The Carrie Bradshaw Formula (from Steffie and My Own Closet)

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Steffie’s video nails the signature Carrie approach, layering wit and confidence with a handful of memorable pieces. Here’s how to channel those Carrie vibes, with some of my own experience on what works (and what’s really worth hunting down):

1. Start With a Fitted Tank or Tube Top

Carrie’s wardrobe thrived on the basics, but always with a twist. Whether it’s a crisp white tank, a pastel tube, or something ribbed and shrunken, go for tops that celebrate your shape and keep you (literally) cool—a must in an NYC summer.

My advice: Look for cotton or modal blends for softness—these fabrics last through city heat and multiple washes. I found a ribbed lavender tank at a Brooklyn street fair years ago; it still feels like my “Carrie” go-to, especially when I want to blend comfort with style.

2. Add a Statement Skirt

The real essence of her 90s style? The skirt. Printed, textured, boldly colored, or inventively draped—never plain. Carrie’s skirts were conversation pieces on their own.

  • Try vintage or indie finds: Consignment and vintage stores are a treasure trove for unique skirts. My first “Carrie” moment was a flouncy floral midi skirt picked up for under $20.
  • Mix your textures: A soft tube top with a sequinned mini or a crisp cotton tank with a tulle skirt—play with contrasts.

Trending and pop culture-inspired skirts are here.

3. Step Into Vintage Designer (or Designer-Look) Heels

Sure, Manolos are the dream—but you can channel Carrie with any vintage or statement heel. Steffie jokes about inherited shoes (and their questionable comfort!) but the fun is in the search.

My take: Don’t stress about the brand. I’ve scored gorgeous, barely-worn Ferragamos in thrift stores for less than the price of brunch. Look for unique details (buckles, prints, metallics), or shop current brands channeling the era, like Larroudé or even Zara’s 90s-inspired collections.

4. Accessorize with a Signature Necklace

Signature jewelry is a Carrie must—think her iconic nameplate necklace or DIY layered chains. Steffie’s twist of using ring watches on a homemade necklace is genius (and pure Carrie).

  • Gold tones are especially 90s-rich and chic.
  • Don’t be afraid to mix high and low: a special heirloom with thrifted finds or playful Y2K jewelry.

For more necklace or jewelry inspo, browse here.

5. Amp Up Your Hair (Volume, Curls, or Up! )

Carrie’s hair had a life of its own! If you’ve got curls or waves, let them loose (humidity and big volume are unapologetically on brand). For sleeker moments, a high pony or messy updo—the more “effortless but a little wild,” the better.

  • Personal truth: My best “Carrie” curls happen on day three with just a dab of oil and a spritz of sea salt spray. You do YOU!

6. The Iconic Bag: Small but Mighty

“The bag is 100% Samantha though!” Steffie says, but there’s no denying Carrie’s rotation of shoulder and baguette bags was iconic. The Fendi Baguette she made famous is still high on many wishlists, but don’t be shy about modern interpretations.

  • Go structured and shoulder-slung: Find your own version at a consignment shop, vintage market, or a solid high-street label.
  • Choose playful colors or patterns—a bag that stands out is always “very Carrie.”

Explore mother/grandmother or pop culture bag collections for icons.

7. Have Fun With Beauty and Body Care

Spritz your favorite perfume, swipe on that glossy 90s lipstick, and (per Steffie’s sage advice) never forget the deodorant. Real confidence comes from feeling good inside and out—and taking care of the little things makes all the difference.

My “Carrie in the City” Experience

I’ll never forget the first time I recreated a Carrie look for a night out in New York. I wore a powder blue tube top from a downtown thrift store, a ruffled floral midi I found on Etsy, and (temporary) metallic mules. Every time I caught my reflection in a restaurant window or the subway, I felt like I’d borrowed just a bit of her energy—bold, curious, a little quirky, and completely myself.

Fashion at its best isn’t about rules, but about lifting the best of you—and Carrie (and Steffie) absolutely get that.

Conclusion: Dress Like Carrie Bradshaw—Your Own Way

Carrie Bradshaw’s enduring icon status comes not from following trends, but from celebrating individuality and mixing high, low, simple, and statement-making with endless enthusiasm. Channel her by starting simple, adding a twist (printed skirt, vintage heels, wild accessory), and then mounting the confidence to own the sidewalk—wiggles, DIY jewelry, and all.

For more vintage-inspired, pop culture, or bold skirt-and-bag options, take a peek at what’s trending this season. Celebrate your inner Carrie every day you walk out the door—because New York (and the world) is your runway, and your story deserves to shine just as brightly.

@steffieinthecity the bag is 100% samantha though (IYKYK) #satc #carriebradshaw #90saesthetic #fendi #fashion #outfitinspo #nyc @Larroudé ♬ original sound – Erika Dwyer

the bag is 100% samantha though (IYKYK) #satc #carriebradshaw #90saesthetic #fendi #fashion #outfitinspo #nyc @Larroudé

“How to dress like Carrie Bradshaw from sex and the city.
First, start with a fitted tank or tube top.
Next, add a skirt.
Make sure it’s either printed roughly or in some way interesting.
For shoes, a pair of vintage designer heels.
For accessories, a signature necklace.
Add some volume to your hair.
A cute shoulder bag. And that’s it.”
“Yeah, now I know why my mama wanted to give these shoes away. Baby,
what is this?
Anyways, they are. Your girl is back.
And today we is giving 90s.
I got a little content creation slash photo shoot.
They on. And so that being said,
get dressed with me.
The top and the bottom is from Africa Eden.
So I’m just gonna be yapping y’all again. Today.
I changed all my jewelry to gold,
if y’all couldn’t tell a little bit.
So now I gotta get some gold grills.
So that means
one thing I need you to start doing this summer
is putting on some deodorant.
For real. Take it on.
It’s no reason your walk past air should smell like that.
What you doing?
Do y’all see how I’m coming right now?
Hold on. Who is that?
Who is that in the mirror?
I can’t lie, y’all.
This fit giving me like,
y’all, this so hot in my room,
I think my lace sliding back.
For real. But yeah,
this is the official for today.
Let me know what y’all think.
I put some jewelry on.
I may put my hair back up,
and then I just made this little necklace,
y’all put some ring watches around it.
Let me know if that’s tea.
Yeah, I’m see on the next one.”