You Don’t Need to Be Young to Be Beautiful: Middle-Aged Fashion in a Changed New York
“And Just Like That…” continues to follow Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) – now all in their 50s, living in the modern life of New York City. Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) – a beloved character from the original series – is absent in this part, but her absence is subtly explained in the film’s content.
The film does not try to recreate youth, but honestly looks straight at the changes of middle-aged life:
Loss, illness, broken relationships
No longer the partying or chasing love as before, the new series explores deeper themes:
Carrie faces death and loneliness, when losing Mr. Big
Miranda explores her own gender identity and emotions
Charlotte learns to let go of the “perfect family” image to accept her children for who they are
Redefining herself in a rapidly changing society
Exploring new aspects of marriage, love, gender and identity
Fashion – not just for beauty, but for storytelling
From the Manolo Blahnik shoes associated with Carrie, to bold, luxurious or nostalgic outfits, every detail has its own meaning. In “And Just Like That…”, fashion has a subtle transformation:
Carrie Bradshaw is still individual and rebellious, but now her fashion has a nostalgic and experienced look, as if she is using clothes to hold on to memories, and express her bravery after loss.
Miranda Hobbes chooses a simple, practical style, partly reflecting her inner struggle and desire to break stereotypes.
Charlotte York still maintains an elegant, classic image, showing her belief in traditional values - but is also willing to experiment with modern colors to adapt to the changing world.
From “runway” to “narrative”
If fashion in S*(-) and the City is a colorful game, in And Just Like That…, fashion has become part of the plot. It tells the story of middle age – a period that many people think “is past its time to stand out”, but the film proves the opposite:
– You can still be charming, unconventional, and individual – at any age.
– Clothes not only cover the body, but also expose emotions, memories and dreams.
Therefore, it can be said that fashion is not only the “visual focus”, but also the artistic soul of the film – beautiful, profound, and extremely personal.
Carrie Bradshaw – Vintage floral dress + pink gloves + beret (Episode 1)
📍 Scene: Carrie goes for a walk with her friends, taking her first steps into the new post-COVID world and at the age of 50+.
Meaning: The outfit is like an affirmation: Carrie is still “Carrie”, still unique and has a classic and unconventional feel. But the pink gloves are also a gentle reminder of a changed world – where we need to be more careful, even with fashion.
The navy blue Versace Couture dress (Episode 2)📍 Scene: Carrie opens her old wardrobe and puts on the dress she wore in Paris in S*(-) and the City.
Meaning: It’s not just a dress, but a whole chapter of the past – love, expectations and unfulfilled dreams. This outfit marks a return to her inner self, before Carrie enters the biggest loss of her life.
The Red Suit – Miranda at the Seminar (Episode 4)
📍 Scene: Miranda goes to school to start again, trying to find herself after years of being tied to her family.
Meaning: The bold red represents a Miranda who is not afraid of change. The strong – but slightly awkward – suit shows that she is struggling to find her place in a new world, both mentally and visually.
Charlotte – Oscar de la Renta Off-the-Shoulder Pink Dress (Episode 6)
📍 Scene: Attending a party with her daughter and family, trying to create an image of the “perfect mother”.
Meaning: The dress exudes perfection, tradition and formality – just like how Charlotte tries to keep things within the framework. But it is also the same outfit that makes us see her stuck between expectations and reality, especially when her daughter is entering the rebellious age.
Carrie – Printed Pajamas When Writing Alone (Episode 8)
📍 Scene: Carrie is at home, writing about Big, and starting to open up to love again.
Meaning: Comfortable, private, and… full of hidden meaning. This outfit shows that Carrie is learning to be true to herself, without being “glamorous” but still profound. This is the transition from grief to rebirth.
The Pink Cicada Hat – the “story tree” of TikTok (Episode 10)
📍 Scene: Carrie walks around Paris at the end of the season, wearing a candy pink coat and a cicada hat.
Meaning: Deeply symbolic. The cicada hat – an insect that hibernates for 17 years before emerging – reflects Carrie’s rebirth after heartbreak. The item is quirky, but it says a lot about courage and acceptance of a new life.
“And Just Like That…” is not a perfect sequel, but it is brave, honest, and has heart. The film shows that, even as time passes and things change, the journey to find meaning remains. The meaning of life, love and self – continues.
