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10 Ways To Emulate Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Pared-Back ’90s Style

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10 Ways To Emulate Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Pared-Back ’90s Style

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Dressed-Up Shirting

When it came to elevating classic pieces, few could compete with Bessette-Kennedy. For a black-tie gala at the Whitney Museum of American Art, she transformed a white button-down into an eveningwear essential, unbuttoning it to the breastbone, rolling up the sleeves and adding a floor-skimming tiered skirt. Accessorised with black sandals and a gold beaded bag, the look was the epitome of uptown glamour without compromising her pared-back aesthetic. For similar semi-formal soirées, channel the look in a relaxed Nili Lotan button up and Acler’s maxi skirt.

Loewe

Flamenco fringe shoulder bag

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Naked Sandals

This must-have shoe was a favourite of Bessette-Kennedy’s. The insouciant ease of a thin-strapped, minimal mid-heel works just as well with denim as it does with a dress. Look to Totême for inspiration.

Veronica Beard

Mazzy cashmere turtleneck

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Ron Galella

A Form-Fitting LBD

Evening gowns don’t get more classic than form-fitting black. Bessette-Kennedy wore hers with elbow-length gloves and pointed stilettos to elevate the simple design, yet kept her hair relaxed in a loose chignon. We love this similar style from Matteau.

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The Power Headband

Hair accessories have been back–and bigger than ever–for a while, but Bessette-Kennedy was an early advocate of the more minimalist take, regularly pairing a broad tortoiseshell headband with oval shades and a white T-shirt.

Mango

tortoiseshell-effect headband

Khaite

x Oliver People 1969C sunglasses

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The Slinky Slip

Bias-cut slips formed the backbone of Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe, from her Narciso Rodriguez wedding gown to black mini dresses worn during blistering summers in the city and ribbed grey styles hidden under cover-ups on cooler days.

Issa silk-satin nightdress

J.Crew

New Stevie knee-high boots

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Beige and Black

Once dismissed as an unwearable combination, Bessette-Kennedy was a long-time champion of beige and black in all its forms: a pale fawn pencil skirt with a black knit and brown boots; a black T-shirt with camel-hued trousers and loafers; dark caramel cords with a black turtleneck.

Theory

flannel midi trouser skirt

Prada

Sfumato Galleria top-handle bag

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Jeff Kravitz

A Slick of Red Lipstick

Bessette-Kennedy’s beauty looks were like her outfits: simple, yet effective. When she did amp things up with red lipstick, her preference was a rich hue apparently applied with her ring finger, to achieve a “bled” effect. Follow suit by adding a just-kissed red pout to a sheer base and a slick of mascara.

House of Dagmar

collarless wool-blend blazer

Chanel

Rouge Allure Luminous Intense lip color

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Brooks Kraft

A Chiffon Detail

A little black dress doesn’t have to be plain. When in search of a stand-out detail, Bessette-Kennedy preferred to play with texture, rather than print–as evidenced by this tulle overlay.

Manolo Blahnik

Carolyne 70 slingback pumps

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The Bandana

Much like her mother-in-law Jacqueline Kennedy, who often covered her hair with loosely-tied silk scarves while on holiday in Capri, Bessette-Kennedy had a penchant for block-color bandanas. Paired with denim, a tank, and a longline blazer, it’s the ultimate in city-appropriate Riviera chic.

Cos

slim collarless single-breasted blazer

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The Floral Midi Dress

Bessette-Kennedy knew how to turn up the volume on a floaty summer frock: just add stilettos, bed-head hair and a black patent bag for off-duty style that’s equal parts polished and effortlessly cool. Hunt down the perfect floral midi dress and combine it with shiny accessories that lend an edge.

Alaïa

Le Teckel leather shoulder bag

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