Chic at 60ish!

Sarah Jessica Parker turns 60 in March! Scrolling through Instagram, I notice she has just finished filming Season 3 of “And Just Like That,” while getting ready to celebrate her big birthday. How can it be??? Wasn’t she just a pretty young thing, wearing funky outfits, as we breathlessly anticipated the ins & outs of her love affair with Big? The original “Sex and the City” ended 20 years ago—feels like yesterday. Since then, we’ve watched Sarah Jessica grow into a NYC doyenne, fashionista, philanthropist & established actress. I was enchanted by her 20 years ago—and I still am.

THEN & NOW: Sarah Jessica Parker as Sex & the City’s “Carrie Bradshaw” 20+ years ago & today, in the upcoming season of “And Just Like That” on Max

As the author of “Chic at 60ish,” it seems appropriate to sip a cosmo (sort of dated, but still delish), then shop for a new pair of shoes, fabulous bag, or gorgeous accessory. A fashion icon, SJP remains more relevant than ever, continually showing us not only to be true to our inner fashionista, but also how to have fun with personal style. Exactly what this season’s trends are all about.

A FOREVER FASHIONISTA: Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta on the cover of “Vogue” & at the Met Gala (Oscar’s red signature is best accessory of all!); in Carolina Herrera at the opening of the NYC Ballet last year (her hair bow trailed down to the hem of her skirt–talk about stand-out accessories!) & at the opening of the ballet this year

Whether she’s in Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Hererra or jeans, Sarah Jessica looks great. Though not a classic beauty, she has more chic in her pinky than ten gorgeous actresses or models put together. How does she do it? Often with accessories. Think back. SJP—and her alter ego “Carrie Bradshaw”—were among the first to teach America about designer shoes and the lift they bring. Conversely, she could throw on a pair of ballet flats, bought on the street in Chinatown, pair them with jeans or a flowy skirt—so Fall 2024—and look equally fantastic.

ACCESSORIES ARE THE ANSWER: “Carrie Bradshaw,” wearing a funky newsboy cap & kid gloves with her classic Chanel suit & Hermes “Kelly” bag; wearing layers of necklaces; her favorite cobalt blue Manolo Blahnik “Hangisi” pumps; in a full-length navy cardigan, long denim skirt & pearls from the upcoming season of “And Just Like That”

The same goes for handbags. Her myriad Chanel & Fendi “Baguette” bags are legendary, yet she’ll wear a cheapo clutch in a bold color, giving a needed pop to the simplest ensemble. (Remember, color is an accessory too.) She loves antique pins on lapels. Great belts. Loads of bangles. The queen of accessories, she showed us how to easily turn an outfit from day into night, funky to festive, always fabulous.

SO SJP: Kelly bag at hermes.com; cognac “Margaux” bag at therow.com; “Kisslock” bag at coach.com

If you buy one new accessory this season, make it a boxier, structured bag—we’ve already spied SJP in Coach’s new “Kisslock Frame” bag. A boxier bag feels very retro—envision the Hermes “Kelly bag,” first created for Grace Kelly in the 50’s. A look now available from every designer at every price point, a boxier bag looks modern and clean. For evening, a clutch is the perfect accent.

CHANGE ACCESSORIES, CHANGE YOUR LOOK: Ropes of pearls for an afternoon birthday lunch, pearls from Jeff Kellmer Jewelers in Haverford, Gucci burgundy velvet suit from bergdorfgoodman.com; SJP as “Carrie Bradshaw” loves ropes of pearls too (real or faux!); Tom Ford link bracelet from neimanmarcus.com; Bottega Veneta smaller woven handbags from bergdorfgoodman.com; embossed croc boots from stuartweitzman.com; signature belt from gucci.com

Last week I spent the afternoon at a beautiful birthday luncheon in center city. Velvet pantsuit, silk shirt, lots of ropes of pearls. Going out for dinner that night, I just switched the pearls for layers of gold jewelry, the pants for leather jeans, the patent heels for boots, then grabbed a smaller clutch, creating a whole new look in an instant. Belts, bags, bracelets, shoes. Each element dresses you up or down. It’s all in the details!

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS: Bow bracelets at tiffanys.com; layers of chains & stacked rings at boucheron.com; large frame sunglasses at ralphlauren.com; Tom Ford gold python clutch at neimanmarcus.com

More must-have accessories: Sunglasses, watches, chunky, colorful jewelry, real or faux. One gorgeous accessory makes last year’s outfit sing. Enjoy every magnificent moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. Obviously we need to celebrate both Sarah Jessica Parker’s upcoming 60th birthday & the Season #3 return of “And Just That” with a delicious cosmo–here’s my favorite recipe from Ina Garten, update it with tequilla instead of vodka too!

1 cup vodka or blanco or silver tequila

1/2 cup triple sec or Cointreau

1/2 cup cranberry juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and pour through a strainer into four martini glasses.