13 Charlotte York-Inspired Wedding Dresses for a Classic Bridal Look

This "Sex and the City" character is known for her ultra-feminine and sophisticated style.

By
Ariana Quihuiz
Ariana Quihuiz
Ariana Quihuiz
Ariana Quihuiz is a freelance writer and content manager. She is currently the content manager for wedding gown brand Lyra Vega Bridal, covering bridal fashion, bridal beauty, wedding trends, and more.
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Published on 06/23/23 09:50AM
Sex and the City Charlotte York and Trey MacDougal on their wedding day smiling and holding hands

COURTESY OF HBO

Sex and the City, the iconic show about four best friends living in New York City, had fans captivated by the life, friendship, and dating escapades of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha. But, it was the fashion that graced the original series (and the current HBO spinoff And Just Like That…) that proved to be as noteworthy as the storyline. Charlotte York (played by Kristin Davis), in particular, is known for her ultra-feminine and sophisticated style, which includes plenty of pumps, tailored dresses, and polo sweaters. However, some of her best-dressed moments include the gowns she wore for her two weddings that perfectly showcased her personality in different ways. 

During season three of Sex and the City, Charlotte was the first character to say "I do" when she married Trey MacDougal in a lavish ceremony at the Church of Holy Trinity on the Upper East Side. And since Ms. York had been determined to find her “happily ever after,” she, of course, walked down the aisle in a princess-inspired ball gown from Vera Wang. Her dress featured a strapless neckline, gold floral embroidery on the bodice, and a cathedral-length train, which was styled with a cathedral wedding veil, a gold pendant, and matching earrings. 

charlotte york sex and the city wedding portrait

HBO/Courtesy of Everett Collection

Following her split from Trey, Charlotte married her divorce lawyer Harry Goldenblatt in a much more intimate ceremony. For this wedding, York chose a delicately feminine ensemble, opting for a bias-cut dress, by Badgley Mischka, with off-the-shoulder sleeves, a lace trim, a tiered skirt, floral appliqués, and crisscross bands on the bodice. To complement the romantic look, she accessorized with a shoulder-length veil and diamond chandelier earrings. 

For brides who consider themselves "a Charlotte" and have their hearts set on one of her looks, we'd like to help you find a gown that'll evoke her sophisticated aesthetics. Scroll ahead for 13 Charlotte York-inspired wedding dresses you can purchase to achieve her timeless bridal style. 

01 of 13

Best Metallic: Anne Barge Buckingham Gown

strapless ball gown wedding dress

Anne Barge

Size: 0-24SP | Materials: Jacquard | Length: Floor

Channel Charlotte’s princess bridal look in this strapless number from Anne Barge. It boasts the same gold floral embroidery as her first dress for a glamorous design. Accessorize with gold drop earrings and champagne pumps to accentuate the metallic details on the gown.

02 of 13

Best Square Neck: Anne Barge Venturi Gown

A-line square neck wedding dress

Anne Barge

Size: 0-24SP | Materials: Kalika | Length: Floor

This white ball gown from Anne Barge features a square neckline, cascading floral embroidery, and beading for a modern iteration of Charlotte’s Vera Wang dress. What’s more, it has hidden pockets making it the perfect choice for a functional yet dramatic bridal look. 

03 of 13

Most Simple: Jenny Yoo Gracelyn Gown

strapless wedding ball gown

Jenny Yoo

Size: 00-32 | Materials: Satin taffeta | Length: Floor

For brides with minimalist style, consider this satin taffeta ball gown from Jenny Yoo. Its scoop neckline, full A-line skirt, and draped bodice make it as luxurious as Charlotte’s ensemble, even without the floral detailing. Elevate your look by pairing it with a statement necklace and silver stud earrings. 

04 of 13

For the Glamorous Bride: Vera Wang Bride Jeaninne Ball Gown

Vera Wang Bride Jeaninne Ball Gown

Vera Wang

Size: 0-28 | Materials: Organza, lace | Length: Floor

Charlotte’s first ensemble is the epitome of classic bridal glamour, but this strapless number (also from Vera Wang) takes the look one step further. While this gown has the same neckline and floral embroidery as the original piece, the ruffled organza skirt adds even more drama for an especially eye-catching result. 

05 of 13

For the Whimsical Bride: Claire Pettibone Morganite Gown

off-the-shoulder lace wedding dress

Claire Pettibone

Size: 0-18 | Materials: Silk, lace | Length: Floor

For a more romantic take on Charlotte’s church ceremony gown, opt for this sheath dress from Claire Pettibone. Though the metallic floral embroidery is comparable to her ensemble, the thigh-high slit, sheer overlay, and off-the-shoulder neckline lean even further into a whimsical aesthetic.

06 of 13

Most Modern: Willowby by Watters Harmony Gown

strapless A-line gown

Watters

Size: 0-26W | Materials: Tulle, lace, dotted netting, stretch poly charmeuse | Length: Floor

Between the corset bodice, ball gown silhouette, and lace floral appliqués, we’re confident that Charlotte would approve of this contemporary bridal look. Accessorize with a dainty gold necklace and ivory or nude pumps to tie the romantic look together. 

07 of 13

Best Halter: Honor Look 11

cold-shoulder ruffle wedding dress

Honor

Size: Contact the brand | Materials: Silk chiffon | Length: High-low

Charlotte wore a more delicate and romantic dress for her wedding to Harry, and this halter gown from Honor is the perfect dupe. The ruffle details on the skirt and off-the-shoulder sleeves are so elegant, while the high-low hemline and wildflower print adds a modern touch to the look. 

08 of 13

Most Romantic: Adrianna Papell Hand-Beaded Crisscross A-Line Gown in Ivory

Hand-Beaded Crisscross A-Line Gown in Ivory

Adrianna Papell

Size: 0-30 | Materials: Contact retailer | Length: Floor

Another effortlessly chic replica, this hand-beaded gown by Adrianna Papell is a great choice for a garden-inspired wedding. Complete with crisscross bands at the waist, flutter sleeves, and a full A-line skirt, this look will have you floating down the aisle. 

09 of 13

Best A-Line: Azazie Iva Gown

A-Line Sequins Tulle Chapel Train Dress

Azazie

Size: 0-30 or custom size | Materials: Tulle, lace | Length: Floor

Rather than a sheath fit, this stunning tulle gown from Azazie features an A-line silhouette and a chapel train for a princess-worthy iteration of Charlotte’s ensemble. Embrace the fairy-tale aesthetics and pair yours with a cathedral veil and floral drop earrings. 

10 of 13

Best Maxi: Lulus All About the Romance White Lace Maxi Dress

Lace Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Lulus

Size: XS-3X | Materials: Lace, nylon, polyester | Length: Maxi

A Charlotte York-inspired bridal look doesn’t have to come with a heavy price tag! This maxi dress from Lulus comes in at $119 and is just as breathtaking with its ruffled flutter sleeves, tiered skirt, and floral lace fabric. Style yours with pearl jewelry and white ankle-strap heels for an ultra-chic result. 

11 of 13

Most Sleek: Houghton Lexi Dress

STRETCH SATIN WEDDING GOWN WITH SHAPED STYLE LINES

Houghton

Size: 00-30 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor

If you’re searching for a look that is sleek and playful, this convertible dress from Houghton is a must-have. The removable shawl offers a two-in-one look and creates a second set of straps that channel Charlotte’s get-up. The satin gown also features godets on the skirt and shaped style lines for added dimension.

12 of 13

Best Illusion Bodice: Alexandra Grecco Zinnia Gown

fitted A-line silhouette gown

Alexandra Grecco

Size: Made-to-order | Materials: Tulle, satin | Length: Floor

Alexandra Grecco is the best designer to turn to when it comes to ultra-feminine bridal looks. This sweet yet sultry design offers the same decorative elements as Charlotte’s second dress, including the floral appliqués and satin waistband. What's more, the plunging neckline and illusion back panels bring a playful edge to the overall ensemble.

13 of 13

For the After-Party: LoveShackFancy Sobine Lace Ruffled Mini Dress

Lace Ruffled Mini Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

Size: 0-12 | Materials: Lace | Length: Mini

Hit the dance floor at your reception in this chic mini from LoveShackFancy. The ruffle details and double straps stay true to Charlotte’s sophisticated bridal look, while the mini hem and open back give the dress a sultrier feel. Complete the fashion-forward ensemble with ivory platform heels and silver hoop earrings. 

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