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Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Iconic Fashion Legacy

A forever fashion muse
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John F. Kennedy Jr. with his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy attending Municipal Art Society gala. Carolyn is wearing a black strapless midi dress and long black gloves. JFK is in a black tuxedo with a white shirt.Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

The term ‘style icon’ is thrown around liberally in this era of fashion, but in the 90s the status was reserved simply for the style elite. And the top of that it-list, was the inimitable Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.

The archetype of chic minimalism, the former Calvin Klein publicist and wife of John F Kennedy Jr., is synonymous with monochrome and pared-back tailoring.

Long after her tragic death, the PR executive’s impeccable style has lived on as inspiration on many designers’ mood boards, only speaking to her timeless appeal.

Now, with fashion still in the throws of a ‘90s resurgence and the news that Carolyn and JFK Jr.’s love story is getting the Ryan Murphy treatment, the influence of her effortless-yet-elevated dressing is more prominent than ever. 

From her ability to finesse a classic white shirt to her love of a little black dress, always with the perfect accessories, we’ve rounded up her best looks below.

Carolyn Bessette’s Best Style Moments

Carolyn Bessette walks in New York with husband John F Kennedy Jr. in jeans and coat
(Credit: Lawrence Schwartzwald/Sygma via Getty Images)
John F. Kennedy Jr. and bride Carolyn Bessette Kennedy stand in front of their apartment in Tribecca
(Credit: Jon Naso/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
Carolyn Bessette walks in New York in a pair of blue jeans, white t-shirt and black fur-lined coat
(Credit: Lawrence Schwartzwald/Sygma via Getty Images)
John F. Kennedy jr. & Carolyn Bessette at the "Bright Night Whitney" Annual Fundraising Gala in New York City
(Credit: RJ Capak/WireImage)
John F. Kennedy Jr and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (L) arrive at the White House
(Credit: CHRIS KLEPONIS/AFP via Getty Images)
John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Carolyn walk with their dog. Carolyn is wearing a red checkered coat and jeans and John is wearing a green and red beanie and matching scarf.
(Credit: Evan Agostini/Liaison)
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy arrives home first walking their dog in blue jeans and a black knit vest
(Credit: Lawrence Schwartzwald/Sygma via Getty Images)
John F Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy walk along Varick St New York. Carolyn is wearing a grey dress and black knee high boots and John is wearing a business suit with a green baseball cap, carrying his bike
(Credit: Jon Naso/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
John F. Kennedy Jr. with his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy attending Municipal Art Society gala dressed in black tie attire.
(Credit: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in a camel coat over blue jeans walking towards a car
(Credit: Lawrence Schwartzwald/Sygma via Getty Images)
John F Kennedy Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette in New York. Carolyn is dressed in an all-black outfit and John is dressed in beige chinos with a brown blazer and black beanie.
(Credit: Lawrence Schwartzwald/Sygma via Getty Images)
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Maddison Hockey Digital Editor

After studying a Bachelor of Journalism at The University of Wollongong and Fashion Business at FBI Fashion College, Maddison began her now decade-long career in the media industry. She’s worked across print, digital and affiliates at some of Australia’s biggest entertainment, lifestyle and fashion titles (ELLE, Marie Claire, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Who, Girlfriend and more) covering the latest trends, cultural moments and celeb news. After studying a Bachelor of Journalism at The University of Wollongong and Fashion Business at FBI Fashion College, Maddison began her now decade-long career in the media industry. She’s worked across print, digital and affiliates at some of Australia’s biggest entertainment, lifestyle and fashion titles (ELLE, Marie Claire, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Who, Girlfriend and more) covering the latest trends, cultural moments and celeb news. Previously, she was the Senior Shopping Editor at Marie Claire and ELLE, where she combined her digital expertise and ability to scroll through endless online shopping sites without tire to help fashion-devotees like her find the perfect item. Currently the Digital Editor of Marie Claire, her love for and expertise in e-commerce still sees her trying on countless pairs of jeans in the name of research, that is, when she’s not covering the latest celeb news, dissecting runway trends or advocating on women’s issues.

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