carolyn bessette kennedy

carolyn bessette kennedy is style GOALS, even all these years later!

I was always such a fan of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

image credit: Bruce Weber

If the “20-year-rule” in fashion (the notion that trends circle back every 20 years or so) holds true, then it’s no surprise that we’re currently seeing glimpses of the 90’s:

Slip dresses.

Track pants.

High-waisted jeans.

I’ve also noticed images of the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy popping up on all my favorite fashion sites and IG feeds – it’s like a whole new generation has discovered a woman who many of us have long considered to be one of the original (and most impeccably dressed) street-style stars.

And it’s more than just the major comeback of 90’s style that she so perfectly embodied.

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was a publicist for Calvin Klein, and came into the spotlight in a big way when she dated and then married none other than John F. Kennedy Jr. She was just about my age, and I was completely enamored of what appeared to be the perfect storm of looks, poise, intelligence and chic. And when I say “chic”, I mean it in the most understated, tossed-off-yet-totally-pulled-together way.

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

I seriously admired Carolyn’s unique and covetable approach to dressing. Though French-girl style has always been aspirational, there was something so completely American about her outfit choices. Simple (but never boring), neutral pieces, minimal makeup (save her classic red lip) and never flashy or revealing, every single one of her looks has stood the test of time 20 years later.

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.comStyle Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

image credit: Bruce Weber

I think this is my favorite image of her of all:

Style Icons Carolyn Bessette Kennedy l sherisilver.com

What do you think? Could you have dated any of these looks back more than 20 years? Check out my other “style icons” for more of who inspires me:

Carrie Brownstein

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Audrey Hepburn

Sofia Coppola

Francoise Hardy

6 Comments

  1. Leslie Schulte on August 14, 2018 at 9:55 am

    Simply gorgeous.

    • sherisilver on August 14, 2018 at 5:07 pm

      The best.

    • Ann on July 5, 2021 at 4:29 pm

      Carolyn had impeccable style and presence. Her classic taste will always be in style.

  2. Bev Clapman on August 14, 2018 at 5:36 pm

    Such a magical couple…..it breaks my heart all over again seeing all those fabulous photos.

    • sherisilver on August 15, 2018 at 7:33 am

      Same – went down a deep rabbit hole researching this one………..

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