Runway Trends Channel Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's '90s Style

Designers look to the late fashion icon for inspiration this fall season.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:20am

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Fashion shows this season featured models channeling the effortless style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, the late wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. Designers drew inspiration from Bessette Kennedy's signature looks, including pencil skirts, oversized white shirts, and messy ponytails. The trend highlights the enduring influence of Bessette Kennedy's minimalist '90s aesthetic on contemporary fashion.

Why it matters

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was a fashion icon of the 1990s, known for her understated yet elegant personal style. The resurgence of her influence on the runway shows how her timeless looks continue to resonate with designers and fashion enthusiasts alike, even decades after her tragic death.

The details

Designers like Demna for Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Richard Quinn, and Michael Kors all incorporated Bessette Kennedy-inspired pieces into their fall/winter 2026 collections. Key trends include beige pencil skirts, oversized white shirts, and messy, low ponytails. The runway looks mirrored Bessette Kennedy's signature minimalist aesthetic, which she often paired with vintage or high-end designer pieces.

  • Carolyn Bessette Kennedy wore a beige pencil skirt to a Municipal Art Society benefit in 1998.
  • The late fashion icon's vintage leopard-print faux fur jacket sold at Sotheby's in December for $33,600.

The players

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

A fashion icon of the 1990s known for her minimalist, understated personal style.

Sarah Pidgeon

The star of the TV show Love Story, which has helped reignite interest in Bessette Kennedy's style.

Demna

The creative director of Gucci, who incorporated Bessette Kennedy-inspired pencil skirts into the brand's fall/winter 2026 collection.

Marc Jacobs

The designer who did a Bessette Kennedy-inspired remix, pairing a beige pencil skirt with a vivid aqua sweater.

Richard Quinn

The London-based designer who mirrored Bessette Kennedy's look of a beige pencil skirt and white opera gloves.

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The takeaway

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's enduring influence on fashion shows how her minimalist, effortless style continues to resonate with designers and consumers alike. The runway trends channeling her '90s aesthetic prove that her timeless looks remain a source of inspiration for the fashion industry.