The Enduring Power of CBK's Pared-Back Chicness
Long before “quiet luxury” became a trend, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was already defining what we might now refer to as the “clean girl aesthetic”.
Obsessed with brand logos and fleeting micro-trends, the contemporary fashion landscape now appears to be rediscovering the power of Bessette-esque minimalism. Catalysed by Ryan Murphy’s Love Story, a new television series revisiting her relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr., interest in CBK’s radical wardrobe has skyrocketed online as the population recreates some of her most defining looks. Even cult brands have been quick to jump onto the sudden Bessette craze, actress Sarah Pidgeon (who takes on the role of Bessette in Love Story) being the face of Rhode’s latest campaign- a brand synonymous with the “clean girl”. So, what is it about Carolyn Bessette Kennedy that has sparked renewed fascination with this kind of aesthetic within the fashion community?
P: @tttigerlily
When considering Bessette’s style, the words effortless, chic, and minimalist instantly come to mind. As director of publicity for Calvin Klein during the ‘90s, it was no surprise that Bessette embraced their ethos of pared-back chicness. Known especially for their elegant and elevated basics, the brand, alongside CBK, pushed for an effortless approach to dressing. With this philosophy in mind, we saw Bessette focus on staple pieces, building what we now refer to as the perfect capsule wardrobe. She was frequently seen pictured in slip dresses, crisp white shirts, tailored clothes, bootcut jeans and her signature accessories such as plastic headbands and sleek oval sunglasses. Sophistication without excess, quiet luxury and timelessness to this day exude from her carefully curated outfits. Who knew a simple pair of sunnies paired with casually styled hair could be so effective!
P:@minglyman
CBK understood the power of balance, well cut basics complimenting one statement piece in order to breathe a sense of proportion and confidence. Take the iconic leopard print moment, for example; Carolyn stepped out onto the streets wearing a vintage, knee length, collared leopard print coat layered on top of her usual black turtleneck and dark-washed jeans. Anchoring the loud leopard print with her signature neutral base uniform, Bessette’s decision of a statement coat felt all the more authentic, as class radiated from a fashion choice that could otherwise have appeared tasteless. And we too can recreate this look, Highstreet retailers such as Mango providing affordable alternatives to Bessette’s vintage leopard print jacket, whilst capsule wardrobe basics can be found at places such as COS or M&S.
At the start of 2026 it seemed all signs were pointing towards “the year of the whimsical”, otherwise known as the return to maximalism. Polka dot patterns, brightly coloured trainers and layered outfits to name a few have taken over Instagram feeds and fashion retailers as of recently. However, with Murphy’s Love Story reaching new heights after premiering in February, it’s clear that the quiet luxury of CBK deserves a place firmly in the spotlight, as fashion circles back to elegant simplicity.
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