Sarah Jessica Parker at Nordstrom in Los Angeles
There are fashion icons that we can aspire to emulating and then there are fashion icons we can actually reach. Carrie Bradshaw — ahem — Sarah Jessica Parker is one that skirts the line between the two. SJP’s got great personal style, but it’s hard, if not entire impossible, to separate her from her on-screen persona. She’s currently criss-crossing the country to promote her line of shoes, dubbed SJP, at Nordstrom stores. At her stop in Los Angeles at the Grove, she walked in with a lace dress, bold black layering pieces, killer suede pumps and her signature messy-chic ‘do. Attainable? There’s no question about it — we’ve got everything you need to get the look yourself.
The outfit might leave you scratching your head, but if you think about it, layering is a great way to wear some of your springtime staples (such as lace dresses) all year long. Throw on some great basics underneath to keep you warm and you can get more mileage from just about anything. And when the weather warms up, stow away those stockings and long sleeves, because you’ve got a great dress you can wear on its own. Carrie might have been known for her less-than-practical clothing, but Sarah Jessica has practical layering down to a science with this dress and long sleeve combination.
BCBG Max Azria Diane Oversize Lace Dress
To get the same look as SJP — and really, who hasn’t tried to recreate a Sarah Jessica or Carrie Bradshaw look? — we don’t recommend grabbing an unlined lace dress. But, the BCBG Max Azria Diane Oversize Lace Dress ($298) comes close. It is lined, so it’ll be a great spring and summer piece (hello, summer weddings!) but if you can’t keep this gem hidden in your closet and need to wear it now, we’ve got great layering pieces you can wear underneath. The dress has a sweet scalloped hem, a barely-there blush hue and cap sleeves that make this a versatile piece for anyone and any occasion. Add a belt if you need some definition at the waist and you’ll be Carrie-caliber chic.
Available at Bloomingdale’s.
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1.We’ve tried every pair of tights under the sun, from bargain buys at Target to high-end standbys such as Wolford, but when it comes to staying warm and snag-free, your best bet comes from Athleta. The brand’s Smartwool blend tights ($29.99) will keep you toasty and can take repeated washings without losing their shape or stretch. Try one pair and you’ll be hooked.
2. And up top, we’re sticking to the same brand, because together, the tights and the Chi Top ($54) are an unbeatable combination of breathable, technical fabric that’ll keep you sleek and cool without being bulky underneath your clothes. Best of all, feel free to wear this top to the gym. It’s built to take on workouts and lazy weekends alike.
3. If you want to get SJP’s signature curly coif, you might need to get a perm, but in the meantime, add major texture and volume with Bumble and bumble Cityswept Finishing Spray ($29).
4. SJP’s stack of rings and bracelets were no doubt a mix of fine and costume jewels, get the same layered look by adding the Leith Midi Ring Set ($24) to your daily rotation of bits and baubles.
5. And to complete the look, grab one of SJP’s new shoes, available only at Nordstrom. The Italian-made, ladylike classic styles are sure to bring any Carrie Bradshaw fantasies to life. Our pick is the playful SJP Etta Pump ($425), which you can wear for work and play alike.
Shop our favorite SJP shoes and more:
Images courtesy Athleta, Nordstrom and Sephora
