Channeling the ‘80s Through Carrie

Image via ZAP2it

Image via ZAP2it

I don’t know about you, but I live in a constant state of ‘80s nostalgia. As a child of a time where big hair and crazy print fashion were not only acceptable but in, I’m a little biased. And don’t even get me started on the music—I have more 80s artists on my Pandora stations playlist than from any other decade. So don’t judge me when I say that I was really curious to see what the CW’s new show The Carrie Diaries would do to my beloved 80s.

This former Sex and the City fan was afraid the storyline would not match up to my vision of a high school, pre-NYC Carrie Bradshaw. And I may not have been wrong about that, but then again, I’m not really into the show for the story; for those of you who don’t know, the show, which is based off of Candace Bushnell’s prequel novel by the same name, takes some liberties with Carrie’s backstory, but I won’t go into that because I’m not here to prove factual inaccuracies.

I am, however, thrilled with the music and fashion inserted flawlessly into every episode. Billy Idol, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Talking Heads, New Order, Modern English—these are just a few of all the musical greatness that has already graced just the first two episodes! This alone is enough to hook me, but what keeps me coming back for more each week is the awesome 80’s style choices. As a friend of mine said, now that Gossip Girl is gone, we needed a fabulous fashion replacement that was equally a love letter to New York City.

We all know that fashion is cyclical, and clearly the 80s have made a fashion comeback in recent years, but I couldn’t help but laugh this week when I saw AnnaSophia Robb (in character as Carrie) wearing an almost identical sweater to one I just got from Gap about two months ago. Maybe that’s what’s so enthralling about the fashion on this show—that while it’s nostalgic, it’s also something we might totally, or actually, wear today.

Let’s have a look, shall we?

Image via She Knows

Image via Star Pulse

the-carrie-diaries.fanpop2

Image via Fan Pop

Image via Fan Pop

Image via Hollywood Reporter

What’s so great about 80’s fashion is that you could pretty much mix and match anything and it would work. In a way, it was easy and uncomplicated. Neons, sequins, patterns, animal prints, polka dots, solids, stripes—you name it. The rule was there are no rules. Anything goes!

What do you think? Would you wear any of these looks from The Carrie Diaries? As for me, I’ll be tuning in next week in hopes of hearing The Cure on a future episode and to see how I can inject even more color into my own wardrobe.

6 Responses to "Channeling the ‘80s Through Carrie"

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  1. Ambyr

    January 24, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    I have yet to see this show but I’ve heard mixed reviews. When I think 80’s I’m not jumping out of my seat for the fashion BUT every era seems to keep me interested in all sorts of ways. I love the details from the 80’s, in textures and colors. I love the first look and the last look. Give me a full skirt and cropped jacket!

    xoxo
    http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

    Reply
    • Ana Montoya

      January 26, 2013 at 12:35 pm

      Yeah, that last look is very reminiscent of older Carrie, right? I just love all the color!

      Reply
  2. Rob

    January 27, 2013 at 11:51 pm

    It’s funny that you mentioned that fashion is cyclical. Just a few weeks ago, I commented to my wife how Justin Bieber’s clothes reminded me of something the New Kids On The Block would’ve worn back in ’88.

    I haven’t seen the new show, and probably won’t, but I’m happy to hear that they’re using music from the era. Hope they throw in some Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Huey Lewis… And maybe an occasional Dexy’s Midnight Runners song.

    Reply
    • Ana Montoya

      January 28, 2013 at 10:22 am

      Rob! My first male commenter. haha… I am curious to see what outfit the Biebs was wearing that was influenced by NKOTB! Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. :)

      Reply
  3. Addison

    February 10, 2013 at 1:01 am

    Love that you mentioned that fashion is cyclical… I also have noticed some pieces I buy that my mom has in her closets from decades ago. Kind of inspired me to write a post on that topic, too.
    Carrie Diaries was a perfect way to get that message out and analyze 80s fashion.

    Reply
    • Ana Montoya

      February 10, 2013 at 10:25 pm

      Thanks, Addison! Great meeting you the other day. :)

      Reply

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