How to master Carolyn Bessette’s style? Look to these minimal and classic buys from Levi’s, LL Bean and Selima Optique …
With the internet awash with buzz for Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style thanks to new TV show Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr And Carolyn Bessette, perhaps the biggest talking points are the pieces loved by the style icon that are still attainable today – and, better yet, don’t cost the price of a designer buy at auction.
The Selima Optique Aldo Sunglasses
Although they are not super affordable, when compared to all of the designer pieces that took pride of place in Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe – from Yohji Yamamoto and Prada to Calvin Klein and Chanel – the Aldo tortoiseshell sunglasses by Selima Optique (the original sunglasses she wore), are a good entry point into the tastemaker‘s designer look. Not to mention an authentic piece of CBK lore that can still be purchased over the counter today. Due to popular demand, the brand has also created a new pair the Carolyn, which are slightly bigger in size.
Tortoiseshell Aldo oval sunglasses, €452.95; www.selimaoptique.com.
The Levi’s 517s Bootcut Jeans
Instagram @allforcarolyn.
Blue 517 bootcut jeans, €110, at Levi’s.
The Vintage Leopard Print Coat
The leopard print coat Carolyn Bessette was often photographed in? It was a vintage, double-breasted style with leather piping that went for auction at Sotheby’s in 2024. Bessette Kennedy gifted the coat to her husband John’s assistant; apparently, she thought she’d been photographed in it too much. While we’re unsure of the provenance of Carolyn’s vintage style the good news is that there are plenty of options out there to rival it. Whether you’re looking for something inexpensive such as this style on Vestiaire Collective, or if you have budget to invest, let us recommend this Dolce & Gabbana faux fur coat from the 1990s which feels rather on brand.
Leopard print 1990s coat, Dolce & Gabbana, €648.58; www.firstdibs.com.
The LL Bean Boat And Tote Bag
Instagram @ladybugvintage.
A go-to for Carolyn when she was weekending at Martha’s Vineyard or the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, the Boat and Tote by LL Bean is a roomy carry-all in heavy canvas with reinforced handles and elegant contrast stitching. Originally released in 1944 and made in Maine, the bag has long been synonymous with a WASPy, nautical aesthetic and is still available today for under €100.
White Boat and Tote large canvas bag, €60; www.llbean.com.
The Tortoiseshell Hairband
Carolyn purchased her tortoisehell hairband from a neighbourhood pharmacy, C.O. Bigelow in Greenwich Village. According to TikTok, Carolyn’s hairbands are still for sale there in person, but sadly aren’t available online. Luckily, the light-toned tortoiseshell look is easy enough to imitate and is very low cost. Check out your local chemist or look to sites such as Etsy.
Tortoiseshell acrylic hairband, €17.43; www.etsy.com.
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READ MORE: The Secrets Behind Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Enduring Style Legacy
