SJP's 10 Best Style Lessons

Oh, Sarah Jessica Parker. We’ve loved you since the day you charmed us in Hocus Pocus and became a style, pop culture, and, yes, sexual icon in your career-making role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City . And, as any lasting fashion legend should, you’ve only gotten better over the years. That’s why today, on your 49th birthday, we’re celebrating your fabulousness the only way we know how. No, not by binge-watching as many episodes of SATC as humanly possible or buying way too many pairs of heels from your Nordstrom-exclusive shoe line, but by counting down all the style lessons you’ve taught us over the years. And believe us, there are a lot.

But since it would take far too long to list them all, we've narrowed it down to a solid 10 fashion truths that we've learned from the always-amazing SJP. So grab your notebook and follow along.

1. It's okay to mix grunge with glam

When it comes to personal style, many ladies like to stick with just one fashion personality, whether it’s classic, edgy, sporty, retro, or something else all together. But one thing SJP has taught us time and again is that fashion is always better when you mesh two styles together, particularly when you’re giving a girly, glam look a bit of edge with a badass leather jacket and sexy stare.

2. The shoes can make the outfit

And who would know this style rule better than a newly minted shoe designer? Both Parker and her TV alter ego Carrie Bradshaw are known for their fabulous shoe collections, and we’ve been fortunate enough to witness how one bold heel can make a world of difference in an otherwise-simple outfit.

3. Bigger is (almost always) better

One of the primary reasons we love SJP? She’s not afraid to take a big, bold fashion risk, especially when it comes to rocking voluminous gowns, sizeable skirts, and in-your-face accessories (giant flower brooch, anyone?).

4. Color blocking with prints is a must

Everyone knows that a color blocked ensemble can be the simplest way to create a chic look, but it was Parker who taught us that throwing a print into the color stack can take an outfit above and beyond.

5. A good coat makes all the difference

The Sex and the City star is known for rocking long, gorgeous, and printed coats on the red carpet and in everyday life, giving us major wardrobe envy and teaching us that you’re never really dressed without a stunning piece of outerwear.

6. Feminine and flirty can be sexy, too

SJP is the ultimate feminine icon, as she never shies away from hitting the red carpet in pretty princess gowns and frilly, girly looks. But she also proves that sweet can be sexy, too, especially when combined with super-shiny fabrics and sultry, bedhead hair.

7. Don't be afraid to flaunt your curls

Speaking of bedhead hair, SJP can rock it like the best of them, and she’s shown us all that you don’t have to hide your big, bouncy curls in a slicked-back bun. In fact, it’s when Parker’s hair is at its most voluminous that she looks the most high fashion.

8. A cape comes in handy

Especially when it's fur. But we don’t mind when it’s long, red, and dramatic, either, just as long as it’s worn with Parker’s confidence and incomparable sense of style.

9. When in doubt, let your bra hang out

Okay, so this may have been a lesson from Carrie Bradshaw instead, but there have been plenty of situations in which Parker has looked ridiculously chic and sexy letting her bra peek through, too. Just one rule of thumb: Keep the rest of the look ultra classy.

10. There are some things only SJP can wear

These include massive mohawk headpieces, draped tartan, Minnie Mouse ears, wind-tunnel hair, a cropped Victorian jacket, this fascinator, and so much more.

So for all of these style lessons — and the many others not listed here — we thank you and we love you, SJP.