I'm Still Thinking About Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Biggest Style Lesson
Somewhere in the rush to recreate her look, we lost the actual point she was making.
Like every other woman in New York, I watched American Love Story. And like every other woman in New York, I watched the inevitable flood of "dress like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy" content that followed. I want to be thoughtful here, because she's not here to speak for herself—but I also think the conversation deserves a little pushback.
I don't think Carolyn was a trendy person. She dressed for herself, her body, her life. And I think somewhere in the rush to recreate her look, we've lost the actual point of her—which was that she was just deeply, specifically herself.
I buy into trends all the time. There's nothing wrong with that. But I don't think there's a CBK formula to follow piece by piece. What I do think we can take from how she dressed is this: she invested in pieces that were timeless. Things that could carry her through season after season, looking completely different depending on the moment, the event, the age she was living at the time.
So instead of a "get her look" edit, I wanted to put together a capsule of pieces that might spark something for your wardrobe. Ones that could take you from this summer to the next and hopefully the 50 after that. Carolyn seemed really, really cool. But so are you. Find pieces that speak to you, not her.
"Minimalism" Doesn't Mean "Boring"
Inspired by Carolyn's Yohji Yamamoto jacket moment, these two pieces are doing something similar: a silhouette with just enough going on that you don't need much else.
The Khaite Palto Jacket is my favorite of the three. The shape is unexpected without being costume-y. I'd wear it with a suit pant, a pencil skirt, Bermuda shorts, or just great blue jeans and a leather flip-flop. And this COS collarless satin blazer is a little more refined—the long silhouette is so chic, especially paired with vintage true blue Levi's. Love. Love.
Clean, Basic Bags
The Agnes is my current obsession. I love the way it looks lived-in without being beat up from the moment you get it. I have the pebble leather and it wears so well. Obsessed with the truffle color. The Amazona gives that same effortless feeling without being the least bit trendy—it's the kind of bag that just works. And I am actually so in love with this little satin tote from Valesque. It's a piece I would keep forever and feel like it only gets better with age.
Where to Start With Jewelry
I have always loved a chunky link bracelet. It's so classically '90s and it never ages—this Foundrae Orbit bracelet is the one. A great pair of diamond studs is one of the best investments you'll ever make in your wardrobe, full stop. I love the oval shape on these from Real Fine, they feel modern while staying completely timeless. And when someone asks me where to start with collecting jewelry, I always say Spinelli. You get so much look per piece. These Zahra pavé earrings are a perfect example of that.
The Jeans Situation
A great pair of jeans will take you further than almost anything else in your closet. I can confirm that these are literally the perfect jean. They come at a price, but they mold to your body and look good on everyone.
I also love the Toteme twisted seam denim, which fits like a true vintage Levi's 501 but the twisted seam gives it just a little more of a fashion moment. I have it in pretty much every wash at this point. And if you know me, you know I'm an R13 fan for life. This style gives the perfect off-duty look and I dress it up and down constantly.
At the end of the day, building a wardrobe that actually works for you isn't about following anyone—not even someone as iconic as Carolyn. It's about finding the pieces that feel like the best version of yourself, wearing them into the ground, and doing it all over again. That's the real capsule wardrobe. Shop the pieces above at Hirshleifers and let them be your starting point. Wherever that takes you is exactly right.
