2 days ago
Carrie Bradshaw Would Totally Approve of These Summer Shoes — Here's How to Channel Her Iconic Style Now
'Sex and the City'
When it comes to summer fashion inspiration, who better to look to than the woman who once wore knee-high boots in July? Carrie Bradshaw — Sex and the City 's fictional fashion queen turned real-world style muse — was never one to follow the rules. In fact, she redefined them, often stepping out in sky-high heels, quirky color combos, and statement-making shoes that turned every Manhattan sidewalk into a catwalk.
With summer officially starting tomorrow, June 20, Bradshaw's fearless approach to fashion feels more relevant than ever. Whether she was running in stilettos to catch the Staten Island Ferry, strutting through SoHo in snakeskin boots, or twirling in tulle and Manolos in Paris, the Manhattan maven's footwear choices have become as iconic as the storylines she strutted through.
Here, we've rounded up the ultimate Carrie Bradshaw-inspired summer shoe edit, complete with shoppable picks that capture her energy — no matter your borough (or budget). Snakeskin Boots? For Summer? Carrie Would Say 'Abso-f*cking-lutely.'
Carrie didn't just wear knee-high boots in summer — she owned them. One standout moment? Her brown snakeskin boots worn with a flowy mini dress in Season 3, proving that the right pair of boots works any time of year. Photo Credit: 'Sex and the City' Season 3, Episode 2 Shop the Look: CASADEI 1990s Iconic Carrie Bradshaw Snake Skin Boots, $1042: SHOP NOW
1990s Iconic Carrie Bradshaw Snake Skin Boots, $1042: PARIS TEXAS Ashley 95mm Snakeskin-Effect Boots: SHOP NOW
BLACK SUEDE STUDIO Friday 80 Peyote Snake Leather, $299: SHOP NOW
Style Tip: Pair with a breezy white shirt dress or denim cutoffs to balance bold texture with easy summer vibes. Kitten Heels & Color Pops: Carrie's Daytime Date Look, But Make It 2025
From the neon yellow mules she wore while dishing to Samantha to PVC heels that looked like modern-day Cinderella slippers, Bradshaw made kitten heels a cool summer shoe long before TikTok did. Want to walk in her footsteps? Look for saturated summer tones, satin finishes, and whimsical details. (L-R) Sarah Jessica Parker (Photo by Tom Kingston/WireImage); Actress Sarah Jessica Parker Stars As Carrie In The Hbo Comedy Series 'Sex And The City' The Third Season. (Photo By Getty Images) Shop the Look: BLACK SUEDE STUDIO Albie 65 French Vanilla Satin, $298: SHOP NOW
BLACK SUEDE STUDIO Bella Peyote Leather, $149: SHOP NOW
BETSEY JOHNSON Naddia Fuchsia Multi, $99: SHOP NOW
Style Tip: Embrace her 'clash, don't match' mantra and wear your kitten heels with unexpected separates — think cargo skirts and vintage tees. The Classic Pump: White Hot or Wild in Leopard
The famed sex writer may have started the Manolo craze, but she was equally partial to pumps in all forms — white, animal print, and everything in between. The trick was in how she styled them: with confidence, a strong strut, and often, a dash of drama. (L-R) Sarah Jessica Parker at the Streets of New York in New York City, New York (Photo by Tom Kingston/WireImage); 'Sex and the City' Season 6, Episode 17 Shop the Look: BLACK SUEDE STUDIO Zoey 100 Tortoise Patent Leather, $328: SHOP NOW
MALONE SOULIERS Monroe 70 White Lace Heeled Pumps, $995: SHOP NOW
DOLCE VITA Eloy Pearl Heels in White Satin, $160: SHOP NOW
Style Tip: Add a pair of white pumps to your LWD (little white dress) for a crisp, polished update — or go full Bradshaw and pair leopard with furs or florals for a fearless finish. Bradshaw-Approved Style Isn't About the Rules. It's About the Risks.
Carrie Bradshaw's magic wasn't just in her wardrobe — it was in her willingness to take fashion risks and own them. She didn't wait for trends to tell her what to wear — she wore what made her feel fabulous, even if it was 'too much' for a Monday morning coffee run.
So if you're debating snakeskin in 85-degree weather or PVC heels on cobblestones as your summer shoes, ask yourself: What would Carrie Bradshaw do?
(And if you're still unsure, just remember what she said best: 'I like my money right where I can see it… hanging in my closet.')