The Real Chic Life

There have been some women throughout history whose personal style is so iconic it becomes an aesthetic. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is one of those women, and the FX show Love Story has reignited an interest in her elegant, minimalist wardrobe. I just watched the series and loved the attention to detail that the wardrobe department showcased with Carolyn’s (played by Sarah Pidgeon) wardrobe.

Her look was a masterclass on clean lines, neutral palettes, precise tailoring, and an almost stubborn refusal to over-accessorize. It was controlled, elegant, and quietly powerful.

If you’re a fan of 90’s inspired looks or classic minimalism, here’s how to dress like her in a way that feels easy and effortless.

1. Build a Strict Neutral Foundation

Carolyn’s wardrobe on the series rarely wandered outside of black, camel, ivory, navy, and soft grey. And many of the elevated basics featured on the show are from Aritzia. Although the exact items are currently sold out, Aritzia carries similar pieces.

Recreate Carolyn’s style with:

• A black fine-knit turtleneck or cardigan
• A structured black, gray or camel coat for the colder months
• A black blazer
• A sleeveless turtleneck
• A high quality white t-shirt
• Black and tan trousers
• An ivory silk blouse
• A white tank
• A white button down
• A pencil skirt or satin midi skirt
• Straight-leg dark denim
• A simple black leather belt

2. Prioritize Tailoring

Nothing Carolyn wore looked accidental. Even her “casual” outfits were sharply considered.

Look for:

• Slightly oversized blazers with strong shoulders
• Straight-leg trousers
• Hemlines that hit exactly at the ankle

Fit is everything here. The clothes skim the body. For more inspo check out Tonya’s recent post on how to master effortless style.

3. Master the Slip Dress

The bias-cut slip dress was her armor.

Details matter:

• Matte silk or satin (never overly shiny)
• Clean neckline
• Minimal seaming

Pair it with:

• Bare skin and understated makeup
• Slim sandals or classic pumps
• A simple clutch

No statement necklace. No embellishment. The simplicity is the statement.

4. Keep Accessories Intentional

Her accessories were quiet but powerful:

• Narrow black sunglasses (Carolyn wore the Aldo sunglasses by Selima Optique in real life, but the show featured the Carolyn sunglasses by Selima Optique).
• Structured leather shoulder bags (She often carried a Prada Spazzolato bag, an Hermes Birkin 40, and an LL Bean tote— check out our guide to the LL Bean tote here).
• Wide tortoiseshell headbands (you can buy the exact brand of headbands Carolyn wore in real life here)
• Thin gold hoops
• Sleek strappy sandals

5. Beauty: Understated and Polished

Her beauty look balanced the minimalism:

• Neutral lips
• Clean skin
• Subtle definition around the eyes

6. Embrace Less is More

What made her style iconic wasn’t just clothing. It was restraint. She let silhouette and quality speak. To channel her energy steam your pieces and invest in fabric over quantity.

A Carolyn-Inspired Starter Formula

If you want to test the aesthetic this week:

Look 1 (Day):

• Black turtleneck
• Straight dark jeans
• Black belt
• Camel coat
• Black sunglasses

Look 2 (Evening):

• Black slip dress
• Structured black coat
• Thin gold hoops
• Black strappy heels

This aesthetic is about adopting a discipline: buying less, choosing better, and trusting in quiet confidence.

I’d love to know your thoughts on the show or on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style.

Xo, Courtney