We're Obsessed With Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Iconic Style All Over Again
It seems that everyone's feeling nostalgic about John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy at the moment, given this year marks the 25th anniversary of their tragic death and the fact that a new TV series about the couple, entitled American Love Story, is currently in the works.
But for many of us in the fashion world, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has always been front of mind. I, for one, have had photos of the American socialite on my moodboard for as long as I can remember. Understated yet impeccable, chic but effortlessly so, easy-breezy yet perfectly put-together, fresh-faced and achingly beautiful, Bessette-Kennedy became an unwitting 'It Girl' and fashion icon the moment she stepped onto the New York City scene all those decades ago – first as a Calvin Klein publicist, then as JFK Jr.'s partner and later, wife – and has remained the epitome of Nineties minimalist style ever since.
Despite her untimely end – the high-profile couple tragically died in a private plane crash in 1999 – Bessette-Kennedy's fashion legacy not only endures, but continues to grow stronger. Just put it down to her genuinely timeless elegance, and our ever-increasing nostalgia for the simpler times, and style, pre-influencers, big logos and all-sponsored-everything.
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Here, we take a look back at some of the most iconic looks that best exemplify Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's inimitable style – as well as breaking down how to recreate them for the modern day.
Jeans And A White Tee
American classics of blue jeans and a white t-shirt are elevated to the height of casual-chic courtesy of a longline jacket, fur scarf, leather boots and Bessette-Kennedy's go-to oval sunglasses and preppy tortoiseshell headband.
Effortless Eveningwear
Few have the ability to make wardrobe 'basics' look as elegant as Bessette-Kennedy, who attended a black-tie event in New York wearing a simple white shirt tucked into a black maxi skirt, and still outshone all the other stars in attendance. She kept her accessories typically minimal, too, adding only a pair of black heeled mules and a gold beaded bag.
The Pencil Skirt
Bessette-Kennedy's take on minimalist workwear saw her ingeniously combine a beige pencil skirt with dark brown, square-toe heeled boots and a black jumper. Her low ponytail and black shoulder bag completed the pared-back look, that feels very Prada-esque and bang on trend still today.
All Black And Off-The-Shoulder
Bessette-Kennedy's go-to for glitzy evening events was head-to-toe black and an off-the-shoulder neckline. To attend an event in New York, the late socialite layered a silk slip skirt with a tight, longline top, while for the Municipal Art Society gala she opted for a classic strapless tube dress worn with opera gloves for a bare-shoulder look. Her signature chignon hairstyle and red lip were just the chic cherry on top.
The Camel Coat
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy provides all the proof we need that a camel coat is a worthwhile and entirely necessary winter wardrobe investment. We love her belted style paired simply with jeans, leather boots and a large black bag for chilly days in the city.
White At Night
As Bessette-Kennedy proved early on, a white dress doesn't solely suit a walk down the aisle, but can make for an impactful eveningwear look as well. To attend an event in Los Angeles, the socialite exuded an ultra-elegant, First Lady vibe in a high-neck, white tweed gown with a zip down the front, while her loose, undone hairstyle, red lip and strappy sandals added a cool girl element.
The Smart Black Coat
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy knew the power of a black tailored coat all too well. The right one can smarten up even the most laid-back of outfits while also keeping the New York City chill at bay. Here, she styles the outerwear staple just as easily with a dress and knee-high suede boots, as with straight-leg jeans, loafers and a turtleneck jumper. Plus, as ever, her signature headband.
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