Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Enduring Style Influence

Nearly three decades after her death, the fashion icon's understated elegance continues to inspire

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Nearly three decades after her death at age 33, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy is back in the spotlight as one of fashion's most powerful style influencers. The new TV series 'Love Story' chronicles her relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr., and many fans are watching for the clothes. In an era dominated by conspicuous branding and obvious cosmetic enhancements, Bessette Kennedy's enduring appeal lies in what she did not do - she had no platform, no brand partnerships, no social media presence, yet her understated elegance continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts.

Why it matters

Bessette Kennedy's influence has proven durable, with accounts on TikTok and Instagram devoted to chronicling her wardrobe. Her signature pieces, like a tortoise headband from a Greenwich Village apothecary where she shopped, are still sought after by fans. The 'Love Story' TV series has sparked debate over whether the costume design accurately captures Bessette Kennedy's precise restraint, highlighting the challenge of recreating her effortless style on screen.

The details

Bessette Kennedy, a former Calvin Klein publicist, married John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996. Although her mother-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was also famous for her style, Bessette Kennedy had her own distinct voice and did not simply copy Jackie. She had an understated elegance that has influenced contemporary fashion, with brands like The Row building aesthetics around a similar vocabulary of 'educated tailoring' and 'New York restraint'.

  • Carolyn Bessette Kennedy died in a plane crash in 1999 at the age of 33.
  • The new TV series 'Love Story' chronicling her relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr. began airing in 2026.

The players

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

A former Calvin Klein publicist who married John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996. She is known for her understated elegance and enduring fashion influence.

John F. Kennedy Jr.

The son of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who married Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in 1996. They both died in a plane crash in 1999.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

The wife of President John F. Kennedy and mother of John F. Kennedy Jr., who was also famous for her style.

Sarah Pidgeon

The actor who portrays Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in the TV series 'Love Story'.

Sunita Kumar Nair

The author of 'CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion' and a consultant on the 'Love Story' TV series.

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What they’re saying

“She looks so different from the people we see now on Instagram. I think we'll be able to date today's influencers immediately because of their makeup, clothes, even plastic surgery. But Carolyn had an effortlessness that always looks modern and cool.”

— Ashley Traher, Attorney

“I really got a sense that she was extremely private, and it shows because there's barely any footage of her speaking.”

— Sunita Kumar Nair, Author and consultant

“There is a bit of mystery about her, you know — she never sat down for an interview. There's no memoir that she wrote. But from everything I've learned about her, she was an incredibly ambitious, vivacious, warm, funny woman.”

— Sarah Pidgeon, Actor

What’s next

The 'Love Story' TV series is expected to continue exploring Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's style and influence as the show progresses through her relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr.

The takeaway

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's enduring fashion influence, despite her short life and lack of public platform, highlights the power of understated elegance and personal style in an era dominated by conspicuous branding and social media. Her impact continues to shape contemporary fashion, inspiring a return to polished, restrained aesthetics.