eye on local consignment shops for high-end labels that have rotated out of "trend" status; that's where the real treasures are found.