Minimal Look, Maximum Influence: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Style Revolution
Long before “quiet luxury” and the “clean girl aesthetic” dominated our social media feeds, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy embodied the effortless and sophisticated fashion style that many seem to strive for. Her wardrobe was simple: long coats, perfectly tailored jeans, small dark sunglasses, and an occasional sleek headband. Yet decades later, her aesthetic continues to define what timeless style looks like to a new generation.
Photo by Lawrence Schwartzwald for Getty Images
Gen Z is quickly falling in love with Carolyn’s influence thanks in part to television producer Ryan Murphy’s new FX series Love Story, which revisits the romance and cultural fascination surrounding Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and her late husband, John F. Kennedy Jr.
Image by FX: Sarah Pidgeon and Paul Anthony Kelly as Carolyn Beessette-Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr in Episode 5 of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette
While the show has sparked its share of criticism and debate, it has also reintroduced Bessette-Kennedy’s legacy and influence in fashion to audiences who missed out on the iconic fashion of the 1990s. In an era of fast fashion and micro trends many viewers feel refreshed to see neutral palettes, clean silhouettes, and timeless designs.
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During a recent visit to New York City, Bessette-Kennedy’s fashion influence was visible in every corner. One area in particular, the usually bustling Greenwich Village, felt even more energized than usual. Amid its lineup of trendy restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, one apothecary seemed to draw particular attention: C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries.
Photo by Andrea Arguello
The historic apothecary has long been known for its French-pharmacy-inspired beauty and skincare products. As I entered the store, Bessette-Kennedy’s influence was obvious through the line of women eager to try on and purchase the simple headbands and hair clips that Bessette used to buy there. Many visitors had traveled specifically to purchase the accessory.
One sales associate, who has worked at the store for two years, described the sudden shift after Love Story premiered. Before the show, she explained, C.O. Bigelow was already a neighborhood favorite among locals due to its extensive selection of cosmetics, skincare, and perfumes for both men and women. But since the series aired, the store has seen a significant increase in visitors from across the country.
As I waited in line to try on one of the headbands, I couldn’t help wondering why it felt so special. After all, it wasn’t anything new. I’d seen headbands like this before. In fact, my grandmother used to love wearing them. So why did this one suddenly feel different? The answer I stumbled upon? Carolyn’s effortless elegance and mystery.
In today’s trend-driven fashion cycle, Bessette’s effortless elegance exceeded all trends. For Gen Z, Carolyn’s style from her accessories to her staple clothing items represent a new era where our closets can be packed with quality pieces rather than fast fashion items that we will throw out once the next trend appears. Love Story also feels exciting to those who admire Carolyn’s persona and wanted to know more about a very private person and relationship–even if the show’s events are not entirely true.
Decades later, the fascination with Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has not faded. If anything, it has grown stronger. Her wardrobe may have been minimalistic, but the influence she left behind is anything but that.
Strike Out,
Writer: Andrea Arguello
Editor: Andrea Arguello
Los Angeles