Gretta Monahan: Wardrobe brings the star power

Are you watching Season 3 of “And Just Like That?” We’re about midway through at this point, and viewers have all kinds of opinions about the plot. Some are loving the character behaviors and developments (like Miranda’s newfound love life) whereas others, not so much (like Carrie waiting on Aiden).

But one thing most everyone’s enjoying dishing on: the clothes. This is, after all, the follow-up show to the one (“Sex And The City”), that most indelibly fused fashion and television forever in our minds. And it continues to do so now in a fearless and fun way, with each character expressing their personalities through their wardrobe choices.

So let’s have a look at some of the big looks dreamed up and presented on the show far by costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago, shall we?

One of my absolute favorite developments has been the introduction of Lisa, played by Nicole Ari Parker. Her character loves big and colorful, graphic designer statements, and we love her for them. One of her best of the season so far has been a look in episode 3—a whimsical yellow and black translucent coat from Jovana Louis. The topper was layered over cream pants and black and cream Jennifer Chamandi shoes. Killer!

There was also another stunning Lisa moment in episode 1, in a gorgeous geometric Badgley Mischka sheath dress. But the icing on the proverbial cake was her accessory: a necklace of oversized woven raffia balls. So devil-may-care, artful, and fun all at once.

Another new character, Seema, has also had some big moments. In Episode 2, much is made (probably too much, as the show makes abundantly clear) of Seema’s embrace of animal prints. In fact, she’s advised not to wear them any more because they intimidate men. As we see her completely owning a look—a sequin-embroidered snakeskin minidress by Balenciaga—we know backing down isn’t her style.

Now let’s get to Charlotte, who rarely disappoints. Her love of prim pencil skirts and pretty, bright colored blouses continues this season. Sometimes it’s a vintage Prada palm leaf print shirt with a pink tweed Oscar De La Renta skirt. Other times its a bold red silk blouse with a tiered ruffle sleeves and a trim black pencil skirt. But I also equally relished Charlotte’s casual takes: Even just walking her pooch, she was the picture of effortless elegance, donning a navy Veronica Beard polo sweater with khaki utility pants and Roger Vivier slingbacks.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Kristen Davis, who plays Charlotte, can make anything look good. But then again, so can Sarah Jessica Parker. In one scene together on the streets of New York, the duo played to their strengths with some true styling wizardry. Charlotte wore a blue-and-white striped Emilia Wickstead dress, complete with a wide white belt and contrasting lemon-yellow Christian Louboutin sandals. As for Carrie, beneath her dramatic saucer hat, she showed off a lacy and layered Simone Rocha dress beneath a vintage Ann Demeulemeester jacket, and Maison Margiela shoes. Each outfit is perfectly indicative of the character wearing it: Charlotte is always drawn to the impeccable and classic, whereas Carrie loves a more romantic, artsy, and independent aesthetic.

Which brings us to one look in particular that had more than a few tongues wagging. For those who aren’t particularly fond of Carrie’s habit of waiting on Aiden this season, in episode 4, she followed him to his home in Virginia, where she seems like a fish out of water—and dressed like one, too. There, her dress (dubbed “Little House on the Carrie” in the episode) was meant to show just how much Carrie is changing herself to be with Aiden. And if clothes are a reflection of how we feel on the inside, well, I can understand why so many viewers are saying it’s time for carrie to pack it in and go home.

The clothes on the series "And Just Like That?" are part of the appeal. (Contributed)
The clothes on the series "And Just Like That?" are part of the appeal. (Contributed)