Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Defined the ’90s Uniform — I’m Recreating Her Looks with Vintage-Inspired Pieces from $8

Shop Levi’s jeans, trench coats, button-downs, and more

Credit: Lawrence Schwartzwald/Sygma; Amazon (3)

After watching FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, I feel inspired to cut the fluff out of my wardrobe and find effortless basics like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s.

The show, which is about the romance between JFK Jr. and Bessette-Kennedy, showcases Bessette-Kennedy’s elegant and timeless ‘90s style. She often sported not-so-basic basics like Levi’s jeans, black camisoles, sleek white button-down shirts, loafers, black slip dresses, and more. If you, too, are looking for pieces to create a Bessette-Kennedy-inspired capsule wardrobe, I rounded up 15 products that are lookalikes (and even exact brand matches) to pieces she would often wear, all available to shop at Amazon from $8.

Amazon Fashion Finds Inspired by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

Bessette-Kennedy-Worn Brand: Levi’s Ribcage Jeans, $98
Everyday Black Tank: Prettygarden Sleeveless Top, $9 (orig. $20)
Staple Piece: Aoudery Button-Down Shirt, $19 (orig. $20)
Go-To Headband: Parcelona French Headbands, 2 Pack, $17
Classic Loafers: Franco Sarto Carolyn Loafers, $69 (orig. $115)
Satin Midi Skirt: BTFBM Long Satin Skirt, $37
Best-Selling Retro Sunglasses: Guivivi Retro Oval Sunglasses, 2 Pack, $18 (orig. $19)
60% Off: Anrabess Long-Sleeve Shirt, $8 (orig. $20)
Looks Like Silk: Ekouaer Black and White Silk Camisoles, $20 (orig. $30)
No.1 Best-Selling Trench: Creatmo Trench Coat, $60
Elegant Silk Slip Dress: The Drop Silk Slip Dress, $55

Related: Jennifer Aniston’s Relaxed Jeans Epitomize Effortless Dressing — Shop Similar Pairs from $30 at Amazon

NEED TO KNOW

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (played by Sarah Pidgeon), once an employee at Calvin Klein HQ and later wife to JFK Jr. (played by Paul Anthony Kelly), became something of a sartorial icon in the ‘90s.
Flash forward to the present day, and her timeless ‘90s minimalism remains the blueprint of many people’s wardrobes.

Levi’s Ribcage Jeans

$98 at Amazon

If Bessette-Kennedy was seen wearing denim, it was often her Levi’s jeans — and I’m shopping this high-waisted pair to copy her style. She was photographed wearing different styles and washes of the legacy denim brand (which celebs like Kate Winslet and Brooke Shields are also wearing these days). To create minimalist looks like Bessette-Kennedy’s, I plan on wearing this pair with a casual black tank for an everyday warm-weather look and a long black coat and loafers for between-season dressing.

Prettygarden Sleeveless Top

~~$29~~ $9 at Amazon

With spring around the corner, I’m eyeing this black tank while it’s on sale for only $9. It has ribbed detailing that adds some texture to any outfit, and its high neckline is similar to one Bessette-Kennedy wore. I can reach for this easy-to-layer staple to wear under a warm knit now, then on its own during spring and summer.

Related: Jane Fonda’s Sleek Loafers Are a Comfy Alternative If You Don't Like Heels — Copy Her Clever Style Hack from $23

Aoudery Button-Down Shirt

~~$20~~ $19 at Amazon

There are few tops as dynamic as the white button-down, and Bessette-Kennedy matched them with different bottoms, from trousers to skirts, on multiple occasions. Lightweight, comfortable, and a great layer for all seasons, a classic button-down shirt is one of my go-to pieces. So I’m definitely eyeing adding this $19 one to my cart. It has a “flattering” fit, according to an Amazon shopper, who also called out its “nice cotton” fabric.

Parcelona French Headbands

$17 at Amazon

Bessette-Kennedy wore a few luxe accessories on repeat, one of which was black or tortoise shell headbands. Luckily, this Amazon find gives you both colors for the price of one.

Franco Sarto Carolyn Loafers

~~$115~~ $69 at Amazon

We’re not sure whether these shoes were named the “Carolyn” loafer with Besette-Kennedy in mind, but it seems fitting given she was seen wearing loafers all the time. The loafers are up to 40 percent off at Amazon right now, and they come in 17 different colors. Style these sleek shoes with some straight-leg jeans and your favorite white tee for an every day outfit, or team them with your favorite dress and a leather jacket for an effortless nighttime look.

You can shop more Bessette-Kennedy-inspired fashion picks at Amazon below, including satin midi skirts, mary jane heels, and more.