As a style editor with a longstanding love for ’90s minimalism, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy is never removed from my thoughts, and by no means lacking from my moodboard.
With a background in publicity at Calvin Klein, Carolyn’s private aesthetic intently mirrored the model’s glossy, polished silhouettes that outlined an period. Clear traces, muted palettes and impeccable tailoring ran by way of her wardrobe, however I discover probably the most compelling factor about Carolyn’s fashion is that she understood restraint in a manner that also feels instructive in the present day.
As FX releases its extremely anticipated Love Story, chronicling Carolyn and JFK Jr.’s relationship, I’ve discovered myself revisiting her archive as soon as once more. Beneath, I’ve pulled 5 enduringly stylish seems that really feel simply as related now as they did within the mid-’90s.
Uncover a few of Carolyn’s chicest seems under.
5 Archival Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Appears to Copy Now
1. The Pencil Skirt
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
Model Notes: Knee-length pencil skirts have loved renewed relevance in 2026, however Carolyn was already paving the way in which within the mid-’90s. Carrying hers with a high-quality knit and a pair of knee-high boots, regardless of the strict skirt, Carolyn’s outfit felt completely coordinated but pleasantly unfussy—as all of her seems managed to do.
Store the Look:
Marks & Spencer
Pure Merino Wool V-Neck Jumper
Layer this over a white tee or fashion this by itself.
Be fast! That is on its option to promoting out.
Reformation
Claudette Knee Boot
These additionally are available in ruby and black.
That is the right measurement for carrying round your day by day necessities.
2. The Modern Black Coat
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
Model Notes: If I have been rebuilding my capsule wardrobe from the bottom up, a glossy, tailor-made coat could be my start line—and Carolyn could be the blueprint. Whereas wool iterations are useful through the colder months, she usually leaned into lighter, fluid materials. Worn over an all-black base, the longline coat did all of the heavy lifting.
Store the Look:
A glossy, tailor-made black coat won’t ever exit of fashion.
Reformation
Jett Cashmere Turtleneck
The cashmere composition ensures a comfy end.
& Different Tales
Knee-Excessive Nappa Sock Boots
The square-toe end offers these such a cultured really feel.
Defend your eyes in fashion.
DeMellier
The Stockholm Bag
DeMellier’s baggage are a style particular person’s favourites.
3. The Flared Denims
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
Model Notes: Although she was extra steadily photographed in skirts and tailor-made trousers, when Carolyn wore denim, her choice was a refined kick flare, cropped neatly on the ankle. The shorter hemline gave the silhouette a lighter end—significantly when paired with glossy leather-based loafers and a knee-grazing coat.
Store the Look:
This light-weight coat is ideal for early-spring styling.
& Different Tales
Huge Traditional Headband
A glossy brown headband is at all times a classy concept.
Mango
Sienna Flared Cropped Denims
Model these with loafers to get Carolyn’s look.
Massimo Dutti
Embossed Leather-based Loafers
These chocolate brown loafers are such a sublime different to typical black pairs.
4. The Slip Gown + Jacket
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
Model Notes: Few may make a throw-on costume really feel as refined as Carolyn. Layering her knitted fashion beneath sharp tailoring, Carolyn grounded her outfit with tall knee-high boots. From there, ending touches—her iconic tortoiseshell headband and slim sun shades—added sufficient curiosity with out disrupting the look’s simplicity.
Store the Look:
Massimo Dutti
Strappy Midi Gown
Model with a long-line jacket to get Carolyn’s look.
Asos Design
Longline Formal Coat
The tailor-made end makes this excellent for weekday styling
Reformation
Raven Knee Boot
These additionally are available in darkish brown.
5. The Button-Down
(Picture credit score: Getty Pictures)
Model Notes: If anybody understood the ability of a capsule wardrobe, it was Carolyn. Making simpe white shirts really feel impossibly cool, Carolyn styled hers with a longline black skirt for distinction, while a gold chainmail bag energised her look.
Store the Look:
With Nothing Beneath
The Boyfriend Shirt
With Nothing Beneath’s Boyfriend shirts are a few of the absolute best available on the market.
Marks & Spencer
Knitted Midaxi Column Skirt
The pencil skirt pattern is not exhibiting any indicators of slowing down.
Rabanne
1969 Nano Chainmail Shoulder Bag
Rabanne’s chainmail baggage won’t ever exit of fashion.
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