arah Jessica Parker: A Style Icon Defined by Her Heels
The clacking of her heels rivals the clacking of her typing as a columnist, but the footwear of Sarah Jessica Parker has become as iconic as her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw. Whether sparkly or strappy, pink or blue, studded or buckled, her heels are often the exclamation point on her already bold sartorial statements. Her fearless fashion is central to why a generation of women emulated her Sex and the City character, making the actress a defining style influencer.
Recently reprising that career-defining role, Parker continues to step out in scene-stealing shoes. To celebrate the arrival of And Just Like That…, she dazzled in asymmetrical fuchsia heels, their sweet hue offsetting her Zac Posen ballgown in jewel-toned pink. Typically known for her love of all things elaborate and couture, Parker unleashed her playful side by pairing the rose-colored confection with sunshine yellow straps across the top of her foot.
Far from a fashion one-trick pony, Parker also layers and accessorizes with aplomb. While filming the SATC follow-up, she modeled how to transition maxi dresses from summer to fall. An indigo button-down provided cozy warmth under a flowing bohemian frock. Silver metallic platform heels lent height and polished off the outfit.
Tweed holds special significance both for Carrie Bradshaw and the actress behind the persona. Parker sported the fabric in an updated way on the AJLT set, topping cropped navy pants and a black knit turtleneck with a belted tweed coat tailored to hit just below the knee. Black tights and booties grounded the look.
Few garments feel more synonymous with Parker’s fashion sense than frocks punctuated by thigh-high slits. The daring split often reveals the color of her heels before the rest of the outfit. At a London dinner, she wowed royalty and commoners alike in an emerald gown, its flowing sleeves ethereally billowing as she walked. Glimpsing beneath the slit were sparkly lilac stilettos in an unexpected pop of contrasting hue.
If her clothing choices frequently turn heads, Parker’s bags also warrant their own spotlight. Two decades ago at a Sex and the City premiere, all eyes fixated on the rainbow-colored handbag dangling from her arm. Its vibrant mosaic of colors harmonized beautifully with the mixture of orange, pink and turquoise adorning her strappy midi-dress. Silver strappy heels tied the outfit together brilliantly.
Of course, simplicity can be stunning too, as Parker demonstrated at another red-carpet event in the 90s. Opting for an LBD, leather jacket and black ankle boots, she kept the look minimalist. But in signature SJP fashion, even dressed down in mostly black and white, she radiated star power and glamour.
Recently on the AJLT set, she colorblocked a vibrant blue skirt suit with an asymmetric hem hitting just below the knees. Paired with layered gold necklaces, graying locks swept into a low bun exuded sophistication well into her 50s. A blue crocodile clutch and forever-chic black pumps finished off the Carrie Bradshaw-worthy ensemble.
Overseas at a French film festival, Parker sparkled literally and figuratively. She dazzled in a sequined LBD with long sleeves, letting the rainbow radiance of the dress command full attention. Allowing the eye-catching pattern its moment, she slipped on dusky pink heels and a simple pendant necklace.
While filming wedding scenes for AJLT, Parker initially seemed overshadowed by the grandiosity of her cream-colored bridal ballgown and feathered fascinator. But after sweeping through the Manhattan streets lined with admiring fans, the blue satin heels peeking from below were the detail that stuck most. Hours later at an on-set dinner, the newly minted on-screen bride switched into another pair of blue heels. Some consistency amidst all the change felt fitting for the actress reviving her career-defining role.
From fuchsia pink to cobalt blue, jewel tones to neutrals, satin to sequins, stilettos to slingbacks, Parker’s heels run the full fashion spectrum. But whether understated or over-the-top, her footwear choices always feel distinctly her own style and brand. She knows that often the shoes make the outfit in fashion, but in her case, they have made her the style icon. The looks may evolve but the hallmark accessory – a scene-stealing pair of heels – remains for SJP.
