Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The very first episode of Sex and the City premiered 20 years ago next month. To mark this auspicious anniversary, ELLE.com 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 polarizing 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, $1,195; farfetch.com
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, $800; net-a-porter.com
Rosie Assoulin
Original show counterpart: Prada
Rosie Assoulin is an industry favorite 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, $1,595; farfetch.com
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 color and power suits with a heightened sense of sex appeal—i.e. exactly what Samantha gravitates toward.
Tom Ford Frayed Satin Pump, $1,290; tomford.com
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, $971; neimanmarcus.com
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, $2,550; net-a-porter.com
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, $4,150; celine.com
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, $1,975; stellamccartney.com
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, $2,495; matchesfashion.com
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, $1,684; farfetch.com
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, $1,050; matchesfashion.com
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, $1,290; net-a-porter.com
Readers Also Read
The Coziest Chic Travel Pants to Shop Now
Katseye Keeps It Cool and Confident Onstage
The White Skirt That Won’t Quit
Fall’s Best Boots Are Surprisingly Hiding on Amazon
