Ryan Murphy's 'Love Story' Sparks Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Fashion Renaissance

Young fashionistas emulate the late style icon's minimalist, chic look from the 1990s.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:09pm

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The new FX and Hulu limited series 'Love Story,' chronicling the turbulent romance between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, has sparked a full-blown renaissance of the leading lady's minimalistic, chic style. Since the series premiered on Feb. 12 with actress Sarah Pidgeon playing the luxe trendsetter, young fashionistas have become obsessed with emulating Bessette's cool-girl style, leading to a surge in social media posts, Google searches, and shopping for her signature looks like the tortoiseshell headband.

Why it matters

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's timeless, effortless style has continued to inspire generations of fashion lovers, even decades after her tragic death. The renewed interest in her aesthetic highlights how enduring her influence has been, as well as the lasting impact of her and JFK Jr.'s 'love story' on pop culture.

The details

The show has helped introduce Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her chic style to a new generation eager to embrace her minimalist, neutral-toned looks featuring crisp white button-downs, Levi's 517 bootcut jeans, tortoiseshell headbands, and custom-made Prada coats. Experts note that the key to emulating her style is prioritizing quality, minimalist basics rather than trying to force the look.

  • The 'Love Story' limited series premiered on February 12, 2026.

The players

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

The late fashion icon and wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., known for her minimalistic, chic style in the 1990s.

John F. Kennedy Jr.

The son of former President John F. Kennedy, who was married to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy until their tragic deaths in a 1999 plane crash.

Sarah Pidgeon

The actress who portrays Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in the 'Love Story' limited series.

Christina L.

A 31-year-old Chelsea resident who says the show has helped introduce Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's style to a new generation.

Jules Fox

A styling consultant who posted a TikTok video expressing the 'urge' young women have to emulate Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's look.

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What they’re saying

“The headbands are definitely worth the hype. They feel extremely high quality and come in many different widths and colors.”

— Olivia Barad, Makeup artist and beauty mogul (The Post)

“Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's style was iconic because of how truly effortless it was. Much of her aesthetic was rooted in expert tailoring and her specific choice of fabrics ... Everything just seemed to exist perfectly together. Her style offered such a clean junction between high-end and low-end pieces, creating a look that remains timeless.”

— Sandra Okerulu, Style expert (The Post)

What’s next

The surge in interest around Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's style is expected to continue as the 'Love Story' limited series gains more viewers and attention. Retailers and fashion experts predict the demand for her signature looks, like the tortoiseshell headband, will only grow in the coming months.

The takeaway

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's minimalist, chic style from the 1990s has endured as a timeless fashion inspiration, and the new 'Love Story' series has introduced her aesthetic to a new generation of fashionistas eager to emulate her effortless, high-low approach to dressing. Her lasting impact on style underscores the power of an authentic, understated personal look that transcends trends.