Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s influence on fashion, both during her lifetime and posthumously, is a study in the enduring power of personal style and the ripple effect it can have on broader fashion trends.
Her impact on the fashion world is multifaceted, reflecting her unique blend of minimalism, sophistication, and an innate sense of understated elegance.
She is an emblematic figure of 1990s fashion, and remains a symbol of timeless elegance and understated style.
Her approach to fashion was characterized by its simplicity, sophistication, and an innate sense of what it meant to be effortlessly chic.
Much like her persona, her style was enigmatic and captivating, blending classic American sportswear with an almost ethereal grace.
This is my second Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Inpsired Capsule, you can see the fall/winter version in this post.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style was a testament to the power of minimalism. Her fashion choices stood out for their simplicity and understated elegance in a decade often remembered for its excesses.
She favoured clean lines, neutral palettes, and classic silhouettes, demonstrating a keen understanding that less is often more.
Her wardrobe was replete with crisp white shirts, tailored trousers, and sleek sheath dresses – items that are timeless in their appeal been to today’s standards.
This minimalist approach did not translate to a lack of sophistication; on the contrary, it underscored her refined taste and her ability to make a significant impact with subtle choices.
In the 1990s, fashion was undergoing a significant shift. The decade moved away from the opulent and extravagant styles of the 1980s to a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy emerged as a quintessential figure of this movement.
Her style was a perfect reflection of the times – a blend of simplicity, elegance, and ease.
Designers and fashion enthusiasts admired her for her ability to make simple clothing look exceptionally chic.
Her penchant for classic pieces, clean lines, and a neutral colour palette made her a style icon of the decade.
It helped popularize the minimalist trend that dominated the 1990s fashion scene.
A 15 Piece Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Inspired Spring Capsule Wardrobe
Wrap Dress | Kick Flare Jeans | Black Tee | Black Headband | Black Booties | Black Sunglasses | Slip Dress | Flats | Coat | Flip Flops | Off-White Slip Skirt | Black Button Up | Sheath Dress | Clutch | Sleeveless Tank | Black Heels | Tote | Black Long Sleeve | Cords | Carpenter Jeans | Knee High Boots | Loafers | Mulberry Tote | Chinos | White Button Up | Brown Sunglasses | Brown Headband | Mules | Brown Slip Skirt | Basket Bag | Gold Sandals
The Cornerstones of Carolyn’s Style: Minimalism and Elegance
She was the embodiment of 90s Minimalism.
She was also a pioneer in elevating casual wear into the realm of chic, and could effortlessly transform a pair of simple blue jeans and a turtleneck into a fashion statement.
Her ability to mix high and low fashion – pairing designer items with off-the-rack pieces – was ahead of its time and is a standard in today’s fashion landscape.
Her casual outfits were never overwrought but always well-thought-out, striking a balance between comfort and style.
Carolyn’s approach to formal wear was equally remarkable.
She was known for her minimalist yet striking choices on the red carpet.
Eschewing the era’s trend for opulent, over-the-top gowns, she opted instead for sleek, form-fitting dresses.
Her choice of colours was often restrained, favouring blacks, whites, and greys, which added to the timeless quality of her looks.
These red carpet appearances were not only fashion statements but also a reflection of her personality – poised, confident, and unpretentiously elegant.
The importance of accessories in Carolyn’s style cannot be overstated.
She had an eye for picking just the right piece to complement her outfit, be it a simple pearl necklace, a classic handbag, or a pair of sunglasses.
Her accessories were never ostentatious but were always perfectly in tune with the overall look.
Similarly, her hairstyle – often a simple, sleek blowout or a casual bun – was a vital part of her style signature.
It resonated with her overall aesthetic of understated elegance.
Her makeup was minimal usually with just a red lip.
The story is that Bobbi Brown’s now discontinued shade Ruby Stain was made for her and was her signature colour.
Although some people argue that the colour she wore was Ruby Woo. I lean towards Ruby Stain because it had a light sheerness to it versus the more concentrated Ruby Woo.
Mac still makes Ruby Woo, but I wish that I could have tried Ruby Stain. Bobbie Brown’s new company Jones Road has a lip tint called Ruby that may fit the bill.
In regard to the fashion industry, Carolyn had a direct influence on designers and brands who took cues from her minimalist aesthetic.
She was known for wearing pieces from Calvin Klein, where she worked before her marriage, and her patronage helped solidify the brand’s image as a purveyor of minimalist chic.
Because we all remember the impact of Calvin Klein in the 90s.
Her influence is evident in the collections of many designers who prioritize simplicity, quality, and timelessness, elements that were central to Carolyn’s wardrobe.
Perhaps one of the most significant impacts Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy had on fashion was her wedding dress.
When she married John F. Kennedy Jr., she wore a simple, yet stunning, bias-cut silk dress designed by Narciso Rodriguez.
This dress, with its understated elegance and modern silhouette, was a departure from the more traditional, elaborate wedding gowns of the time.
It profoundly influenced bridal fashion, with many designers and brides opting for simpler, more streamlined designs in the years that followed.
I remember this dress being talked about EVERYWHERE. It was literally on every news, and every magazine cover.
And Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style continues to influence fashion today.
Designers and fashion enthusiasts often cite her as a source of inspiration.
Her approach to dressing, characterized by its emphasis on minimalism, quality, and elegance, is more relevant than ever in an age where fashion is increasingly about personal expression and timeless appeal.
She remains a symbol not just of a particular era in fashion but of a timeless and enduring approach to personal style.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style was a harmonious blend of minimalism, elegance, and casual sophistication.
It was an extension of her personality – graceful, discreet, and effortlessly chic.
Fast forward to today, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style continues to be relevant and influential.
Her approach to fashion – emphasizing simplicity, quality, and personal elegance over trends, is a timeless philosophy that continues to resonate in the fashion world.
Current trends in minimalism, capsule wardrobes, and sustainable fashion echo her approach to dressing.
Her impact is also evident in the way modern celebrities approach red carpet and personal style, with many opting for simpler, more understated looks that emphasize personal style over flashy trends.
The effect she had on fashion is profound and lasting.
She was not just a style icon of her time but a figure whose influence reshaped aspects of the fashion industry and continues to inspire designers, fashion enthusiasts, and everyday people.
Her legacy is a testament to the power of personal style and its ability to transcend time and trends, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion.
Get Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Look
Wrap Dress | Kick Flare Jeans | Black Tee | Black Headband | Black Booties | Black Sunglasses | Slip Dress | Flats | Coat | Flip Flops | Off-White Slip Skirt | Black Button Up | Sheath Dress | Clutch | Sleeveless Tank | Black Heels | Tote | Black Long Sleeve | Cords | Carpenter Jeans | Knee High Boots | Loafers | Mulberry Tote | Chinos | White Button Up | Brown Sunglasses | Brown Headband | Mules | Brown Slip Skirt | Basket Bag | Gold Sandals
Bonus: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Evening Wear Looks
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Hi Sara, it feels like you have recently started using ChatGPT to write (parts of) your posts. I liked yours better.
Lol. No ChatGPT although I sometimes feel like my brain runs on computerized autopilot. But in all honesty, certain topics I have to research when it’s not common knowledge to me, so it comes out more essay-like than a chat dialogue straight from my brain. Sorry. I get complaints in either direction though, either it’s too chatty and not enough info, or to essay-ish and not enough personality, so I try to fall somewhere in the middle.
I do want to say that I do use Grammarly though which seems to have a thing for commas and hyphens 😂
why can’t i get the big image off so I can see the whole wardrobe?
Hi Reagan, I’m not certain what you mean? If you are talking about the image on top with the post title on it, then I have the same image minus the text a little further down the page, and at the end of the post is 24 outfit ideas built from the pieces as well. I hope that answers your issue. – Sara
I really enjoyed reading this! Her style was truly timeless. It’s a shame she died so young.
Thank you. I have always wondered how her style would have evolved if she didn’t die do young. Such a horrible tragedy.
Hi Sara,
a HUGE thank you for this capsule!!! I am a huge fan of her style and always came back to the CBK fall capsule for inspiration.
I love your work 🌸
Thank you Almut! I really appreciate hearing that. I hope that you can find the same inspiration with this one as the fall. She really was so iconic.
Sarah, you need to check out Amazon’s headbands. They have a nice variety is quality headbands, including 1- 1.5 in wide. Camila and Evita.
Thanks for the tip. I’ll check it out! I tend to not think about Amazon because I usually don’t shop there so they aren’t always foremost in my mind when I’m looking for something. It makes sense they’d carry them though, and probably cheaper than the $80 I’ve seen them going for 😂