How To Get The Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Look

In an era of excess, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy stood apart. Her style was minimalist, iconically ’90s, and completely timeless. She had the kind of wardrobe that looks just as relevant today as it did on the streets of New York three decades ago. Neutral palettes, clean lines, and intentional dressing defined her aesthetic. She wore clothes with ease and elegance, building a personal uniform that felt effortless yet unmistakably her own.

As the ultimate Calvin Klein It girl, she gravitated toward the brand’s pared-back sensuality, while also incorporating pieces from her favorite brands including, Prada, Yohji Yamamoto, and Narciso Rodriguez. Nothing about her wardrobe felt trend-driven, it was thoughtful, restrained, and quietly powerful. With the new TV series Love Story sparking renewed fascination (as if ’90s style ever truly left), her look is once again the blueprint for modern minimalism.

Below are the beauty and fashion essentials that channel her signature understated polish. —Alexandra Aulicino

The Beauty Staples

Tortoiseshell Headband

A simple tortoiseshell headband was one of her most recognizable finishing touches. It is practical, polished, and quietly chic. For the exact headband she worevisit C.O. Bigelow in Greenwich Village New York, or opt for the Jennifer Behr Tortoise Lydia Headband.

The Lived-In Red Lip

Her red lip was never overly precise, it looked worn in, blotted and effortless. The reported shade she wore, Face Stockholm Veil Lipstick in Cranberry Veil has remained unchanged since the 1990s. True to her cool-girl instincts, it came from a niche brand rather than a mainstream counter.

Complexion On The Go

Like many ’90s It girls, she relied on powder for a soft matte finish. MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation was reportedly always in her bag – now reformulated, but still delivering that velvety, polished skin.

The Signature Clean Scent

Carolyn’s signature scent was Abdul Kareem’s Egyptian Musk Oil, a now-defunct NYC brand known for its clean, almost soapy scent. Today, Nemat Egyptian Musk Fragrance Oil offers a similar understated aura that is intimate, subtle, and unmistakably chic (and under $20).

Shiny, Air-Dried Hair

Her hair always looked healthy rather than styled. Kiehls Creme with Silk Groom – a product she was famously loyal to – adds shine, defrizzes, and conditions for that perfectly undone finish.

The Wardrobe Essentials

The Midi Pencil Skirt

Sleek and understated, a tailored midi pencil skirt like the Guest In Residence Tailored Skirt anchors the minimalist wardrobe.

The Black V-Neck Sweater

Nothing feels more authentically ’90s than a perfectly cut black knit. The  J Crew Cashmere High V-neck Sweater captures that relaxed yet refined silhouette.

Oval Sunglasses

Her favorite small oval frames were the Selima Optique Aldo sunglasses which became a signature accessory that completed even the simplest outfit.

Bootcut Jeans

She favored classic denim and that included her favorite pair of bootcut jeans which were the Levi’s 517 Jeans. Today you can shop options like the Reformation Sharon Stretch Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans or try and find a pair of vintage Levi’s at resale.

The Slip Dress

Perhaps the ultimate expression of her aesthetic: a perfectly fitting slip dress. The Row Seraphina silk-crepe midi dress embodies the quiet luxury she made iconic.

The Carolyn Formula

To dress like Carolyn isn’t about copying exact outfits, it’s about restraint. Choose neutrals. Invest in tailoring. Repeat pieces until they become a uniform. Prioritize quality over quantity. Most importantly, wear everything with the quiet confidence of someone who knows exactly who she is.