On Sex and the City, the accessories made the woman. Seriously, with an average of one nude scene an episode, they needed some non-clothing items to keep them warm. Each character’s look was crafted for her personality (like nude bags and heels for pragmatic Miranda) and for the storyline (Samantha popped on sharp Chanel reading glasses to emphasize her advancing age). This was as much of an extension of Sex and the City‘s personal style revolution as there could be. Fortunately (or unfortunately in some cases), many of these were a more plentiful and accessible way to parrot their idols. While Carrie piled on the most tchotchkes, the other three stars established their style profile with trademark accessories.
Carrie: The irrepressibly stubborn clotheshorse columnist never failed to kick up an outfit with some out-there touches. She was known for her flower-festooned dresses, nameplate necklaces, studded belts, her engagement ring necklace, furs, bandanas (which she wrapped around her arm and her head) and streetwise hoop earrings with her name in them
Samantha: A savvy PR pro, she used her accessories to punch up her daring workwear. She often donned bold brooches, statement earrings and headscarves to augment her outsized personality and panache
Miranda: The most sensible character loved fashion, but didn’t live for it. Her work outfits were mostly suits. She kept it simple during her downtime too, but would add touches like waist-nipping belts or a blazer
Charlotte: The polished Manhattan princess accented her patterns and girly dresses with Jackie O. sunglasses, pearls and color-coordinated bags and shoes
The show’s accessories were like its men—ever-changing, often disposable, but always appreciated when they came in handy. Today, accessories have their own stores and T.V. shows. We can only assume that young Carrie will embrace them as much as her older self did.