Lessons from CBK's Style

Back to basics with everyday elegance

Like many people, I've become re-enthralled with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style. Between the premier of Ryan Murphy’s Love Story and its associated PR campaigns as well as NYFW announcing that Sarah Pidgeon is the front row ‘get’ this season, my social media algorithm is working overtime to deliver absolutely stunning images of CBK and her minimalist looks. What strikes me about the specific timing of our renewed fascination is the fact that I’ve spent most of 2026 reading a version of the headline “quiet luxury is over” across all major and minor fashion publications.

Image: Vanity Fair

This reality has led me to reflect on the way in which our consumer culture is programmed to confuse us, to make us question who we are and what we want, to make us second guess how we present ourselves out in the world, and therefore to often over-consume as a way to quell our anxieties and ensure we have a distinct outfit for every possible trend.

There are a few lessons CBK’s approach to style teaches us.

1. Investing in high-quality staple pieces will deliver a foundational wardrobe that can mitigate overconsumption and the feeling that there’s never anything to wear.

2. A great tailor is worth every penny when it comes to truly feeling at home in a piece. The vast majority of people aren’t model size, so to expect a perfect fit without some tweaks is often unrealistic. This is especially true for jackets and pants.

3. And most importantly: she wears the clothes, they don’t wear her. What strikes me about her style is that the individual pieces are somewhat unremarkable due to their simplicity—but this doesn’t matter. We’re ultimately enamored by the way in which she carries herself—her posture, elegance, and self assurance.

Image: Vanity Fair

I so appreciate that while CBK’s style has proven timeless, we’re reminded that true timelessness comes from confidence—and from deeply knowing oneself. Her photos encourage a pause: to look inward to first understand what feels most authentic to you, what makes you feel confident, before turning to others for feedback or validation.

CBK-Inspired Timeless Staples

A perfectly tailored black jacket.

Image: @carolynbessette | Nour Hammour Maud Leather Jacket, Rohe Wool Jacket | Toteme Woven Jacket | Aligne Daphne Waisted Blazer | By Malene Birger Emma Double-Breasted Wool Jacket | St. Agni Contour Blazer (on super sale!) | Toteme Garderob Woven Blazer

A black v-neck top.

Image: Getty Images via Vogue | J.Crew Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater | Lisa Yang Kenny Cashmere V-Neck Sweater - you know I’ll always recommend her sweaters - tried and true! | Madewell V-Neck 90’s Tee - aptly named | LESET Laura V-Neck Long Sleeve | La Ligne Solid Lean Lines V-Neck Sweater | James Perse Cashmere Sweater

A white button down shirt.

Image: Vogue | Frame The Boy Shirt | COS Relaxed Cotton Shirt | J.Crew Etienne Oversized Shirt in Oxford or J.Crew Etienne Cropped Button Up Shirt | Buck Mason Mainstay Cotton Shirt | AYR The Deep End Cotton Oxford - I own this and love it - it’s a good weight, not see through, easy to dress up or down, and has thicker twill fabric | Sold Out NYC Everything Shirt

A pair of simple black sandals.

Images: @carolynbessette & Getty Images via Byrdie | Emme Parsons Meta Leather Sandals - I own and love these—they’re true to size; on sale here with a steep discount but limited sizes; more sizes here | A.Emery Flora Leather Thong Sandals | TKEES x Nili Lotan Black Leather Flip Flops | Le Monde Beryl Eel Effect Leather Sandals | A.Emery Kinto Lizard Effect Leather Flip Flops | Aeyde Amaya Leather Sandals

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