Sarah Jessica Parker at the Artistry on Ice press conference in Shanghai

We certainly didn’t need any more proof that purple will be the “it” color this fall. But just in case we did, we spotted style star Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a luscious grape hue at the recent Artistry on Ice press conference, held in Shanghai, China on Monday, July 25th. We always love everything SJP wears, but she’s been particularly on-point this summer. We’ve seen her debut several amazing looks in recent weeks, and we’re thrilled she’s proving that women over 40 can give girls half their age a run for their money when it comes to impeccable style.

For the press conference, SJP opted for a label we don’t see a lot on the red carpet, Mary McFadden – and we’re so glad she decided to bring some much-deserved attention to the designer. McFadden is known for her perfect pleated fabrics, and the purple frock SJP wore highlighted her amazing handiwork. If you never thought you could wear pleats without adding bulk to your frame, keep reading for plenty of inspirational photos from Carrie Bradshaw, herself!

SJP’s purple pleats work so well on her body because they add a fun and unique visual element without adding bulk or heaviness to the summery frock. If you’re interested in trying a similar fabric come fall, look for shapes that feature figure flattering wrap styles, or slim-cut long sleeves. Even though Sarah Jessica is wearing a textured fabric from head to toe, her tiny waist still takes center stage thanks to her frock’s slim cut and wrap feature at the waistline.

As much as we adore this Mary McFadden frock, we’re also completely obsessed with SJP’s amazing black velvet platform sandals by Roger Vivier, jewels by Hollywood favorite Fred Leighton and evening clutch by Salvatore Ferragamo. We think her accessories added the perfect amount of sparkle to her purple frock. Do you love this look as much as we do?

Sarah Jessica Parker at the Artistry Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Launch

Even though most of the country is trapped under what meteorologists have dubbed the “heat dome,” some of our favorite Hollywood fashionistas are already gearing up for fall and winter! We can’t say we blame them, since some of the most luxurious looks debut when the temperature drops, and we’re already excited to see what some of our favorite celebrity fashion stars can put together! Most recently, we spotted photos of Sarah Jessica Parker at the Artistry Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Launch, which took place in Shanghai, China at the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel on Thursday, July 21st. The legendary style icon wore a look from the Elie Saab Couture Spring 2011 collection, but looked ready for winter nonetheless. Her silver lace, knee-length confection and matching long-sleeved jacket may have been from a spring collection, but we think a similar look might replace your go-to dress this winter! Keep reading for our best tips to mimic the look, and discover the best ways to incorporate lace into your already existing wardrobe this year.

Elie Saab is known for her dramatic, romantic silhouettes, and this particular design is no exception. Lace has dominated runways for several seasons, and it looks like the trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The good news is that there’s plenty of ways to incorporate the dainty, delicate fabric into your own closet, even if you’re not ready for an SJP-inspired, head to toe look.

We think Sarah Jessica looked stunning in the feminine creation, and she styled it to perfection with a cinched waistband, stark white sandals by Alexander McQueen and her signature, voluminous blonde waves. If you’re interested in easing into a similar look, try adding bits of lace to your favorite pieces. The next time you reach for your favorite black pencil skirt, pair it with a delicate lace blouse instead of your go-to oxford-style shirt for the office. Or try a lace-and-sequin-embellished pump for happy hour with the girls to inject some SJP style into your own closet!

Do you love SJP’s look here as much as we do? Would you be willing to wear head-to-toe lace?

Sarah Jessica Parker and family at the Harry Potter The Deathly Hollows Part II Premeire

When it comes to red carpet style, few Hollywood stars play the game better than Sarah Jessica Parker. She’s become so iconic that even the characters she plays on screen are fashion-obsessed! Since her decade-long turn as Sex and the City’s resident clotheshorse, Carrie Bradshaw, SJP has a style reputation that she continues to reinforce with each glamorous appearance. We love almost everything she wears, from her quirky-casual street ensembles to her (sometimes) outrageous gowns for high-profile appearances, so we weren’t surprised to see her pull out all the stops for this year’s highest anticipated New York City movie premiere, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. Our favorite style icon opted for a maxidress fresh off the Oscar De la Renta Resort 2012 runway, and completed her look with a sharp navy blazer and olive green handbag, courtesy of Ferragamo. We think SJP did an amazing job turning a summery day dress into a premiere-worthy look, so read on to discover how to work the same wardrobe magic in your own closet, no wizardry necessary.

The premiere, which was held at Avery Fisher Hall in NYC’s iconic Lincoln Center on Monday, July 11th, called for plenty of glitz – but SJP was careful not to upstage the woman of the hour, Emma Watson. Striking the perfect balance was a breeze for this seasoned fashion pro, and we think her maxidress was a pitch-perfect choice. We even adore her darker color palate, and think it was an appropriate nod not only to the impending fall fashion season, but also to the HP flick’s rumored dark plotline.

SJP’s amazing frock featured plenty of unique colors, including navy, ivory, khaki and chocolate, and we’re completely obsessed with this color palate for fall. Her satin chiffon creation fit her flawless body to perfection, and was totally event-appropriate thanks to its length.

If you’re wondering how to dress up your summer maxis this season, take a page from SJP’s endless stylebook and pair them with solid-color blazers with plenty of bold structure. Finish your look with a neat ballerina-style bun and plenty of smoky eyeliner for a star-approved look that will take you from the pool right to a fancy evening soiree.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Elie Saab

Now that the glamour and excitement of the Cannes Film Festival is officially in the 2011 history books, we can’t help but reminisce about some of our favorite fashions from the two-week long event. And as much as we love an amazing little black dress, or chic white suit, there was one over-the-top colorful look that we just can’t seem to get out of our heads. Our favorite look from the fest, hands down, was style icon Sarah Jessica Parker in a super glamorous Elie Saab Fall 2011 ball gown at the red carpet premiere of Wu Xia. The Sex and the City star wore the multicolored, abstract print beautifully, and even managed to elongate her petite frame. If you’re vertically challenged, and think you could never wear a head-to-toe pattern, keep reading to learn how to look long and lean, like SJP.

This particular Elie Saab creation featured black lace detailing at the neckline, waistline and sleeves – and could have easily been over accessorized. The fashion icon that she is, SJP knew not to overwhelm a statement dress with too many baubles. She opted only for a complimentary necklace and simple, diamond-encrusted drop earrings, which both added to the drama of her gorgeous gown. If you have a patterned piece that you love, let it shine by refraining from piling on too many accessories. Keep things simple or risk becoming a bad case of fashion overkill.

Sarah Jessica isn’t known for being statuesque, and in fact is quite petite. Remember all those sky-high Manolos she wore as Carrie Bradshaw – and still didn’t reach Mr. Big’s shoulders? We love that she has the confidence to wear a full-length floral pattern, and are surprised by how tall it makes her look. After careful inspection, we realize that it’s the waist detail that has SJP looking like she’s ready for the runway. If you love this look, but are worried it might not be flattering on your small frame, make sure you cinch your waist with a solid color belt (black or chocolate brown are perfect) for an elongating effect.