Decades after her untimely passing, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy remains an enduring fashion icon of modern style. Thanks to the recent FX/Hulu biographical anthology series “Love Story,” her captivating elegance has recently become impossible to ignore. In an era obsessed with fast fashion and replication, Bessette reminds us of the true definition of chic: having taste that is entirely your own.
When mid-production paparazzi photos leaked, the internet tore everything apart. From actresses’ hair colors to cheap costuming, no detail seemed to accurately represent the Kennedy’s. While things are still being criticized, like exploitation and untrue storytelling, the costume design was revisited and seems to be getting less hate post-release.
A look that the show did beautifully was Bessette’s wedding dress. Not only did costume designer Rudy Mance do an amazing job with recreating such an iconic silhouette, but he found the exact fabric from the original dress worn in 1996. Her dress is both sleek and minimal: a flawless reflection of her and what she represented.
Bessette’s wardrobe consisted of crisp white shirts, tailored blazers and simple slip dresses that were ruled by minimalism. Finished with a glossy tortoiseshell hair accessory, and the look was complete. Despite this, her style is more recognized for what she didn’t wear.
Accessories were definitely not her favorite, as she was hardly seen in anything more than her engagement ring. Colors and identifiable brand logos were also a no; her Hermès Birkin Bag was an exception. Her effortless, undone blonde hair and simple makeup created a polished, yet lived-in look that only worked when done by her.
Her presentation was much less about trends and more about who she was. That is why it’s almost impossible to recreate.
Bessette wasn’t timeless because of the clothes she wore, but because of the philosophy behind them. She demonstrated that true elegance isn’t always achieved by wearing showstopping pieces, but by staying true to yourself. Her minimalism was not about achieving a look, it was who she was.
Her influence has left a lasting impact on fashion. In a time where trends change overnight, the stability and timelessness of Bessette’s closet will always be desirable.
Timeless style consists of pieces that feel original. Rather than just attempting to recreate her look, we should be looking at her taste as a lesson. Her style was individual, quiet and unapologetically hers. Bessette’s greatest style lesson is simple: true elegance comes not from imitation, but from knowing exactly who you are.