The Wardrobe of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Look at the Fashion Choices of a Style Icon

When it came to portraying Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (CBK) in the upcoming series Love Story, actress Mance Pidgeon and her wardrobe assistants left no stone unturned in recreating the iconic fashion choices of the 1990s. From scouring the internet for specific designer pieces to consulting collectors who owned similar items, the team went above and beyond to capture the essence of CBK’s wardrobe.

One key aspect of CBK’s style was her love for labels like Calvin Klein, Prada, and Yohji Yamamoto. Known for her understated elegance, she often wore classic pieces like great jeans, crisp collared shirts, and dress trousers. Pidgeon and her team focused on nailing the fit and finer details, ensuring that every outfit reflected CBK’s signature style.

Footwear played a crucial role in completing CBK’s looks, with Pidgeon getting the chance to wear iconic designer shoes like Manolo heels and Prada boots. “I got a lot better at walking in heels after the show,” she admits.

For the premiere of Love Story in New York, Pidgeon paid homage to her character’s distinctive style by choosing a statement look from the Chanel pre-fall 2026 collection. The outfit, designed by Matthieu Blazy, featured tailored black wool trousers paired with a sleeveless silk waistcoat adorned with multicolor beads and mint green feathers. The nod to CBK’s fashion sensibility was evident in the choice of attire.

The decision to wear Chanel for the premiere was symbolic, as the collection was presented in New York—a city that CBK adored. The show’s setting on an underground subway platform added an authentic touch to the outfit, further emphasizing the connection to CBK’s beloved city.

Pidgeon and her stylist, Emma Jade Morrison, made slight modifications to the runway look, opting for black pants instead of khaki to align with CBK’s classic style. Accessories like glitzy Chanel Coco Crush fine jewelry added a touch of playfulness to the ensemble, reflecting CBK’s own penchant for statement pieces.

Overall, the wardrobe choices for Love Story pay tribute to CBK’s timeless elegance and playful energy, showcasing the enduring influence of a true style icon.