Sarita Choudhury’s Style Evolution: Power, Confidence, and the Art of Flirtation on “And Just Like That”

Sarita Choudhury’s Style Evolution: Power, Confidence, and the Art of Flirtation on “And Just Like That”

When Sarita Choudhury glided onto the Paris stage for the third season premiere of HBO Max’s And Just Like That, she wasn’t just making a red carpet appearance—she was making a statement about fashion, age, and the enduring power of personal style. At 58, draped in a cream gown adorned with pink blooms and a daring bustline, Choudhury radiated an unapologetic confidence that has come to define both her off-screen persona and her on-screen character, Seema Patel. But beneath the silk and designer labels lies a deeper narrative—one about the intimate relationship between what we wear and who we are.

The Personal Politics of Getting Dressed

Every morning presents a private ritual: opening the closet, weighing choices, and deciding which version of ourselves will face the world. As highlighted in InStyle’s “How I Get Dressed” series, these decisions are rarely trivial. Fashion is more than a parade of trends; it is our most immediate form of self-expression, a language spoken in textures, colors, and silhouettes. Choudhury’s approach reflects this philosophy. She recognizes that a beloved coat can spark joy, that the perfect pair of shoes can transform an ordinary day, and that jewelry can serve as emotional armor or a memory made tangible.

In an era where fast fashion dominates and comfort often trumps all, Choudhury’s style journey is a reminder: fashion is intimate, almost flirtatious. “Fashion is a lot like flirting,” she muses, suggesting that each outfit is an overture, an invitation for connection—be it with ourselves, with strangers, or with the camera’s gaze.

Three Decades of Defying Stereotypes

Before she became synonymous with Seema Patel’s high-octane glamour, Sarita Choudhury had already cemented her reputation as a performer who shuns stereotypes. With a three-decade career that spans indie film, network television, and now streaming giants, Choudhury has consistently portrayed women of substance: complex, resilient, and never content to fade into the background.

Recent roles underscore this pattern. As Lee Moldaver in the post-apocalyptic drama Fallout, she navigates chaos with grit and gravitas. In And Just Like That, she embodies Seema Patel, a real estate dynamo whose wardrobe is a masterclass in unapologetic power dressing. For Choudhury, costume design is not a superficial concern but a critical tool in shaping character and story. “The right outfit doesn’t just change how you look—it changes how you move, how you speak, how you exist in a scene,” she’s noted.

The Allure of Extravagant Fashion in a Casual World

One of the defining features of And Just Like That is its sartorial bravado. Amidst a cultural moment obsessed with loungewear and sneakers, the series offers a glittering counterpoint: women in their prime, striding through New York in Fendi goddess gowns, Olivia Von Halle silk slips, and Ralph Lauren jumpsuits. Choudhury’s Seema is often the epicenter of this visual feast, her sky-high stilettos and luxe ensembles serving as both armor and art.

There is something radical about this commitment to glamour, especially for women “of a certain age.” It challenges the pervasive notion that fashion—and by extension, visibility—belongs only to the young. Instead, it celebrates maturity as a source of confidence, wit, and style. Choudhury’s presence, both on the show and on the red carpet, is a testament to the enduring allure of dressing up, of refusing to let the world dictate when it’s time to tone down or disappear.

Signature Looks: From Screen to Red Carpet

Choudhury’s fashion choices, both in character and as herself, are meticulously curated to evoke mood and narrative. On And Just Like That, Seema’s wardrobe is a study in contrasts: bold yet elegant, structured yet fluid. Whether she’s closing a multimillion-dollar deal in a tailored jumpsuit or unwinding in a silk slip dress, each look is a deliberate act of self-definition.

  • Fendi goddess gowns: Channeling strength and sophistication, these pieces underscore Seema’s commanding presence.
  • Olivia Von Halle silk slips: A nod to sensuality and comfort, blurring the lines between loungewear and luxury.
  • Ralph Lauren jumpsuits: The power suit reimagined—tailored, versatile, and unmistakably modern.

This commitment to style extends beyond the screen. At the Paris photocall for the show’s third season, Choudhury appeared alongside co-stars Nicole Ari Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kristin Davis. Her strapless, form-fitting gown—its cream fabric punctuated with delicate pink flowers—stood out for its simplicity and daring. The choice of a revealing bustline complemented her olive skin, while her dark, wavy hair flowed freely, an embodiment of effortless glamour.

Seema Patel vs. Samantha Jones: A New Archetype Emerges

Comparisons are inevitable in the world of prestige television, and some viewers have drawn parallels between Choudhury’s Seema and Kim Cattrall’s iconic Samantha Jones from Sex and the City. Both are confident, outspoken, and unafraid to offer candid advice. But Choudhury is quick to delineate the differences, insisting that Seema is her own woman.

While both characters share a frankness about relationships and a taste for the finer things, Seema’s narrative is distinct. She is not merely filling the void left by Samantha; she is expanding the universe, bringing new energy and perspective. As the series evolves, so too does her character—an evolution that Choudhury herself finds thrilling. With the third season having premiered on June 1, 2025, fans can look forward to even deeper explorations of Seema’s world, her loves, and, of course, her wardrobe.

The Emotional Resonance of Fashion

Ultimately, what sets Sarita Choudhury apart—both as an actress and a style icon—is her understanding that fashion is never just about clothes. It is about memory, aspiration, even survival. The right dress can bolster our courage; a vintage ring can remind us of a loved one; a pair of heels can turn a sidewalk into a runway. For Choudhury, every look is an opportunity to flirt—with possibility, with the unknown, and with the next great chapter.

As audiences continue to tune in to And Just Like That, they are witnessing not just the evolution of an iconic character, but also the ongoing dialogue between fashion and identity. In a world that too often encourages invisibility with age, Sarita Choudhury stands as a vivid rejoinder: style, like confidence, is ageless.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fashion on “And Just Like That”

With the third season underway and Choudhury’s excitement for Seema’s development palpable, the future of fashion on And Just Like That promises to be as bold and unpredictable as the women who wear it. As viewers, we are invited to do more than admire the clothes—we are challenged to consider our own relationship to fashion, to ask what we are saying each morning when we get dressed, and to remember that sometimes the most radical act is simply to show up, dressed with intention.

In Sarita Choudhury’s world, fashion is not just a habit or a hobby. It is an invitation—to flirt, to celebrate, to live out loud.

When Sarita Choudhury glided onto the Paris stage for the third season premiere of HBO Max’s And Just Like That, she wasn’t just making a red carpet appearance—she was making a statement about fashion, age, and the enduring power of personal style. At 58, draped in a cream gown adorned with pink blooms and a daring bustline, Choudhury radiated an unapologetic confidence that has come to define both her off-screen persona and her on-screen character, Seema Patel. But beneath the silk and designer labels lies a deeper narrative—one about the intimate relationship between what we wear and who we are.

The Personal Politics of Getting Dressed

Every morning presents a private ritual: opening the closet, weighing choices, and deciding which version of ourselves will face the world. As highlighted in InStyle’s “How I Get Dressed” series, these decisions are rarely trivial. Fashion is more than a parade of trends; it is our most immediate form of self-expression, a language spoken in textures, colors, and silhouettes. Choudhury’s approach reflects this philosophy. She recognizes that a beloved coat can spark joy, that the perfect pair of shoes can transform an ordinary day, and that jewelry can serve as emotional armor or a memory made tangible.

In an era where fast fashion dominates and comfort often trumps all, Choudhury’s style journey is a reminder: fashion is intimate, almost flirtatious. “Fashion is a lot like flirting,” she muses, suggesting that each outfit is an overture, an invitation for connection—be it with ourselves, with strangers, or with the camera’s gaze.

Three Decades of Defying Stereotypes

Before she became synonymous with Seema Patel’s high-octane glamour, Sarita Choudhury had already cemented her reputation as a performer who shuns stereotypes. With a three-decade career that spans indie film, network television, and now streaming giants, Choudhury has consistently portrayed women of substance: complex, resilient, and never content to fade into the background.

Recent roles underscore this pattern. As Lee Moldaver in the post-apocalyptic drama Fallout, she navigates chaos with grit and gravitas. In And Just Like That, she embodies Seema Patel, a real estate dynamo whose wardrobe is a masterclass in unapologetic power dressing. For Choudhury, costume design is not a superficial concern but a critical tool in shaping character and story. “The right outfit doesn’t just change how you look—it changes how you move, how you speak, how you exist in a scene,” she’s noted.

The Allure of Extravagant Fashion in a Casual World

One of the defining features of And Just Like That is its sartorial bravado. Amidst a cultural moment obsessed with loungewear and sneakers, the series offers a glittering counterpoint: women in their prime, striding through New York in Fendi goddess gowns, Olivia Von Halle silk slips, and Ralph Lauren jumpsuits. Choudhury’s Seema is often the epicenter of this visual feast, her sky-high stilettos and luxe ensembles serving as both armor and art.

There is something radical about this commitment to glamour, especially for women “of a certain age.” It challenges the pervasive notion that fashion—and by extension, visibility—belongs only to the young. Instead, it celebrates maturity as a source of confidence, wit, and style. Choudhury’s presence, both on the show and on the red carpet, is a testament to the enduring allure of dressing up, of refusing to let the world dictate when it’s time to tone down or disappear.

Signature Looks: From Screen to Red Carpet

Choudhury’s fashion choices, both in character and as herself, are meticulously curated to evoke mood and narrative. On And Just Like That, Seema’s wardrobe is a study in contrasts: bold yet elegant, structured yet fluid. Whether she’s closing a multimillion-dollar deal in a tailored jumpsuit or unwinding in a silk slip dress, each look is a deliberate act of self-definition.

  • Fendi goddess gowns: Channeling strength and sophistication, these pieces underscore Seema’s commanding presence.
  • Olivia Von Halle silk slips: A nod to sensuality and comfort, blurring the lines between loungewear and luxury.
  • Ralph Lauren jumpsuits: The power suit reimagined—tailored, versatile, and unmistakably modern.

This commitment to style extends beyond the screen. At the Paris photocall for the show’s third season, Choudhury appeared alongside co-stars Nicole Ari Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kristin Davis. Her strapless, form-fitting gown—its cream fabric punctuated with delicate pink flowers—stood out for its simplicity and daring. The choice of a revealing bustline complemented her olive skin, while her dark, wavy hair flowed freely, an embodiment of effortless glamour.

Seema Patel vs. Samantha Jones: A New Archetype Emerges

Comparisons are inevitable in the world of prestige television, and some viewers have drawn parallels between Choudhury’s Seema and Kim Cattrall’s iconic Samantha Jones from Sex and the City. Both are confident, outspoken, and unafraid to offer candid advice. But Choudhury is quick to delineate the differences, insisting that Seema is her own woman.

While both characters share a frankness about relationships and a taste for the finer things, Seema’s narrative is distinct. She is not merely filling the void left by Samantha; she is expanding the universe, bringing new energy and perspective. As the series evolves, so too does her character—an evolution that Choudhury herself finds thrilling. With the third season having premiered on June 1, 2025, fans can look forward to even deeper explorations of Seema’s world, her loves, and, of course, her wardrobe.

The Emotional Resonance of Fashion

Ultimately, what sets Sarita Choudhury apart—both as an actress and a style icon—is her understanding that fashion is never just about clothes. It is about memory, aspiration, even survival. The right dress can bolster our courage; a vintage ring can remind us of a loved one; a pair of heels can turn a sidewalk into a runway. For Choudhury, every look is an opportunity to flirt—with possibility, with the unknown, and with the next great chapter.

As audiences continue to tune in to And Just Like That, they are witnessing not just the evolution of an iconic character, but also the ongoing dialogue between fashion and identity. In a world that too often encourages invisibility with age, Sarita Choudhury stands as a vivid rejoinder: style, like confidence, is ageless.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Fashion on “And Just Like That”

With the third season underway and Choudhury’s excitement for Seema’s development palpable, the future of fashion on And Just Like That promises to be as bold and unpredictable as the women who wear it. As viewers, we are invited to do more than admire the clothes—we are challenged to consider our own relationship to fashion, to ask what we are saying each morning when we get dressed, and to remember that sometimes the most radical act is simply to show up, dressed with intention.

In Sarita Choudhury’s world, fashion is not just a habit or a hobby. It is an invitation—to flirt, to celebrate, to live out loud.

Share Tweet Pin it
Back to blog