When minimalist dressers look to someone for personal style inspiration, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is often the first to come to mind. Few figures are as enduring—or as effortlessly chic—as her. CBK's wardrobe was the definition of '90s minimalism aesthetic and the epitome of pared-back elegance.
She favored designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Prada, Miu Miu, and Ann Demeulemeester—but just like us, she also loved Gap T-shirts and a pair of Levi’s. Her closet truly felt like a blueprint for timeless dressing.
Decades later, her influence is still felt. From the book CBK: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in Fashion to a Sotheby's auction of her wardrobe, from endless TikToks about her outfits to talks of a Ryan Murphy series, her legacy continues to shape how we dress.
These are staples to emulate her quintessential look, whether you're shopping at The Row or H&M.
Shop CBK’s Closet
These are the exact pair of sunglasses she wore.
When she wasn't wearing an Hermès Birkin, she was often seen with Prada's Spazzolato tote bag.
A lot of T-shirts from Gap.
CBK loved her Manolo Blahnik slingbacks.
And the black-trim L.L. Bean Boat and Tote in size large.
More CBK-Inspired Pieces
I love the shape of this dress.
Although she wasn't known to wear a lot of jewelry, I feel like she would've liked Juju Vera.
The best warm-weather outfit is a tank top with a long skirt.
I can't stop talking about kitten-heel sandals.
I've been loving Silk Laundry for essentials, such as this silk slip.
Amsterdam-based label Flore Flore has the best everyday cotton pieces.
Inspired by CBK's Cartier Tank Watch.
Despite the aversion so many people have to wearing flip-flops in NYC, Havaianas were one of her staples.
This car coat is so good.
Chic little sandals.
H&M has so many reliable basics.
These are one of my all-time favorite shoes that stand the test of time.
An essential tank top.
These are perfect for so many occasions.
I feel like she definitely would've had linen pants.
These feel like her style to a T.
A classic trench.
I think she would've loved Khaite. So many people on our team swear by the Danielle Jeans.
A more affordable alternative to her iconic sunglasses.
These feel very her.
As does anything by The Row.
This bag is inspired by the '90s.
White button-downs were always in her rotation.
-
Fine, I'll Finally Swap My Classic White T-Shirts for This Cooler, More Elevated Wardrobe BasicI'm stocking up.
-
I Just Found So Many Timeless Staples From This Amazing London-Based Label—EnjoyA British brand to know.
-
Shopbop Is Filled With Fall Wardrobe Staples—15 Chic Pieces in My Cart Right NowFrom Levi's, Coach, Tory Burch, Cou Cou, and more.
-
Cooler Than a White Button-Down: This Specific Shirt Color Is the Key to Looking Chic This FallIt's all over the streets and the spring/summer 2026 runways.
-
I Accidentally Started a Capsule Wardrobe When I Added These COS, Madewell, and J.Crew Items Into My ClosetAnd I got rid of all the pieces that couldn't compete.
-
I've Crowned My Skirt of Summer—Here's the WinnerMy most-worn skirt of the season.
-
I'm a Shopping Director—My Friends Wanted Fashion Advice, and I Sent Them These 10 ItemsChic and cool finds.
-
I Went toReplica Store's NYC Flagship to Shop the Anniversary Sale—Here's Everything I Tried and LovedFrom basics to beauty.
