Sarah Pidgeon Recreates the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Fall Outfit on Every Fashion Girl's Mood Board

The ultimate minimalist look.

Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon are seen on the movie set of the 'American Love Story' in Chelsea, Manhattan on October 23, 2025 in New York City.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

As soon as the first steaming hot swig of a seasonal latte hits, the fashion girls start down a rabbit hole of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's minimalist-chic wardrobe. As the unofficial mascot of autumnal style, her '90s-era ensembles are returned to annually, once the leaves start to change.

This year, the inspiration has been abundant. Sarah Pidgeon is currently on set for the Bessette Kennedy biopic series, American Love Story. As such, she's been offering up new interpretations of Bessette Kennedy's iconic style with each scene she films. Yesterday's outfit, for example, was a timeless style that's probably already pinned to your fall mood board.

While filming with her on-screen husband Paul Kelly, who plays John F. Kennedy Jr., Pidgeon embodied the role to perfection. She wore a black, wool car coat over a matching crew-neck sweater. On bottom, she tapped several more hard-working staples: kick-flare jeans and a pair of leather loafers. Classic, chic, and elegant as it comes.

To add a bit of interest, costume designer Lou Eyrich broke up the black-and-denim moment with a few tortoise shell accessories. Pidgeon wore a pair of brown frames, while a coordinating tortoise shell headband held back her Bessette-Kennedy-blonde hair.

Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon are seen on the movie set of the 'American Love Story' in Chelsea, Manhattan on October 23, 2025 in New York City.

Sarah Pidgeon duplicated Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's fall style for American Love Story.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The look is a near-exact duplication of a Bessette Kennedy look from Oct. 18, 1997—nearly 28 years ago to the day. The only notable difference is in hairstyle and neckline. The real CBK sported a neat bun and turtleneck.

John F. Kennedy Jr., with his injured hand wrapped in a bandage, strolls in Tribeca with wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy after brunch at Bubby's. October 18, 1997.

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy is seen in Tribeca with John F. Kennedy Jr. on October 18, 1997.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

John F. Kennedy Jr. walks along a New York City street with wife Carolyn Bessette.

Both looks were recreated for the upcoming biopic series, American Love Story.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Though the sartorial aspects of the series have received much scrutiny, the resemblance of this look to the original is undeniable.

Shop Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Classic Fall Outfit

Kelsey Stiegman
Contributing Fashion Writer

Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance fashion editor and writer. At Marie Claire, she provides witty celeb style commentary, unpacking the style choices of stars like Zoë KravitzDua LipaSelena Gomez, and her fashion superhero, Rihanna. When she’s not tracking the personal style of Hollywood’s elite, Kelsey also covers designer collabs and industry news.

Before taking her talents to Marie Claire, Kelsey was the Senior Fashion Editor at Bustle, where she oversaw the site’s fashion coverage. Prior to Bustle, she came from a six-year stint at Seventeen. In her freelance era, Kelsey contributes to publications like InStyle, Cosmopolitan,and more. Follow @klstieg on Instagram for 'fit pics and travel recommendations.