Fashion / Style

Why is everyone talking about Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style?

WORDS Cassandra Dimitroff    PHOTOGRAPHY Courtesy Instagram    PUBLISHED Tue, 21 Nov 2023 - 11:31 am

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It's been more than two decades since her tragic death, but as a collective, we are still obsessed with the life and personal style of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. French brand Rouje and NYC-based label Nili Lotan both recreated her personal style for collections and campaigns last year, and now, CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion, a new book that pays homage to the style icon’s timeless, distinguished beauty and legacy, is reigniting our love for her all over again.

She was a the Calvin Klein dream girl, style muse of the 90s, and wife to bonafide handsome all-American man, John F. Kennedy Jr. These are the things we think of when Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy comes to mind, but most of all, we think of the way blue jeans fit her like a glove, and there wasn't a pair of slim oval sunglasses that didn't suit. While we can try to emulate effortless 90s style, Bessette-Kennedy is the real deal, and nobody did it better. Below, see a round up of our favourite shots of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's style.

 

The crocodile skin envelope clutch? The red lip? Perfection.

 

Out for a dog walk in New York City, 1998.

 

And another fashionable dog walk.

 

Out for a spot of shopping in Tribeca, donning a forever-favourite, the black puffer.

 

Black turtleneck, brown cords, and your look is complete with...a giant Birkin. Bonus points to JFK Jr for his look, too (we can do a separate feature on him).

 

We can't get enough of this leather blazer look. JFK Jr can't seem to get enough of this hat.

 

One of CBK's classic headband hair looks.

 

CBK and Calvin Klein.

 

Is there anything more timeless than a white oxford blouse and blue jeans? We think not.

 

Looking gloriously disheveled in a tank top and Doc Martins.

 

On holiday in perhaps one of the most notable looks of the Bessette-Kennedy era.

 

We never saw a backwards baseball cap we didn't like.

 

 

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Or a carpenter pant!

 

In the headband she is known so well for, complete with this mid-length leather Prada coat.

 

The strapless dress of all strapless dresses.

 

A bit of colour, as a treat.

 

Donning an oversized blazer at the opening of Krizia, an exhibition at the Grey Art Gallery at New York University.

 

Donning yet another turtleneck and sunglasses combo at The Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Mass.

 

The couple on their wedding day, on Cumberland Island 1996.

 

Attending a function in honour of Jackie O at Grand Central Station.

 

Out for a paper run.

 

The ruffle skirt! The men's shirt! J'adore.

 

Another ruched and ruffled look we adore.

 

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Images: @carolyn_iconic

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