Every year, a handful of shows come around that make for TV gold. And this year, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette is the show that’s getting people talking.
The FX show is quieter than the short, dopamine-fueled hits of Netflix that keep you hooked like a TikTok video. No, this show is as old school as the character.
It’s not fast-paced or overly curated. Instead, it’s just like the featured quiet luxury brands. It’s about the understated appeal of ‘90s glamor.
How Love Story Is Riding the Wave of Nostalgia
The social media sphere is done with the 2020s, so naturally, the nostalgia is turning to recent decades. The ‘90s are a distant memory for some and a time of wonder for Gen Z, who have never known life without a smartphone.
That’s one of the reasons we’ve seen a resurgence of ‘90s and Y2K trends. Everyone, from young to old, craves the authenticity of an era when trends didn’t come and go in the blink of an eye.
Love Story has been a hit in part because of its depiction of America’s equivalent of a prince and his princess (John Kennedy Jr. was America’s most eligible bachelor before he met Carolyn). While it’s semi-fictional, it shows a fairytale type of love in a version of New York City that many of us will never experience.
In fact, it has become the most-watched limited series in FX history, and a big part of that is also the fashion.
Carolyn Bessette’s ‘90s Minimalist Style
Even though Carolyn’s love life is the main story, her chic, understated fashion also has people talking. It proves that quiet luxury brands and pieces are not going anywhere.
The looks in the show are quite accurate representations of her style. There’s her era at Calvin Klein, which was all about the slingback sandals, tailored pants, and casual knit sweaters. But her oval black sunglasses are really the star of the show.
The Main Fashion Takeaways from Love Story
While Carolyn Bessette could have looked good in a paper bag, she was also a champion of chic, minimalist fashion that could be easily replicated. Here are some of her favorite pieces.
Tailored Jeans and Pants
The jeans Sarah Pidgeon (the actress who plays Carolyn) wears are a mix of wider and more tailored styles. However, the key takeaway is that if your jeans don’t fit properly, instead of trying to hide it with a belt, take them to a tailor.
A Good Coat Goes a Long Way
Caroyln loved a longline, classic (probably wool or cashmere) coat. The show features the classic belted styles she loves, including the camel Ralph Lauren. This proves that quiet luxury brands don’t have to be boring.
Don’t Be Scared of Hair Accessories
Today, minimalism is associated with simple silhouettes and slicked back hair (think Hailey Bieber). And frankly, it’s a little bland. Carolyn enjoyed a bold headband or a hair scarf to add a little color. These simple accessories would add a little extra fun to her outfits.
Quiet Luxury Brands to Turn to for ‘90s Minimalism
While quiet luxury is not a new trend, it has seen growing popularity because of some top celebrities. For instance, Kendall Jenner, Dakota Johnson, and Meghan Markle are fans of quiet luxury. However, the emphasis is on super-luxury brands like The Row, Hermes, and Lora Piana.
What Carolyn Bessette shows us is that you don’t need to wear these brands to look luxurious. There are actually more affordable brands on the market, and they’re mostly American, too.
Calvin Klein
Carolyn Bessette worked as a publicist at Calvin Klein when she met John F. Kennedy Jr., And so, it’s no surprise that she often wore the brand.
Her black blouses, midi skirts, and silky slip dresses made her look like the people’s princess. Calvin Klein still makes classic, timeless styles, which you can collect.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is the epitome of an American quiet luxury brand that still makes beautiful, wearable designs. You can’t go wrong with a camel coat like Carolyn’s or a cashmere pullover.
Max Mara
When it comes to high-quality outerwear and subtly luxurious clothing, Max Mara is a great option. The Italian brand isn’t loud or flashy. It does staple pieces well, though, making it a good go-to for everyday elevated styles.
Get Those Oval Sunglasses
The main star of Love Story is truly Carolyn’s oval sunglasses. They are incredibly chic, and they suit her face and make her entire outfit. That’s the power of the right pair of sunglasses; they can change everything.
The oval, black sunglasses are so very ‘90s, with their minimalistic shape and no-fuss frames. This is one of the easiest ways to get that ‘90s look.
For a close match to Carolyn’s sunglasses, these Miu Miu shades will do the job. They feature a subtle logo that doesn’t scream for attention.
These Persol sunglasses are available in black or tortoiseshell frames. Both are great choices, depending on which color you wear more: black or brown.
If you prefer oversized sunglasses, these Tory Burch shades are an option. They feature gradient lenses, adding to the ‘90s appeal.
TL;DR
The FX show Love Story has been a huge hit. The limited series is a dramatized version of the relationship between John Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, who was a Calvin Klein publicist.
- Carolyn’s love of quiet luxury brands and minimalistic style made her a style icon.
- Now, fans of ‘90s fashion are following in her footsteps with timeless key pieces.
- Long wool coats, chic black blouses, and classic knit pullovers are all part of the appeal. The trick is that less is really more.
- Carolyn also knew how to accessorize; everything from her hair ties to her oval sunglasses is having a resurgence.
- It’s easy to mimic her oval sunglasses by selecting a pair without loud logos. The key is a subtle frame and dark lenses.
