Sarah Jessica Parker, renowned for her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in the iconic series *Sex and the City*, has shared insights about her character’s celebrated wardrobe. The actress attended the New York City Ballet 2026 Fall Gala, where she revealed her curiosity about the remains of Carrie’s stylish outfits from the series, which originally aired from 1998 to 2004.
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In a candid discussion with *PEOPLE*, Parker confirmed she has preserved several pieces from Carrie’s wardrobe. However, she mentioned that she never actually wears these items. “No, I don’t wear any of the wardrobe that I wore on the show ever. I have it. It’s an archive, but I never wear it,” she stated, indicating a clear distinction between her real-life identity and that of her character.
Parker elaborated on her decision not to don the outfits, noting that many are unique creations or have already been seen on-screen. “There’s a huge separation between myself and Carrie Bradshaw. So it would be like walking around in Sarah Sanderson’s costume,” she said, referencing her role as Sarah Sanderson in Disney’s *Hocus Pocus*. This highlights her perspective on fully embodying a character, even when the costume is a significant part of its identity.
Cynthia Nixon, who played Miranda Hobbs alongside Parker’s Carrie in *Sex and the City*, recently chimed in about her character’s wardrobe. At the 2026 Emmys, Nixon revealed that approximately a third of her current wardrobe consists of clothes belonging to Miranda. When asked about keeping items from her latest role as Ada Brook in HBO’s *The Gilded Age*, she jokingly noted, “Maybe some gloves. That’s about it.” This reflects her more functional approach to the costumes, acknowledging that they are not suited for everyday wear.
While Nixon has embraced her character’s wardrobe from *Sex and the City*, her interest in the outfits from *The Gilded Age* is far less enthusiastic. “You know, they let us have anything that we want,” she remarked about the costume department’s generosity, appreciating the opportunity but expressing little desire to incorporate those historical styles in her daily life.
Parker’s wardrobe from *Sex and the City* remains a subject of fascination, with the actress occasionally drawing from it for special occasions. She recounted an instance where she borrowed from the archive for a birthday celebration in England, calling it a rare occurrence. “I just did it,” she laughed. “It’s one of the few occasions I’ve ever pulled from the archive for personal use.”
Her approach to wearing items from the archive is marked by careful consideration. Parker reflected on the circumstances and environment in which she would wear a piece, ensuring the safety and preservation of the clothing. “I’m very judicious about that,” she explained, illustrating an understanding of the significance of these garments beyond mere fashion.
The memories tied to her character’s collection resonate deeply, with Parker acknowledging that they are more than just clothes. Each piece holds a part of her professional history and the essence of Carrie Bradshaw, who became a cultural icon in her own right. Her narrative poses questions about celebrity identity and the balance between public personas and private lives—the very essence of the show that captured the hearts of viewers for years.
As Parker and Nixon reflect on their time on *Sex and the City*, it is evident that the show’s legacy continues to influence both actresses. The wardrobe pieces, while archived and rarely worn, serve as a reminder of the vibrant characters they brought to life and the indelible mark those characters left on the fashion landscape. Fans of the series are likely to hold a similar appreciation for these iconic pieces, as they embody the spirit of an era defined by bold fashion choices and relatable narratives.