The Carrie Diaries: A 50-Year-Old’s Obsession with 1984’s Fashion, Drama, and Love
Okay, so here’s the thing. I’m 50. I should probably know better than to get totally sucked into a show about a high school girl navigating 1984 in New York City. But here I am, people. The Carrie Diaries has done what very few things can do at this stage in my life: it's totally pulled me in, and I cannot look away. How did I miss this gem when it was initially released? Honestly, I’m not sure. But I’m so glad I found it now. You’ve heard of “better late than never,” right?
Let me paint the picture. It's the 80s, a time when life was simple. And by simple, I mean we were all living in an endless loop of Cyndi Lauper, pop collars, jelly bracelets, and neon everything. And in the midst of all that, Carrie Bradshaw (yes, the iconic Carrie from Sex and the City) is just starting her journey. She's young, bright-eyed, and entirely not the Carrie we know and love in the later years.
Watching The Carrie Diaries as a 50-year-old woman is honestly kind of like having a time machine drop you back into an era that you lived through, but from a completely fresh perspective. I remember those days, don’t you? It’s like you blink, and all of a sudden, you're looking back at your school days with an adult's wisdom. I did wear Jordache jeans (and I was soproud of them) and did wear my hair in all sorts of fantastical ways that I can’t quite explain now, but hey, we all had a “look,” right? But there’s something different about The Carrie Diaries. It’s not just a trip down memory lane; it’s a reminder of how everything felt so full of possibility back then. So much potential!
And I’m here for it all, even as a grown woman in my 50s. Here’s why:
The Fashion – Let’s not even pretend the fashion isn’t one of the main reasons to tune in. From the crazy-cool headbands to the over-the-top 80s vibes, I find myself nostalgic for the bold colors and extravagant silhouettes. Seriously, these clothes could work today, right? Maybe just a touch more subtle, but still, a blazer with massive shoulders? I'm into it. Don’t get me started on those iconic Carrie Bradshaw outfits – I mean, it’s just impossible not to fall in love with how she's rocking those trends.
The Drama – Oh, high school drama. If there’s one thing we all know, it’s that drama is a universal language. Whether you’re 16 or 50, we’ve all been there: tangled love interests, crazy friendships, and those days when your world feels like it’s crumbling (in the best and worst of ways). In The Carrie Diaries, Carrie’s journey through heartbreak and self-discovery hits close to home for me. And while she may not be the seasoned New York writer we know later on, you can see the seeds of her future Sex and the Citypersona planted in her.
The Nostalgia – As someone who spent their youth living through the 80s, this show takes me back to that carefree time before responsibilities, bills, and (let’s be honest) life caught up with us. The music, the social dynamics, the simple yet impactful first love experiences... You feel it all. I find myself going, “Oh my god, I totally remember that!” as I watch Carrie and her friends navigate their youth. And even though I’m older, it’s like I get them more now than I did back then.
Relatable at Any Age – Sure, Carrie’s 16. And yes, I’m 50. But The Carrie Diaries is filled with themes of self-discovery, finding your voice, and figuring out who you are. Those are universal themes that apply to every stage of life. So don’t let your age stop you from diving in. I’m telling you, it’s just as much for us seasoned ladies as it is for the younger crowd. Who knew 1984 could be this relevant? But somehow it is.
Bottom Line: Why You Must Watch
It doesn’t matter if you're 16 or 50, The Carrie Diaries is a time capsule full of all the best parts of being young, with a touch of that sweet, wise reflection that only comes with experience. If you haven’t watched it yet, trust me, you’re in for a ride that might just make you rediscover your love for the 80s. And for the love of all good things, don’t let the fact that you’re “older” stop you from enjoying a little Carrie Bradshaw magic.
So, here’s my plea to you: grab that remote, cozy up, and throw on your best 80s-style sweater because The Carrie Diaries is a must-watch, even for those of us who have long passed our high school years. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Plus, it might just make you start dusting off your old Liz Claiborne red bags and Jordache jeans. (No shame, we’re in this together!)
P.S. I’m still searching for that perfect red triangle purse. Someone, please help me!