Summer Style Inspiration: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

This week, I want to highlight the incredible style of another one of my favorite fashion icons, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. Last week, I wrote about Jackie, her mother-in-law (unfortunately, the two never got to meet as JFK Jr. didn’t meet her until after she passed). Unfortunately, like Jackie, Carolyn is deceased as well, as she and John Jr. died in a plane crash on Martha’s Vineyard in 1999.

The story is incredibly heart-breaking, and if you want to learn more, it is told very eloquently by her good friend Carole Radziwill (my favorite NYC Housewife) in her book What Remains.

Though Carolyn’s life came to an abrupt end, she dressed incredibly well until the day she died. A known fashion lover, she worked in PR for Calvin Klein and became one of the most popular fashion icons of the 90s, famous for her chic minimalist style. She, like Jackie, also mastered what to wear during the warmer months. Rarely succumbing to shorts, Carolyn kept it cool in button downs, mock necks, and sandals. Below are my favorite looks!

This is the perfect go-to summer outfit: a mock net top, flare jeans, and sandals. I love it because it is effortlessly chic and can be worn anywhere. Like Carolyn, you could wear this to walk your dog, or you could also wear it to grab dinner.

This next outfit is incredible as well. It’s incredibly simple, featuring a button-down, jeans, and sunglasses. Though the button down is oversized, Carolyn makes it work by rolling up the sleeves and leaving the last button undone. If you are going out, all you need to do is throw on a pair of sandals or heels, and then you have a perfect chic, yet casual outfit.

A simple slip dress is perfect for the days when it’s just a little too hot for jeans or pants. Here, Carolyn wears one in black with black heeled loafers — perfect for schlepping around on a hot day. I also love how she paired it with little black sunglasses to pull the outfit together.

This last look is perfect for a night out. It includes the same or a very similar white button down, a fabulous black ruffled maxi skirt, black strappy sandals, and a little gold bag. It is also a great alternative to a traditional dress. So, if you have a wedding or party to go to, this is a look to be inspired by.

For my next post, I think I am going to keep it in the Kennedy-clan one last time and focus on the style of Jackie’s sister, Lee Radziwill. Thank you for reading!