It’s hard to believe that Sex and the City first graced our television screens 25 years ago, but the hit HBO show’s legacy lives on. Following the release of two feature films, and the new spinoff series And Just Like That, the complex lives of Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda carry on (season two of AJLT will even have a Samantha storyline!). But looking back on the epic 25 years, there’s one cast member who’s often left out of the fashion conversation: Stanford Blatch, portrayed by the late Willie Garson. More than just Carrie’s obligatory gay best friend, Stanford has proven to be a snazzy style star in his own right. So let’s look back, shall we?
Throughout the Sex and the City universe, Stanford—who owned a talent agency—was often utilized as a right-hand to Carrie. He exists solely to assist Carrie with her problems and dating life. Occasionally, though, we’d be treated to a special Stanford storyline—like when they gave him a recurring boyfriend, Marcus, during the series, or when he finally wed Anthony in the second Sex and the City film. Even though he was a supporting cast member, however, Stanford’s impeccable wardrobe stole virtually every scene he was in.
No Stanford look was ever complete without a perfectly-tailored suit, which was often punctuated with a colorful shirt, patterned tie, and pocket square to match. Often, he rocked a bright beret or brimmed hat with it—and always tinted glasses, too. If I had to describe a Stanford look in one word, it would be loud. But amidst the glossy style of the four leading ladies, there was something refreshing about Stanford’s fashion sense: He dressed to be noticed, and didn’t care what anyone thought.
When he tries to make Anthony jealous of his new boyfriend in one of the earlier seasons, for one, he marches up to his lunch table wearing a bold-patterned shirt (with the coordinated hat) and a bright teal tie. I mean—how fabulous. He also had a way of clashing patterns, too, like when he paired a purple and white floral shirt with a yellow patterned tie. There’s an art to that deliberate mix-and-match.
But Stanford could clean up nicely, too. One of my favorite style moments of all time is in the second Sex and the City film, when he finally ties the knot with Anthony wearing a chic white Dior suit, complete with a silk pussybow blouse. “You’re wearing white!” says a surprised Carrie. “Like a virgin—touched for the very first time,” Stanford quips back.
While Stanford’s character development and screen time has, well, lacked throughout Sex and the City, it’s clear that the franchise’s costumers Patricia Field and Molly Rogers have continued to have fun with his wardrobe, and given it the star quality he so deserves. Carrie may be the most-renowned style icon, but Stanford is the style icon in our hearts.
