Forever A ’90s Style Icon: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

by Ainsley Smith

If you’ve never heard of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, it’s time to get up to speed on her, stat. For those who do recognize her (typically those born in the ’80s and early ’90s), you’ll know that she was the wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., a publicist for Calvin Klein, one of the chicest women of her era, and a woman who lost her life far too soon.

Carolyn and her husband were tragically killed in a plane crash in 1999, but today, her style legacy lives on. You see, she was the queen of ’90s minimalist fashion and was known for making the most pared-back and casual ensembles look effortlessly elegant. It’s a style so many of us try to master today.

She would often be seen roaming Martha’s Vineyard wearing a simple uniform of Levi’s and a long-sleeve white shirt, but rather than looking like she was simply running errands, she resembled a high-fashion model fresh off the runway.

Carolyn’s everyday style was the perfect example of how clean lines, classic silhouettes and neutral colours never go out of style and that less is always more.

Her go-to pieces included turtlenecks, button-down shirts, oval sunglasses, slip dresses and great fitting jeans (and of course, that stunningly simple Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress). As for her appearance, she stuck to unfussy chignons often offset with a plastic Alice band or otherwise left hanging naturally, framing a make-up free face. She was famous for her striking buttery blonde hair (she was a natural brunette) that was meticulously maintained by colourist Brad Johns.

When it comes to classic ’90s style, there’s no better person to turn to than Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Scroll to shop our favourite pieces for achieving her classically chic looks.