Sarah Jessica Parker: Yes to short dresses, one-piece swimsuits and big eyewear

MANILA, Philippines - Sarah Jessica Parker’s unforgettable on-screen looks as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City have made the actress a fashion icon.  From frothy ballet skirts to nameplate necklaces to an array of unconventional masterpieces, she pushed style boundaries in her own lighthearted way.

But it is her real life style that continues to amaze us.  And with summer on the style horizon, SJP — who is the face of The SM Store’s Love to Shop campaign — shares with us her thoughts on how to achieve a great summer look.

On summer dressing:

“I’m a big fan of dresses for summer, especially in places like the Philippines where it’s really, really warm and humid.  It’s a perfect opportunity to wear lightweight summer dresses that don’t stick to your skin. I don’t wear maxi dresses, but I think that’s a really nice option for a lot of young women, who I know like them. And in our country, they’ve gone through a big resurgence.

“I like a shorter dress, like to the knee. I think it suits me. But I think the beauty of living in a contemporary society is that length is up to the consumer. I think whatever makes her feel good — if she prefers a maxi dress, if she feels more. So I really like a light summer dress.”

On swimsuits:

“I like a one-piece. I always have. I think they’re old-fashioned and chic. And they’re coming back, which I’m really excited about. And people are doing beautiful one-piece bathing suits again so I think that’s great.”

On summer footwear:

“I think it’s really hard for me because, while I love heels, they can feel too hardy and too heavy in the summer. But there are occasions where heels — a strappy sandal with a real heel — can feel really nice in the summer.

“Now, there are dressy flip-flops so it’s now acceptable to wear a pair for dinner. In tropical environments where heels might seem hot and weird and odd, it’s really nice that a pair of flip-flops is now an option.”

On summer accessories:

“What I like about Asian countries is that women really use umbrellas, parasols. And you guys have the most beautiful options for parasols and umbrellas in the world. I noticed that when I visited other Asian countries.

“In the States, we’re more accustomed to hats. But when I was in Taiwan, I got beautiful parasols so there must be beautiful ones here in Manila, right?”

On eyewear:

“I like bigger.”

On bags:

“I like bright-colored, lightweight canvas bags with a beautiful weave. But I like bright colors for summer — bright pinks, and yellows, and marine colors.”

On summer beauty tips:

“Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen. I didn’t use sunscreen for a number of years and I regret it. I’m trying to make up for lost time. Sunscreen and lip gloss. SPF30 on my face, SPF30 on my body.”

On her beach essentials:

Sunscreen, book, music, water and sunglasses

The collection is available at the Ladies’ Department of all The SM Stores. 

Styles may vary per branch. Like the SM Store on Facebook  www.facebook.com/thesmstore and Twitter and Instagram  @thesmstore.