The Chic Style of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is a true icon who championed minimalistic fashion in the 90s, paving the way for its prominence today.  

Words Luis Joaquin Gregorio
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
September 13, 2025

The late Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy may not have started it all, but she provided minimalist fashion, a generous advantage, and a timeless concept we can all look up to. 

CBK’s signature 

From her most polished ensembles to her off-duty street style, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy proved that luxury doesn’t require an excessive display of logos. Though her wardrobe featured pieces from renowned labels like Calvin Klein, Prada, and Helmut Lang, Bessette-Kennedy ensured that her expression of luxury was never ostentatious.

All she needed was a carefully curated, timeless color palette, leaning into shades of black, white, beige, and brown, with the occasional touch of navy. She emphasized the power of silhouette over layering, choosing to highlight the natural form rather than overwhelming it with multiple pieces.

Bessette-Kennedy understood the value of structure and proportion in achieving an effortlessly refined look. Her signature style, elegant, understated, and impeccably considered, made her look every bit the American royalty, even before she met John F. Kennedy Jr.  

A downtown dove

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy served as Calvin Klein’s fashion publicist and show director. Given her role, she needed to dress the part, but in true Carolyn fashion, never too much.

CBK rarely experimented with trends. Instead, she relied on the quality and functionality of her wardrobe—pieces meant to be worn and worn out. She built a closet rooted in longevity and subtlety, not seasonal fads.

She also wore little to no jewelry, believing it went against the idea of looking effortless. Jewelry tends to draw attention, and Carolyn preferred a more understated look. In its place, she depended on well-tailored clothing, a classic pair of sunglasses, and a structured handbag.

Basic tees, cashmere sweaters, tailored blazers, and denim jeans never looked boring on her. These pieces flattered her silhouette, and she had mastered the art of mixing and matching to create refined, polished looks.

Countless paparazzi photos reflect this aesthetic. Prominent figures in high society don’t always wear full-on glamour. Many, like Carolyn, understood the quiet luxury and exclusivity of keeping a low profile.

She never dressed to impress the public. She wore what felt authentic to her, and in doing so, became one of the most iconic figures of 1990s minimalist chic. Her beauty choices reflected the same effortless philosophy. During the day, she kept her face fresh and minimal. For gala nights, she embraced a bold red lip and cool-toned eye makeup, always balanced and never excessive.

Her blonde hair was another signature. Whether perfectly undone, held back with a tortoiseshell headband, or styled in a sleek bun, it consistently framed her features with grace and ease. When Carolyn married into the Kennedy family, her presence in society naturally grew. Public attention intensified, especially when she was seen out with John F. Kennedy Jr.

The two were often spotted walking their dog downtown or spending time in the park. Even on their most casual days, their outfits always seemed to complement one another. 

Their deliberate simplicity and quiet elegance, despite being part of America's most prominent families, have proven timeless. Their style, grounded in authenticity rather than spectacle, continues to inspire to this day.

Her style within reach

Bessette-Kennedy may have worn pieces on the luxury side, but her simply curated style makes it easy to draw inspiration from. A fun thing to note is that most of us probably already own something reminiscent of her wardrobe. It all comes down to how we structure and carry it because Carolyn made sure she wore the clothes, not the other way around.

Today’s minimalist fashion, neutral monochrome palettes, relaxed basic fits, and clean lines can all be traced back to Bessette-Kennedy’s timeless influence.

We can also expect to see much of her iconic style brought to life on screen when Ryan Murphy’s American Love Story premieres in February 2026, with Sarah Pigeon portraying Carolyn.