Love story's fashion: a careful revival of carolyn bessette-kennedy's style
Ryan Murphy’s limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has sparked debate across numerous fronts—storyline, casting, and even Sarah Pidgeon’s hair color. But perhaps the most meticulously scrutinized element has been the costuming. A late-stage shift brought in Rudy Mance as costume designer, and the internet held its breath, wondering if the iconic looks of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy would be faithfully rendered.
The legacy of minimalism: protecting a style icon
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style remains remarkably relevant nearly three decades after her tragic death, a testament to its inherent simplicity and quiet elegance. Mance clearly understood this, diving deep into archives and personal collections to ensure authenticity. The series doesn’t merely replicate outfits; it captures the essence of Bessette-Kennedy’s approach – a masterful curation of minimal separates and understated evening wear. The result is a visual echo of a style that continues to inspire today.
The series showcases a deliberate adherence to her signature aesthetic. Off-duty looks feature precisely the sorts of minimalist separates she favored—think Calvin Klein office wear and easy-going separates. Evenings, however, consistently saw her in black, a powerful choice often expressed through slinky, sophisticated dresses. The attention to detail is striking; each episode reveals a deeper understanding of the nuances of her personal style.
Here’s a breakdown of key looks and how you can emulate them:
The essentials: building a bessette-kennedy capsule
Episode eight offered a glimpse into the foundation of Carolyn's wardrobe: a black sleeveless turtleneck, cropped bootcut jeans, and a Cartier watch. This seemingly simple formula, photographed even after her wedding, demonstrates the effortless chic she embodied. Recreate this look with similar block-heeled sandals (Prada’s strappy style was a favorite), a hardworking tote bag, and, of course, oval-framed sunglasses. The deliberate simplicity is the key.
Consider these starting pieces:
- Leset Lauren sleeveless turtleneck ($140, Shopbop)
- Levi's Wedgie bootcut jeans ($110, Levi's)
- J.Crew Esme block-heel sandals ($178, J.Crew)
- The Row Marlo 12 bag ($4,900, The Row)
- Cartier Tank Louis Cartier watch ($8,750, Cartier)
The post-nuptials glow & other key moments
The series doesn't shy away from recreating iconic moments. The couple’s first public appearance as a married couple—photographed outside their Tribeca home—is flawlessly recreated. Pidgeon’s character is costumed in a black V-neck sweater, camel pencil skirt (a Prada piece, naturally), and brown leather knee-high boots, a perfect demonstration of her signature neutral palette and simple silhouettes. A structured tote and, crucially, a tortoise shell headband (a favorite from C.O. Bigelow) complete the look, emphasizing her dedication to understated accessories.
The honeymoon in Turkey provided another opportunity to showcase her style—a scoop-neck top, bootcut denim, and a loose blazer, all staples of her city wardrobe. The Mediterranean twist? Block-heeled sandals, a blue triangle headscarf, and those ever-present oval frames.
Beyond these specific recreations, the series consistently reinforces the core tenets of Bessette-Kennedy's style: a penchant for Yohji Yamamoto suiting, a love of the LBD, and a remarkable ability to elevate even the most casual pieces.
Ultimately, Love Story isn’t just a dramatization of a tragic romance; it’s a celebration of a timeless style icon. The series has successfully revived her looks, offering a fresh appreciation for the enduring power of quiet elegance – a style that, thanks to Mance's meticulous work, will undoubtedly continue to influence trends for years to come.