Recreate Carolyn Bessette's Style

90s nostalgia is going nowhere. And no couple better embodies the effortless, minimalist look than Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. The de facto Crown Prince and Princess of America, they remain enduring style icons of the era. 

Courtesy of FX's "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, now streaming on Disney+, a whole new generation of viewers is being introduced to the emblems of old New York. They were pre-algorithm, pre-hyper fast trend cycles and pre-TikTok’s obsession with “quiet luxury” – an aesthetic the late pair have ironically become the face of.

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Said new generation can now get their mitts on the Kennedy look, as luxury vintage retailer Vestiaire Collective has launched a His & Hers edit dedicated to the timelessly stylish couple.

The curated selection features over 800 pieces emblematic of Carolyn and JFK Jr’s style. For her, pieces from the likes of Prada, Jil Sander, Yohji Yamamoto and Gucci highlight her signature clean lines and understated silhouettes. For him, the edit adopts a preppy yet urban approach, blending relaxed tailoring, denim and knitwear, with standout pieces from Ralph Lauren, Loro Piana, Hermès, Prada, Armani, Saint Laurent and Levi’s.

Although Carolyn was the lesser-known of the two when she married into the Kennedy dynasty, by the time they tragically died in a plane crash in 1999, her star had, in essence, eclipsed his. She shrouded herself in mystery, refusing to ever give an interview, which, of course, only made the masses more intrigued. Her total disinterest in fame made her all the more magnetic. An accidental muse whose wardrobe spoke far louder than she ever did.

Of course, Carolyn’s fashion credentials were fully cemented long before her involvement with JFK Jr. As a Calvin Klein publicist, Carolyn played a key role in championing Kate Moss alongside Mark Wahlberg in the underwear campaign that catapulted Moss to supermodel-dom. 

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The stripped-back, neutral-toned nature of the shoot perfectly encapsulates Carolyn’s own style. Effortlessly cool, sporting what appear to be simple pieces, which in actuality are carefully crafted studies in cut, proportion and restraint. Items like slinky bias-cut slips, sleeveless cashmere polo-necks and stiff-denim bootcut jeans (Levi’s 517, you’re welcome) with sling-back kitten heels were staples for her.

Inspired by Carolyn’s signature mix of simplicity and precision, SPHERE has handpicked pieces that echo her understated elegance.

SPHERE's Top Picks

Look 1: Saint Laurent wool leopard print coat, Totême leather ankle boots, Phoebe Philo silk top, Prada canvas bag, The Row jeans, Hermés belt.

Look 2: Maison Martin Margiela wool top, Ellery silk maxi skirt, Prada sunglasses and Gabriela Hearst leather riding boots.

Look 3: Yohji Yamamoto wool suit jacket, Oscar de la Renta cashmere top, Gucci leather heels, Phoebe Philo wool trousers and Gucci leather hairband.

Look 4: Miu Miu faux fur coat, Hermés Birken bag, Oscar de la Renta silk cardigan, Gucci cloth wellington boots, Dolce & Gabbana velvet trousers and Céline hairband.