With the fictional Rachel Green and Carrie Bradshaw as inspiration, designers have routinely recycled 90’s fashion every few seasons. That said, it’s Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s classic aesthetic that has withstood the test of time. Understated. Sophisticated. Timeless. Bessette-Kennedy, wife of the late John F. Kennedy Jr., and former director of public relations at Calvin Klein Inc., epitomized everything we’ve come to love about 90’s minimalism.
Known for her generous, kind, and charming demeanor, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy gave America a true princess, even just for a short while. Since her untimely, tragic death over two decades ago, Bessette-Kennedy’s mark on the fashion world has endured. Her chic, sleek personal style took her from budding socialite to enduring muse.
Five of the “Princess of Camelot” Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s most iconic looks reimagined.
Each of these looks can be recreated using the pieces below or staples you probably already have in your closet.
Whitney Museum Fundraiser, New York City, March 1999
From left to right:
Joseph Joe curved-hem cotton-poplin shirt $201
Bottega Veneta BV Lido Intrecciato woven leather mules $1,270
Paco Rabanne Iconic mini 1969 chain cross-body bag $790
Max Mara Strano Skirt $894
Available at MatchesFashion
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From left to right:
Ralph Lauren Cotton flare pant $248
Ralph Lauren Washable cashmere sweater $169.99
Ralph Lauren Slim fit stretch polo shirt $115
Ralph Lauren Cotton chino baseball cap $45
Available at Ralph Lauren
*this look was tough to interpret as there aren’t many other angles so I took some liberties and thought, WWCBKW – What Would Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Wear*
New York City, 1996
From left to right:
Tod’s logo-plaque tote bag $2,105
Isabel Marant Étoile crew neck fitted jumper $137
P.A.R.O.S.H. Wrap style midi skirt $209
Etro slip-on knee-high boots $1,360
Available at Farfetch
Municipal Art Society Gala, New York City, 1998
From left to right:
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Phoebe suede buckle pumps $350
Utopia Nine-strand pearl bracelet with diamonds $8,960
Alex Perry Moore Strapless cocktail dress $800
Available at Neiman Marcus
Cornelia James Melissa velvet glove $130
Fire & Ice Ball, Los Angeles, 1998
From left to right:
Marion Parke Larkspur leather ankle strap sandals $595
Bottega Veneta Woven satin know minaudiere, black $1,650
The Row Anke long-sleeve midi dress $3,690
Available at Bergdorf Goodman
BONUS Look: Her Wedding, Cumberland Island, Georgia, September 21, 1996
$1,385
Available at Net-A-Porter
Photos: Bruce Weber for Vanity Fair.
Quote Above: “She was a touch-and-feel person. When you talked to her, one-to-one, she’d touch your arm, grab your hand in a sort of affectionate way. She was much better in a small group of people. So you take the looks, the charm, the style, and that wonderful voice and sense of humour and incredible warmth and love of conversation – she was the best company you could ever have.” Paul Wilmot
