"She had an effortless and laidback approach that looks as stylish and chic today as it did then."
– Tory Burch
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s fashion legacy is an ode to timeless elegance, a celebration of simplicity and sophistication that whispers rather than shouts. With her pared-down, minimalist aesthetic, she wove an aura of effortless grace, favoring clean lines, tailored silhouettes, and a muted palette of black, white, and soft neutrals. Every piece she wore seemed to speak of quiet confidence—understated yet undeniably chic, she embodied a timeless beauty that spoke louder than fleeting trends. Her style felt like a second skin: sleek, refined, and quietly powerful. She wore fashion, not as a statement, but as a reflection of her own grace and poise. In an era brimming with excess, she wove modernity with classic charm, leaving behind a legacy of minimalist perfection as timeless as it was simple. Here you’ll find six staples of CBK style and an array of pieces, from multiple price points, to get the look.
1. long coats
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s coats were the epitome of understated luxury, effortlessly blending practicality with elegance. From tailored camel overcoats to classic black wool trenches, her timeless outerwear choices reflected her minimalist aesthetic and impeccable taste. She favored clean lines, neutral tones, and structured silhouettes, often draping her coats over sleek ensembles for an added touch of refinement.
2. neutrals
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s affinity for neutral colors was a masterclass in understated elegance. She embraced shades of cream, black, white, and beige, creating a wardrobe that exuded sophistication and timelessness. These muted tones became her signature, allowing her natural beauty and effortless style to take center stage. Whether in a sleek slip dress or a tailored suit, her neutral palette spoke of refinement, proving that simplicity, when done with intention, can be the most striking.
3. black dresses
The power of simplicity. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s black dresses were the pinnacle of timeless sophistication. From sleek, form-fitting silhouettes to flowing, minimalist designs, her LBD choices exuded confidence and elegance. Whether at a formal event or strolling through the city, her black dresses became a symbol of modern refinement, forever cementing her status as a style icon.
4. SIMPLE BEAUTY
The OG in “clean girl” beauty, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy favored a minimalist approach where each detail spoke volumes without uttering a word. She wore her signature sleek blonde hair in simple, no-fuss styles that perfectly complemented her elegant appearance, framing her face with an understated grace. This simple, effortless style became a hallmark of her refined aesthetic. Her makeup, equally understated, accentuated her natural beauty—soft foundation, a touch of blush, barely there eyeshadows, and nude or pale pink lips. Each element, delicate and subtle, worked in harmony to create an effortless, yet profound, sense of quiet sophistication that became only be described as iconic.
5. SIGNATURE ACCESSORIES
The original Blair Waldorf? Maybe so. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s accessories were a study in refined simplicity. If she opted for any jewelry at all, delicate gold hoops and small diamond studs framed her face. When it came to bags, she was often seen with Prada’s boxy Spazzolato tote, among other designer tote bags, all in her signature black shade. Always simple, always refined. Headbands, often thin and understated, holding back her sleek blonde tresses have become one of her most iconic looks, sending admirers of the style into a frenzy of “tortoiseshell headband” google searches along with her oval sunglasses, sleek, in black or tortoiseshell. Each carefully chosen piece, from jewelry to headbands to bags, perfectly complemented her minimalist aesthetic and enhanced the quiet, yet unmistakable, sense of luxury.
6. CLASSIC SILHOUETTES
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style was defined by clean lines and elegant, minimalist silhouettes. She favored simple, well-tailored pieces that emphasized her tall, slender frame, often opting for sleek, form-fitting dresses, chic skirts, and tailored pants. Since her wardrobe was grounded in neutrals, it allowed the structure and quality of the clothing to take center stage. Whether in a figure-hugging dress or a perfectly cut suit, the style was sure to be effortlessly sophisticated. Each piece, carefully chosen, worked in harmony to create a fluid, polished silhouette that exuded a timeless, understated luxury.
