Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy may have passed away over 25 years ago, but her impact on fashion and style still resonates today. Known for her minimalist approach to dressing, Bessette-Kennedy was a true fashion icon who effortlessly mixed high-end designer pieces with everyday staples. Her keen eye for fashion and meticulous attention to detail set her apart from the crowd and made her a timeless style inspiration.
A publicist for Calvin Klein, Bessette-Kennedy had a closet filled with designer pieces from brands like Prada, Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, and Yohji Yamamoto. She was particularly fond of Yamamoto, whose avant-garde designs added a unique flair to her sleek style. Despite her love for high fashion, Bessette-Kennedy also incorporated more accessible pieces into her wardrobe, such as Levi’s 517 jeans and headbands from C.O. Bigelow.
Recently, Ryan Murphy announced that he had cast Sarah Pidgeon as Bessette-Kennedy in his upcoming FX series, “Love Story.” The first images released of Pidgeon in character sparked controversy, with many criticizing the outfit for not accurately capturing Bessette-Kennedy’s minimalist style. In response to the backlash, costume designer Rudy Mance was brought on board to ensure that the production’s wardrobe stayed true to Bessette-Kennedy’s iconic look.
In “Elements of Style,” we take a closer look at the key pieces in Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s closet that defined her signature style. From statement outerwear to tailored trousers, these pieces were the building blocks of her effortlessly chic wardrobe. Copycats looking to emulate Bessette-Kennedy’s style should take note of these essential pieces and how to style them.
One of the standout pieces in Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe was her statement outerwear. Whether it was a belted coat from Prada or a ruffled Yohji Yamamoto design, Bessette-Kennedy knew the power of a striking outer layer. She wasn’t afraid to experiment with texture, pattern, and color, as seen in her red plaid Prada coat and ruffled Yohji Yamamoto coat worn to the George Awards. Pairing statement outerwear with bootcut jeans, a sleek weekender bag, and strappy sandals was quintessentially Bessette-Kennedy.
As we continue to celebrate Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s enduring influence on fashion, it’s clear that her minimalist style and attention to detail will always be a source of inspiration. By understanding the key pieces in her wardrobe and how she styled them, we can all learn a thing or two about timeless elegance and effortless chic.
