Why Carolyn Bessette Kennedy should be your 2024 style icon
Her minimalist style still reigns supreme
With the dominance of quiet luxury and an appetite to collate a capsule wardrobe, one style icon embodies all that with their 90s aesthetic replicated on this season’s spring catwalks - Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
Dubbed a ‘ghost influencer’ by NYT, Kennedy’s posthumous style has sat on Pinterest boards plenty for years.
Still, with the 25th anniversary of her death this year and a book detailing her style, there will be even more renewed interest in Kennedy’s minimal, pared-back wardrobe.
And for a good reason, too, her classic, understated, stealth-wealth style is very off-the-moment, think pencil skirts, hairbands, crisp white shirts and blue-wash jeans. That viral black Cos coat? Very Caroline.
But it shows the importance of having a rotation of great basics that don’t date, you’re comfortable in, and that will work season after season.
Generally, I’m not one for those lists, the must-have items everyone should have in their wardrobe, the basics you should have, etc. You can’t have a one-fits-all list; everyone’s style and lifestyle differ, so these lists aren’t representative or reflect how your wardrobe should be.
Kennedy proved with her curated style that having confidence in your aesthetic and having an edit that reflects your lifestyle, personality, and preferences was vital. Kennedy fused fun, non-sterile pieces with simple, wear-everywhere items, and that’s what I think is achievable for everyone—mixing good quality, versatile pieces with items that spark joy.
For Kennedy, those wardrobe twists came in statement outerwear, elevated accessories and playing with textures and prints. Sticking to a palette of neutrals, camel, white, and a dominance of black.
Kennedy mixed in leopard, faux fur, snakeskin, or a slick of red lipstick to add depth and interest to her pared-back uniform.
But that was her tried-and-tested formula, your capsule items could be full of colour, prints, sequins, sportswear, or whatever makes it easy to mix and match and get dressed every day.
If you favour Kennedy’s 90s IT girl wardrobe, you’re lucky, as her distinct style was imprinted all over the ss24 runways. Forget Y2K, designers are veering on the more minimalist side of the decade.
Caroline Herrera has even used Kennedy as their muse for the season. “The collection, inspired by the timeless allure and relaxed glamour of iconic American figure Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, offers a seamless way of dressing, enriched with the dynamism of New York by Creative Director Wes Gordon.”
Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, Gucci, and Altuzarra have also leant into the 90s minimal sensibility.
Want to get the Caroline look? I did a little ss24 Caroline-inspired mood board of versatile pieces below that can all be shopped/worn now and beyond.
Leopard jacket, black waistcoat, black maxi skirt, black top handle bag, snakeskin court heels, black slip skirt, leopard coat, gold button knit
Black oval sunglasses, brown ankle boots, black and gold belt, suede mini skirt, white maxi skirt, black coat, denim jeans, white shirt
Navy relaxed knit, white loose jeans, black velvet blazer, tortoiseshell hairband, black off-the-shoulder top
Leopard print shoes, black open collar knit, Nike trainers, black top handle bag, gold oval sunglasses, black strappy sandals, flared camel skirt, straight leg jeans, camel coat
Patent trench coat, black slip dress, black wide-leg trousers, cuffed jeans, monogrammed hairband, tan shoulder bag, cream waistcoat
Black square neck top, grey floral dress, black long sleeve top, cream wide leg trousers, navy pencil skirt, greige wide leg trousers, black ballet pumps, cream lace slip dress
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