LESS IS MORE, AND CAROLYN KNOWS IT
October 29, 2024
Sam Gurung
With her signature blend of Levi’s 517, a crisp Gap tee, and an aversion to excess, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (1966 - 1999) redefined '90s minimalism and it keeps coming back. So who was this fashion icon? Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (CBK), once a behind-the-scenes public relations executive for Calvin Klein, found herself thrust into the public eye when she married John F. Kennedy Jr., son of President John F. Kennedy. Her marriage into one of America’s famous dynasties catapulted her to a level of stardom that became overwhelming and critical. Tragically, her life was cut short in a plane crash in 1999, along with her husband and sister-in-law. Despite the devastating end to her life, CBK left a mark on the fashion world with her signature effortless, elegant style.
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CBK’s understated looks showcased her love for quiet luxury, her outfits often featuring staple pieces such as a Prada coat…custom made in three different colors. True to her minimalist aesthetic, she insisted that any visible designer logos be removed, allowing the focus to remain on the clean lines and timeless elegance of her wardrobe. Her accessories were equally understated yet impeccably chosen–whether it was a tortoiseshell headband or a Birkin, which only became popular in the early 2000s, each piece complemented her refined, polished look. Let’s take a look at some of her outfits that solidified her as a style legend:
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The Everyday Uniform
The classic denim and white tee personalized with her essentials of course– a chic headband and a pair of sunnies. Sleek and effortless, this casual look was instantly elevated by CBK’s choices in layering and accessorizing.
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Fall Street Style
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Before there was Steve Jobs, there was CBK. If there’s an outfit that screams an It Girl fall it’s this one–a black turtleneck, corduroy pants, and loafers, all topped off with a pair of signature sunglasses and a Birkin.
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An Evening Out
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A simple white shirt, effortlessly transformed into elegant evening wear–this was Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s take on black tie at the 1999 Gala at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Wearing a Yohji Yamamoto Homme shirt, she paid homage to one of her favorite designers, elevating it with a personal touch: unbuttoned around the chest, sleeves rolled up, and neatly tucked into a black skirt. The minimal jewelry is attributed to CBK’s preference to keep the skin bare except for formal events. Even then, there was a focus on only one jewelry piece.
Decades later, she can be found on the moodboards of designers and the public alike. Contemporary brands such as The Row, Khaite, and Celine embody her timeless ethos. While a black coat or pencil skirt are not revolutionary, CBK’s allure was the way in which she incorporated such pieces. She always exemplified her less is more philosophy. It made those looks very much her own yet something that can still be recreated now.