Sarah Jessica Parker at 60: A journey through her most iconic looks

Sarah Jessica Parker turned 60 on March 25, marking six decades filled with fashion moments. Throughout her career, the American actress has used every public appearance as an opportunity to showcase designs from legendary fashion houses such as Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, and Dior. However, there have been occasions when she embraced a more eclectic style, drawing from thrift store finds, like the look she wore to the Young Artist United Gala in 1987. "Every single thing on me is from a vintage store, with the exception of whatever is in my hair. Apologies for that," she joked about the outfit in a 2022 video for 'Vogue.' On that occasion, she paired her ensemble with a peace symbol pendant, which became one of her signature accessories over the years. As Parker revealed in the video: “If somebody asked me for my signature, I always signed: 'Wage peace, love Sarah Jessica.'"Ron Galella, Ltd. (Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

“One is never underdressed or overdressed in a little black dress,” said designer Karl Lagerfeld. And Sarah Jessica Parker proved him right when, for the 1995 Oscars after-party, she chose a strapless satin little black dress. At the event, the actress presented the award for Best Sound Editing, which was awarded to 'Speed.' Aware of the timeless power of this classic piece — first popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s — Parker later embraced the legacy of the little black dress by launching the SJP LBD collection in October 2016. The collection, designed by Parker herself, featured little black dresses. One dress called ‘Title’ cost around $350.Kevin.Mazur (WireImage)

In the sixth episode of 'Sex and the City' (1998), where Sarah Jessica Parker plays Carrie Bradshaw, she dons the now-iconic "naked dress." Designed by DKNY, this minimalist piece captures the boldness and innovative spirit of the 1990s fashion scene while perfectly embodying Carrie’s daring approach to style. Parker also made a nod to her character by wearing the "naked dress" to the 1997 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards in New York. The dress left such a lasting impression that it is frequently cited as a pivotal moment in both Carrie’s character evolution — she wears it on her first date with Big and in the bus ad seen in the show’s opening credits — and in the overall fashion legacy of Sex and the City. It became a symbol of the bold, effortless style that made the series so influential. Thanks to the show, Parker became a household name.Kevin.Mazur (WireImage)

On the night she received her first major award — a Golden Globe for Best Comedy Actress for her role in 'Sex and the City' — Sarah Jessica Parker turned heads with her outfit. With subtle makeup, her signature blonde hair, and a dazzling white rhinestone dress by Richard Tyler, Parker stole the spotlight. Tyler was also the designer behind the off-the-shoulder floral dress Carrie wore in the third season of the series (2000). Parker's portrayal of Carrie earned her three additional Golden Globe wins in 2001, 2002, and 2004.Ron Galella, Ltd. (Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

For the 2000 Emmy Awards, Sarah Jessica Parker broke with tradition and chose a pale pink ensemble by Oscar de la Renta. The outfit, consisting of a top and a flared skirt adorned with feathers, was a clear nod to her iconic character. In the opening credits of 'Sex and the City,' Carrie Bradshaw famously dons a white tutu while walking through the streets of New York City. This tutu, which became a symbol of the show's style, was later auctioned on January 18, 2024, for $52,000. According to the series' costume designer, Patricia Field, it originally cost just $5 While Parker didn't win any awards that night, she did take home the trophy for Best Leading Actress in a Comedy Series at the 2004 Emmys.Steve Granitz (WireImage)

In the 2003 awards season, when women typically wore skirts or voluminous gowns, Sarah Jessica Parker shocked the Golden Globe red carpet with an outfit that defied convention: a black corset paired with matching pants. The creator of the ensemble, Jorgen Simonsen, described the style as “underwear as outerwear.” In an Instagram post on January 6, Simonsen explained that Sarah had just given birth to her first child James Wilkie Broderick, in October 2002 and was seeking an elegant and sensual outfit that offered support. In 2009, Parker and her husband, Matthew Broderick, welcomed twins, Marion and Tabitha, through a surrogate, a practice that remains illegal in Spain. In the photograph, the actress poses with Broderick, whom she married in 1997. Over the years, the couple has become one of Hollywood's most stable pairs, despite a public scandal in 2008 when Broderick admitted to infidelity, which Parker later forgave.Frank Trapper (Corbis via Getty Images)

In the sixth season of 'Sex and the City' (2003-2004), Carrie Bradshaw's former love interest, Aleksandr Petrovsky, gives her an Oscar de la Renta dress to wear to the ballet. Similarly, for the 2004 New York Ballet Spring Gala, Sarah Jessica Parker also chose an Oscar de la Renta design — a green dress cinched at the waist with ruffles at the hem. However, on this occasion, all eyes were on her hairstyle, which featured a crown-like updo adorned with a large accessory at the center.Lawrence Lucier (FilmMagic)

For the premiere of 'Sex and the City' (the film continuation of the series) in London, Sarah Jessica Parker chose an Alexander McQueen design. The ensemble featured a pistachio green dress with a sweetheart neckline, complemented by a striking Philip Treacy hat. The hat mirrored the textures of the dress and was adorned with flowers and butterflies that rose above the actress’s head. While the chemistry between the show's main characters was undeniable on-screen, the relationship between Parker and Kim Cattrall (who played Samantha Jones) was far less harmonious. In 2018, Cattrall addressed Parker publicly: “Let me make this VERY clear. (If I haven’t already) You are not my family. You are not my friend. So I'm writing to tell you one last time to stop exploiting our tragedy in order to restore your 'nice girl' personal.” The actress shared the message after Parker posted a condolence message for her brother's death on Instagram. The ongoing tension between the two has remained a subject of speculation, though the exact reasons have never been fully revealed.Jon Furniss (WireImage)

In 2009, Sarah Jessica Parker had the honor of presenting the award for Best Costume Design at the Academy Awards, and she certainly rose to the occasion. Wearing a Dior haute couture gown adorned with silver beads, the actress dazzled both on the red carpet and on stage during the gala. At first glance, the dress appeared to be a white wedding gown, which seemed to contrast with the iconic black wedding dress she wore when she married Matthew Broderick in 1997. However, Parker described the color of the gown as “barely mint, maybe seafoam.” The elegant look earned her a spot among the best-dressed of the evening.Dan MacMedan (WireImage)

In 2014, Sarah Jessica Parker hosted the Met Gala alongside actor Bradley Cooper and designer Oscar de la Renta. The theme for the night was Charles James, and in tribute to the legendary designer, Parker wore a cream and black Oscar de la Renta gown featuring a lattice pattern, a nod to James' signature use of whales — semi-rigid rods inserted into the skirts of dresses to give them added volume. The gown's tail featured De la Renta's signature, a personal touch requested by the actress herself. “I said to Mr de la Renta, please let me use scarlet embroidery thread, and splash your name across the back,” Parker shared with 'Vanity Fair 'at the time. “ It was my idea. He would never in a million years have it done, he’s far too modest.” She completed the look with long white gloves.George Pimentel (WireImage)

Parker is a regular attendee at the New York Ballet, whether in spring or fall. For the September 2014 gala, she opted for an unconventional yet striking and elegant look: a creation by Greek designer Mary Katrantzou. The floor-length white gown featured a voluminous skirt and an intricately embroidered panel in deep wine, black, and blue hues down the front. While she typically wears heels to formal events and red carpets, Parker paired the dress with black leather boots.Alo Ceballos (GC Images)

Sarah Jessica Parker is one of the most devoted attendees of the Met Gala, renowned — and often praised — for her extravagant and statement-making headpieces. The 2018 edition, themed Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, was a night of fierce competition, with standout looks from Rihanna, Blake Lively, Ariana Grande, Zendaya, and Lana Del Rey. Yet, Parker did not disappoint. She captivated onlookers in a Dolce & Gabbana ensemble, complete with an ornate headdress featuring a miniature Bethlehem nativity scene, a nod to the event’s religious theme. Her outfit was a spectacle in itself, from the gilded altarpiece-like headpiece to the brocade and sequin-covered gown adorned with sacred heart motifs, all topped off with a dramatic floor-sweeping cape. Parker’s daring choice turned heads, proving once again that wherever she steps, the cameras follow.John Shearer (Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter)

Parker never shies away from a statement look at the ballet. For the Fall 2019 gala, she stunned in a fuchsia Zac Posen gown featuring a structured corseted bodice and layers of voluminous taffeta. She paired the dress with mismatched satin heels — one fuchsia and the other mustard — from her own brand, SJP Collection. When founding the company in 2014, the actress drew inspiration from her 'Sex and the City' character, Carrie Bradshaw, reviving her signature fashion obsession: Manolo Blahnik shoes. The footwear in her collection was designed in collaboration with George Malkemus, former president of the renowned luxury brand.James Devaney (GC Images)

At the New York premiere of the first season of 'And Just Like That' in 2021, Parker paid homage to her stylish character by opting for one of her favorite designers: Oscar de la Renta. The evening gown she wore had a classic feel, was tailored, and featured a built-in cape. Designed by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, the dress had a sweetheart neckline, rhinestone embellishments, and a tulle skirt. Parker completed the look with custom stilettos from her brand, SJP Collection, named Duchessa and lined with pink satin. The third season of 'And Just Like That,' the sequel to 'Sex and the City,' will premiere in 2025.Jamie McCarthy (WireImage)