Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Minimalist 90s Style Revival: Stylist Tips for Timeless Wardrobe
The iconic minimalist wardrobe of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy is experiencing a major resurgence, driven by the new TV series Love Story, which chronicles her romance with John F. Kennedy Jr. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are flooded with recreations of her signature looks, featuring white button-up shirts, tan pencil skirts, and small-framed black sunglasses, often set to Frank Ocean's American Wedding as an unofficial soundtrack.
Liz Teich, a stylist who worked in the fashion industry during the 90s, notes that Bessette's appeal lies in her expertly curated wardrobe. "Everyone is trying to copy her outfits after seeing Love Story," Teich explains. "But what made her style so appealing was how she curated her wardrobe as a whole." As a publicist at Calvin Klein, Bessette mastered office attire, blending high-end pieces with affordable finds.
Building a Minimalist Wardrobe: Key Principles
Teich emphasizes that Bessette's closet was nearly 100% staples, allowing for versatile styling with limited pieces. She advises that a successful wardrobe should consist of 80% staples and 20% trendy items. This approach ensures outfits always look fresh and polished, avoiding the pitfalls of over-reliance on fleeting trends.
Two essential staples highlighted are a classic white button-up shirt and quality jeans. Brands like Sold Out NYC, Frank & Eileen, and Cissa offer options ranging from crisp to relaxed styles, though they come at a premium for durable materials. Bootcut jeans, such as Levi's 517s, are making a comeback and can be paired with blazers or turtlenecks for a 90s-inspired look.
Smart Shopping Strategies
Bessette was known for mixing price points, combining designer items like Prada with vintage and bargain finds. Teich recommends looking beyond logos to assess quality and suggests shopping secondhand for smaller brands from the 90s, such as those sold at Barney's, to avoid markups on popular labels.
For accessories, the Cartier Tank watch, a Bessette favorite, is back in vogue but costs around $8,500. A more affordable dupe from Heaven Mayhem offers a similar elegant look at $280. Teich also advises splurging on classic styles with longevity, like tailored leopard coats or camel coats, which have remained stylish for decades.
Sustainable Fashion Insights
As a sustainable fashion advocate, Teich encourages learning from Bessette's style without resorting to excessive spending or knockoffs. She shares her own experience of curating outfits from sales racks, vintage pieces, and upcycled items in the 90s. Today, she recommends investing in timeless pieces that reduce waste and promote a more conscious approach to fashion.
By following these tips, fashion enthusiasts can embrace Bessette's minimalist aesthetic for spring, focusing on quality over quantity and creating a wardrobe that stands the test of time.
