Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Best Outfits, Fashion Moments

Pictured here with John F. Kennedy Jr. in front of their Tribeca apartment in New York City, Bessette-Kennedy embodied classic autumnal fashion by pairing patent-leather brown boots with a simple black sweater and a camel-colored, calf-length skirt.

She accessorized with an understated black-leather bag and swept her blonde hair back into a low ponytail.

Bessette-Kennedy knew how to ace perfectly tailored, classic pieces similar to the ones Klein is known for, like this structured white button-up and black mermaid-tail skirt.

Vogue called this minimalist look “the epitome of uptown glamour without compromising her pared-back aesthetic.”

Pictured here with her husband at the Municipal Art Society Gala in 1998, Bessette-Kennedy wore a strapless black column gown, velvet gloves, and pointed strappy stiletto heels.

In 1996, while walking around New York City, she was photographed wearing a flowy summer dress with a bright floral print, black strappy heels, and a black, patent-leather handbag.

This classic look, from the black sleeveless tank to the brown-and-cream heeled sandals, would still be stylish now.

These rounded black sunglasses paired with a black button-up and green cargo pants epitomized ’90s fashion.

While heading to the airport to catch a flight for Bill Clinton’s inauguration in January 1997, Bessette-Kennedy was photographed wearing a camel-colored skirt, black leather boots, and a belted black suede coat.

She finished the look with a tortoise-shell headband and a pair of oval sunglasses.

When attending the Newman’s Own George Awards in 1999, she paired a black coat with ruffled detailing with simple black pants and strappy heels.

In this 1996 ensemble, she layered a grey Miu Miu dress beneath a sleek black coat, striking a balance between understated elegance and effortless cool.

Tall black boots elongated the silhouette, while a glossy patent-leather bag added a more playful touch.

Bessette-Kennedy effortlessly blended elegance and simplicity in her fashion, becoming one of the decade’s most recognizable style icons.

There’s no arguing that Bessette-Kennedy, through her iconic minimalist style, made a lasting impact on the fashion world. She showed that while fast-fashion trends come and go, simple elegance lasts forever.