Ryan Murphy’s Love Story Revives Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Style
Ryan Murphy’s latest series, Love Story, now available on FX and Hulu, explores the passionate relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. This show has, perhaps surprisingly, brought a renewed focus on Bessette’s signature understated fashion.
Often described as a style icon—she tragically passed away at 33 in a 1999 plane crash—Bessette is remembered for her simple yet chic wardrobe choices, including crisp white button-down shirts, Levi’s 517 bootcut jeans, and tortoiseshell headbands, along with a custom Prada coat.
Since the show debuted on February 12, there’s been a surge of interest among young fashion enthusiasts eager to adopt Bessette’s effortlessly stylish aesthetic, as portrayed by actress Sarah Pidgeon.
“This series is introducing Carolyn and her timeless style to a new audience who appreciates that you don’t need to follow every trend to look good,” said Chelsea resident Christina L., 31.
The hashtag “cbk” is currently trending across social media, racking up around 278,000 posts on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These feature young women showcasing outfits inspired by Bessette Kennedy, characterized by neutral colors and minimalist lines.
Online interest isn’t just limited to fashion; searches for “CBK Wedding Rings,” “CBK Engagement Ring Photos,” and “CBK Wedding Dresses” have skyrocketed by over 5,000% on Google.
Styling consultant Jules Fox shared her thoughts in a TikTok video, showcasing her own homage to Bessette with fitting black attire and accessories while reflecting on the desire many have to embody her look.
Another TikTok user, @sofiamiceli, humorously noted her intent to adopt new personality traits after watching the series, sharing posts that highlight the similarity of her outfits to Bessette’s.
“She really inspires me. Can’t we bring back that simplicity?” remarked another user, tapping into a collective yearning for Bessette’s aesthetic.
Bessette’s beloved headbands, in particular, have caught the eye of many fashion aficionados. A specific $36 tortoiseshell headband from the French brand Charles J. Werbaworn is popular among city dwellers and has been flying off the shelves since before the show aired.
“Headbands are definitely a worthwhile investment,” makeup artist Olivia Ballad mentioned, praising their quality and variety.
Despite attempts to emulate Bessette’s signature look, some women find it challenging to capture her signature charm. TikTok user Nina Vukojevic expressed her struggle in a post featuring her own take on the iconic headband.
“I thought I could channel Carolyn Bessette’s vibe with this headband, but I’m not sure it worked out as planned,” she reflected, noting the difficulty in achieving that effortless minimalism.
Stylist Liz Teich advises those looking to replicate Bessette’s style to focus on high-quality basics. “Start with classic pieces—the fewer the better.” She recommends a classic watch, minimalist sandals, and a spacious, logo-free bag to round out the look.
Style expert Sandra Okerulu emphasizes that Bessette’s iconic style stemmed from her inherent effortless charm, echoing how effectively everything harmonized in her wardrobe choices.
Meanwhile, the impact of Bessette Kennedy’s aesthetic extends beyond fashion. Searches for “Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Blonde” have surged by 100%, as women strive to emulate her iconic hair color.
Some fans are even encouraging the men in their lives to adopt Kennedy’s style, with content creators showcasing how they’ve transformed their partners’ wardrobes to mirror JFK Jr.’s look.
There’s a growing trend among men, too, as many express interest in adopting a relaxed Kennedy-inspired appearance, as seen in the burgeoning videos across social media.
