‍

When you think of fashion, friendship and,most importantly, good television from the late 90s and early 2000s, chances are “Sex and the City” comes to mind.

Always stylish, effortlessly witty and oftentimes problematic, this hit show aired from 1998 to 2004.. One might wonder what made the show so iconic, and it certainly is not always the likability of the characters (cue the “and I couldn’t help but wonder…”). So what is the ‘it’ factor, exactly? The fashion, of course.

“Sex and the City” follows columnist and ‘sexpert’ Carrie Bradshaw and her three best friends,Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, through their lives and dating adventures in New York City. The show is beloved for its fun and vibrant depictions of female friendship, sexual liberation and bold style.

The four gal pals are fashionistas, sharing tops as well as crippling shoe addictions. Famous for her style, actress Sarah Jessica Parker portrays the quick-witted and always effortless Carrie Bradshaw. Her unapologetic style has garnered massive attention over the years, as well as earned her a place in the fashion books as the style icon of the 2000s. 

Each of the four friends has a distinct and loveable sense of style. Samantha, the confident businesswoman, is always seen in something very polished and seductive. Charlotte, the girl next door, is more reserved and classic. And Miranda, the lawyer and (sorry to say it) only logical friend, can usually be seen sporting something earthy and practical.

Outside of offering a fresh perspective on single life, sex, female autonomy and friendship, “Sex and the City” created its fair share of influence surrounding fashion trends. These trends vary from Carrie’s iconic tulle skirt  even to the Brazilian wax.

So, without further ado, here is a list of some of the most prominent trends that arose from the show.

Tulle Skirts

Among Carrie’s most controversial fashion choices lies her affinity for a tulle skirt. From the white skirt she sports in the show’s iconic intro to the pink skirt she’s seen wearing in the last episode of the spin-off revival “And Just Like That…,” the show put a new twist on this iconic piece, no longer limited to ballerinas or ballgowns.

The Nameplate Necklace

The nameplate necklace, which has made a resurgence in recent years, has been a staple piece of Black and Latinx fashion for years, dating all the way back to the 70s. While Carrie was not the first to do it, she brought the nameplate necklace to the TV screens — and closets — of millions worldwide.

The Fendi Baguette

Parker’s love for the Fendi Baguette led to it being labeled one of the first ‘It Girl’ bags. The bag itself is an understated piece which can be purchased in an array of designs and colors, from plain leather to intricate sequins and tassels. The bag’s variety and iconic silhouette earned it a place in the hearts of “Sex and the City” fans worldwide.

Manolo Blahkins

Bringing fresh designs into the world of stilettos in the 70s, the Manolo Blahkin heel saw a huge surge of fame following its recurring appearance in countless looks by Ms. Carrie Bradshaw.

The Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan, a pink, fruity cocktail, was just another drink on the menu until it embraced a new wave of popularity on behalf of the iconic show’s clique. The girls’ favorite order at every swanky, upper-east side bar began to take the world by storm, making it one of the most iconic drinks of the 90s.

Slip Dresses

Slip dresses, which became an absolute fashion favorite in the 90s, put a new twist on what was considered stylish outerwear. Originally intended to be worn underneath garments, this piece became a staple in the fashion community, making numerous appearances throughout the early seasons of the series and on countless runways today.

The Everyday Heel

“Sex and the City” is praised for many reasons; realism is not one of them. While paying Manhattan rent with weekly blog posts or stepping out in gym shorts and stilettos may not be something many of us see in our day-to-day lives, Carrie not only made this a reality, but looked good doing it. While early icons, like Marilyn Monroe, took the heel off of its pedestal as a formal-event-only item, Carrie brought a resurgence of casual heel styling in the early 2000s.

“He’s Just Not That Into You”

Originating the phrase in the episode “Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little,” Miranda is told by a prominent writer that lack of effort on a man’s behalf simply means he isn’t that interested. This phrase and ideology gained popularity through the show, and eventually inspired a best-selling book and movie by the same name. This idea continues to rule many of our expectations and social media feeds — “#IfHeWantedToHeWould” being an example — all thanks to a little help from Miranda and a very blunt writer.

While “Sex and the City” has evolved over the years, this series is an iconic time capsule of fashion, friendship and city life in the early 90s and 2000s.