This Famous Dress Has Been Around for 50 Years, and It's Still Selling Out

When we had our first glimpse of behind the scenes images from And Just Like That… (the long-awaited reboot of Sex and the City, in case you’ve been hiding from pop culture for the past year), it wasn’t the old friends reunited, the potential storylines or even the shoes people were talking about. It was a simple ruched, one-shoulder blue dress that stole most of the headlines—worn, of course, by Sarah Jessica Parker herself, and subsequently claiming the title of the "Carrie Dress 2.0.”

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(Image credit: Courtesy of HBO)

The look Carrie wore in And Just Like That…

The much-anticipated return of Carrie’s wardrobe was always going to laud attention, but this dress in particular has its own story to tell. First designed by Norma Kamali in the 1970s, it’s been a favourite of the fashion world for half a century (an achievement not many designers can claim). And to this day it still sells in the thousands per week, almost always selling out in record speed every time it’s restocked. Knowing Carrie’s love for a classic fashion moment, it’s hardly surprising the wardrobe team decided to have her wear such an iconic piece.

But it’s not just SJP the dress counts as a high profile fan— celebrities and supermodels, from the Karashians to Alessandra Ambrosio and Ashley Graham (who looked jaw-dropping in it while pregnant) have all turned to its ultra-flattering design in recent years. Not to mention the countless fashion editors and influencers we’ve seen sporting the dress— all proving just how versatile it can be. 

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(Image credit: Getty)

Ashley Graham wears hers to the Savage x Fenty show. 

Since the 70s the design has had just a few tweaks, including the addition of a supportive inner bodysuit (a little complicated to get on but super flattering when in place, according to our editor-in-chief Hannah Almassi who loves it) and more advanced fabrics, but the core design has remained the same. Now, you can now find the dress in both midi and mini lengths, and in a variety of colours (a whopping 31 to be precise). 

As you know, we don’t like to report on a cult item or trend that is having a flash-in-the-pan, most-wanted moment without taking into account the longevity of the piece. But seeing as this dress has well and truly stood the test of time and is only growing in popularity since we first saw it featured on Carrie, we feel pretty confident by now this is a forever piece you’ll never regret investing in. 

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(Image credit: Getty)

Alessandra Ambrosio shows off the white version. 

Coming in at around £200 depending on the style, it’s also at the more affordable end of the designer dress scale. And since it’s a timeless design that works for so many events—from a birthday dress to the perfect wedding-guest style to even *whispers* Christmas party season dress, we’re pretty sure the cost per wear would whittle down pretty quickly. The other option is to rent it since it’s also stocked in so many colours on HURR (always a strong indicator of a popular piece).

Keep scrolling, then, to see and shop all the different colours of the Diana dress in stock right now…

Shop or Rent Norma Kamali's Diana Dress:

Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand.

Emily has worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.