Decades after Carolyn Bessette first captivated New York with her impossibly chic wardrobe, audiences are rediscovering her through Sarah Pidgeon’s depiction on Disney’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. And suddenly, 90s minimalism feels exciting all over again.
Searches for Carolyn-inspired outfits have surged, TikTok is flooded with outfit recreations, and Pinterest boards dedicated to “90s Manhattan chic” are everywhere. Watching the series, one thing quickly becomes clear: her wardrobe wasn’t about extravagance. It was about simplicity done exceptionally well – and crucially, it’s a look that still feels achievable today.
That’s exactly why her style resonates so strongly in 2026.
Unlike many fashion muses, Carolyn didn’t rely on trends or statement dressing. Her look was built on quiet confidence and beautifully cut basics – the kind you can still find on the high street if you know what to look for. So if you’ve finished an episode wondering how to channel that understated elegance without a Calvin Klein budget, here’s how to capture Carolyn’s effortless aesthetic now.
The power of simplicity
© Eric Liebowitz/FXCarolyn’s approach to fashion was refreshingly straightforward: buy less, choose well.
Her outfits never screamed for attention. Instead, they relied on immaculate tailoring, neutral tones and silhouettes she returned to again and again. I’m talking straight-leg trousers, sleek coats, slip dresses and simple accessories. Watching Love Story, you realise how rarely she chased novelty.
Recreating the look today starts with a mindset shift. Think about longevity rather than trends. Pieces that fit beautifully, work across seasons and won’t feel dated in five years’ time instantly capture that Carolyn polish.
A pair of tailored trousers in black, cream or camel paired with a simple knit or fitted T-shirt is often all it takes. Minimal effort, maximum impact.
Get the look: Boden Black Highgate Ponte Trousers
© BodenThe coat that pulls everything together
© GC ImagesOuterwear plays a starring role in Love Story, and Carolyn’s coats are arguably as memorable as any storyline.
Long, clean-lined wool coats worn casually open became her signature – relaxed but still incredibly refined. It’s that effortless off-duty elegance we now associate with 90s New York style.
The good news? This might be the easiest element to recreate.
Look for longline wool or wool-blend coats in camel, navy, charcoal or black, keeping details minimal. No oversized hardware or busy fastenings, the appeal lies entirely in the silhouette.
Thrown over jeans and trainers or layered atop a slip skirt and boots, it instantly gives that cinematic, just-stepped-out-in-Manhattan feel.
Get the look: M&S Black Tailored Coat
© M&SSlip dresses: Carolyn’s quiet signature
© Eric Liebowitz/FXFew pieces define Carolyn’s romantic minimalism quite like the slip dress.
Bias-cut and beautifully fluid, her dresses skimmed the body rather than clinging to it – elegant without ever feeling try-hard. Today’s high street offers plenty of wearable versions that work just as well during the day as they do in the evening.
Layer one with an oversized blazer or chunky knit, and finish with loafers or kitten heels. The secret is balance: softness paired with structure.
Stick to champagne, ivory, black or muted greys to keep the look timeless rather than trend-led.
Get the look: Nobody’s Child Black Satin Strapless Dress
© Nobody’s ChildHair & beauty – and looking effortlessly unbothered
© InstagramPart of Carolyn’s enduring appeal is how natural everything felt – something the Disney series captures perfectly.
Her beauty look was understated to the point of seeming accidental. Skin looked fresh, makeup minimal, hair softly undone. Think tinted moisturiser instead of heavy foundation, natural brows, neutral lips and minimal contouring. Hair works best when it looks lived-in rather than overly styled – tucked behind the ears or worn loose with movement. In an era of filters and full glam, that relaxed approach feels surprisingly modern.
According to fashion journalist Laura Craik, the real life Carolyn was “obsessive” about her hair, saying “her colourist, Brad Johns, would hand-paint it with pale highlights and cooler lowlights in a shade that has been described as ‘cornflower blonde’.” At the time, young women asked hairdressers to recreate the shade.
Get the look: Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Muse
© Lisa EldridgeAccessories, but make them subtle
© FXIf Love Story teaches us anything stylistically, it’s restraint. Carolyn favoured slim sunglasses, structured shoulder bags, delicate jewellery and simple leather belts. Nothing competed for attention, everything simply worked together. When recreating the look, focus on shape over branding. A structured black handbag or fine gold hoops elevate even the simplest outfit without overwhelming it.
Get the look: Jeepers Peepers Oval Sunglasses
The 90s work wardrobe
© FXOne of the biggest reminders while watching the series is just how wearable Carolyn’s work wardrobe remains. White shirts, pencil skirts, simple knits and classic loafers formed the backbone of her on-duty style – and it’s an outfit formula that still feels completely relevant.
It’s effortless dressing that looks expensive, even when it isn’t.
Get the look: With Nothing Underneath White Boyfriend Shirt
© WNUGet the look: Dune London Almond Toe Loafers
© Dune LondonGet the look: Mango 90s Style Black Bag
© MangoGet the look: Sif Jakobs ‘Selene’ Necklace
© Sif JakobsGet the look: Cos Alice Band
© CosPhotos of the real life Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy & why she was a style icon
© Getty ImagesFashion inevitably swings back towards minimalism after periods of excess, but Carolyn Bessette’s renewed influence goes beyond nostalgia.
© Getty ImagesHer wardrobe represents something many women are craving again: calm confidence. Dressing for yourself rather than for social media.
© WireImageShe repeated outfits. Invested in staples. Prioritised fit and proportion over trends. Most importantly, she looked comfortable in what she wore.
And that authenticity is exactly why her style continues to inspire a new generation discovering her story through FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.
The modern Carolyn capsule
If you’re feeling inspired, start with five key pieces:
- A long neutral wool coat
- Straight-leg tailored trousers
- A satin slip dress
- Classic straight-leg jeans
- A structured black handbag
From there, everything works together effortlessly — timeless outfits that feel polished rather than trend-driven.
Because as the show Love Story reminds us, great style rarely needs reinventing. Sometimes, it simply needs rediscovering.
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