If there's one woman who taught us everything we know about fashion, it's Carrie Bradshaw. The headstrong fashionista at the center of HBO's Sex and the City [1] franchise has broken more style rules than we can count and has inspired us to do the same.
From her tulle skirts to her masterful print-mixing, Carrie spent six seasons as the best dressed woman on television, and let's not forgot the epic movie looks too, all thanks to the show's stylist Patricia Field. Sure, years have passed and trends have come and gone [2] in between, but there are plenty of reasons we'll look to Carrie as our style inspiration forever.
Read on for 43 lessons we learned from our style icon, because why wouldn't we take our fashion advice from the woman who said [3], "I like my money where I can see it — hanging in my closet."
A Fancy Dress in the Daytime? Do It
Let Your Clothing Be Loud, and Your Accessories Louder
There's No Such Thing as Too Extravagant
If You Want to Wear Heels and Sweatpants, Go For It
Don't Be Afraid to Rock Every Color of the Rainbow
Head-to-Toe Black Has Just the Right Amount of Attitude
An Oversize Knit Doesn't Have to Feel Bulky
It's OK to Wear Your PJ's in Public
Quirky Vintage Pieces Make Your Outfit Feel Unique
Wear Your Summer Favorites Year-Round, Just Learn to Layer
Don't Be Afraid to Show Some Skin — Even When the Temperature Drops
A Classic Coat Will Never Go Out of Style
Vertical and Horizontal Stripes Are Nice, but Don't Discount Diagonal
Always Have a Party Dress on Hand
Dare to Wear Pants Under a Dress
Stuffy Suits Instantly Become After-Hours Appropriate When Paired With a Tee
When in Doubt, It's Always Chanel
Sneakers Are the Staple Even the Fashion World Loves
A Great Woman Always Has Sunglasses on Hand
Matching Is Not a Requirement
Add a Pop of Color to an All-White Look to Stand Out From the Crowd
Don't Let Cold Weather Ruin a Great Outfit
Cold Weather Is Just a Chance to Wear Cozy Accessories
When You Get the Opportunity to Dress Up, Take It
Knee-High Boots Can Make Any Outfit Feel Sexy
Mix Colors, Prints, and Patterns With Abandon
You Can Wear a Flamenco Skirt to Dinner
Classic Is Always in Style
An LBD Doesn't Have to Be Boring
You Shouldn't Have to Hide a Great Bra
A Basic Tank Top Can Be Dressed Up Too
You Don't Choose Your Wedding Dress, It Chooses You
Borrow From the Boys, and Don't Apologize For It
You Can Never Go Too Bold With Accessories
There's No Need to Wear What Everyone Else Is Wearing
When You Get the Chance to Wear Couture, Say Yes
Even on Vacation, Bring On the Outfit Drama
Dress For Yourself, Not For Anyone Else
When You Travel, Don't Be Afraid to Embrace the Local Dress Code
Your Closet Can Never Be Too Full
Your Outfit Should Always Make You Smile
Never Let the Rules Stand in the Way of a Great Outfit