13 Style and Beauty Tips to Learn From Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
On what would have been Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s 59th birthday, WWD is celebrating the former Calvin Klein publicist’s penchant for minimalist style. Still emulated on TikTok to this day, Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe has long been a subject of public fascination. Luckily, recreating many of her favorite outfits, hairstyles and makeup looks is easier than one might think.
Ahead, 13 fashion and beauty tips that can be gleaned from the late Bessette-Kennedy.
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Stick to a minimalist palette
Bessette-Kennedy was rarely spotted in anything colorful — she instead stuck almost solely with neutrals. Most of her go-to items are basics everyone should have in their closet, including turtlenecks, knee-high boots and blazers. “I like very classic colors, black, navy, grey and white,” Bessette-Kennedy said in a 1992 interview, according to Elizabeth Beller’s 2024 book “Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.” “If I want to add some impact, I’ll do it with texture.”
Have an outfit formula
There’s nothing wrong with repeating an outfit, especially if it’s one that Bessette-Kennedy loved. She often gravitated toward pairings of specific pieces, a trick that can be easily replicated. Start with some good basics — dark wash jeans, patent leather boots and a black single-breasted coat are a must for Bessette-Kennedy emulators — and build on them by mixing and matching with other items from one’s wardrobe.
Black and tan are a classic combination
Bessette-Kennedy frequently favored combinations of black and tan. Most clothing comes in these neutral tones, allowing for endless outfit options and more versatility than the typical colorblocking technique — not to mention, the black and tan duo gives off major “old money” vibes.
Try loafers without socks
Thanks to labels like Miu Miu, Thom Browne and Sandy Liang, schoolgirl-inspired styles are undoubtedly in. Pleated skirts, headbands and loafers paired with socks (typically ankle- or knee-length) are the look du jour, but Bessette-Kennedy preferred to wear her slip-on solo.
According to Elizabeth Beller’s 2024 biography, Bessette-Kennedy liked to wear her loafers with leggings and a white or black T-shirt. She owned pairs by Manolo Blahnik and Prada, but more affordable labels such as Massimo Dutti and G.H. Bass make just as stylish options.
Invest in heirloom accessories
Bessette-Kennedy loved an heirloom accessory, whether it was a Cartier Tank Louis — which may or may not have been passed down from her mother-in-law, Jackie Kennedy — or an Hermès Birkin (unsurprisingly, Bessette-Kennedy owned one in black and one in tan). While not everyone can inherit one of these designer grails, a staple that never goes out of style might be worth that hefty price tag.
Buy that favorite piece in multiple colors
Getting the same item in multiple colors may seem redundant, but Bessette-Kennedy swore by this trick to round out her minimalist wardrobe. Other than her set of Birkins, she owned two single-breasted wool Prada coats — including one that just sold at auction — and while they are nearly identical, they do vary slightly. For those who face indecision when it comes to getting dressed, purchasing a well-loved piece in additional shades can come in handy.
Experiment with a red lip
Red lipsticks come in all shades and sizes, just take it from Bessette-Kennedy. She frequently went bare-faced, though for events she favored lip colors ranging from maroon to scarlet. Instead of sticking solely with that classic blue-red hue, consider the full spectrum of rosy shades.
Seek out up-and-coming designers
Today, Prada and Yohji Yamamoto are household names, but Bessette-Kennedy helped put both designers on the map following their emergence in the 1990s. Take a hint from the late style icon and seek out lesser-known labels, which typically have lower price tags than legacy brands like Chanel or Gucci.
Leopard print is a neutral
Bessette-Kennedy had a penchant for muted tones, but that didn’t mean bold prints were off-limits. Leopard coats were a favorite of hers, and the exotic skin’s colors of black, brown and tan seamlessly blend with Bessette-Kennedy’s recommended palette.
A skirt and top can pass for black tie
Black tie attire isn’t exclusive to gowns and tuxes. Bessette-Kennedy turned the strict code of dress on its head at multiple galas, where she preferred to pair blazers or fancy tops with skirts. The look she’s depicted above is an ideal example: Bessette-Kennedy wore a slim-fitting off-the-shoulder knit with a satin maxiskirt at a Whitney Museum soirée.
Accessories make the outfit
Bessette-Kennedy understood the importance of great accessories — specifically her oval-shaped specs and wide headbands. These ’90s staples have made a comeback with Gen Z, and are a great way to add dimension to any minimalist ensemble. Some fashionistas may flock to Amazon to experiment with new accessories, but Bessette-Kennedy didn’t skimp on hers, investing in quality made-in-France pieces that were meant to last.
Consider a new hair color — but with a natural look
Bessette-Kennedy is known for her platinum tresses, but she was a natural brunette. Per Beller’s book, Bessette-Kennedy had her hair dyed “cornflower blond” with “buttery chunks,” according to her former colorist Brad Johns. He described the style as “hair color that looks natural, like a child’s hair after a day at the beach.”
Try a white shirt with a twist
Everyone needs a crisp white blouse in their closet, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a basic button-down. While Bessette-Kennedy owned one of those, too, she also sported a Yohji Yamamoto wrap top at a Whitney Museum fundraiser. It was styled with an open front when it debuted on the runway in 1998, proving that button-down alternatives are equally versatile.
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