The wait is over—the first episodes of Ryan Murphy’s limited FX series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette are here. The show has already drawn attention for its early production details, storyline, and cast, but one of the most anticipated elements was always the fashion. When early paparazzi shots from the set surfaced, the internet buzzed over everything from actress Sarah Pidgeon’s hair color to the wardrobe choices. So when costume designer Rudy Mance joined the project last-minute, we were eager to see which iconic looks and references would make it into the final cut and be revived on screen.
The Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Style Checklist
– The Tailored Coat
Toteme wool blend coat
$1,920 at NORDSTROM
– The V-Neck Sweater
J.Crew cashmere V-neck sweater
$148 at J.CREW
– The Oval Sunglasses
Selima Optique Carolyn sunglasses
$520 at SELIMA OPTIQUE
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has been a lasting style icon since the ’90s, so preserving her fashion legacy was crucial. After watching the first episodes, it’s clear Mance did his homework—drawing from archives and personal collections to dress the character of Carolyn, directly recreating many of the pieces that defined Bessette-Kennedy’s unique wardrobe. From the minimalist separates worn for off-duty outings or days at the Calvin Klein office to the sleek, always-black evening wear featured in party scenes, we’ve broken down the ready-to-wear and accessories seen in the show, along with the real-life looks that may have inspired them.
Want to recreate the wardrobe yourself? Below, shop outfits inspired by the Love Story costumes and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s own closet. We’ll be watching the nine-part series weekly and updating often.
Making an Entrance
In Love Story, Calvin Klein introduces Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. at a 1992 benefit for the Amazon rainforest. While it’s unclear if this meeting is fact or fiction (many believe they actually met in the Calvin Klein showroom during a suit fitting, which the series also portrays), what we do know is that Bessette-Kennedy loved a slinky black dress for evening events. The dress chosen for the series echoes a famous strapless gown she wore to a gala later on. Although the on-screen version is shown bare, you can take cues from her signature accessories—like strappy pointed pumps, opera-length gloves, and a boxy clutch—to capture the look today.
– St. Agni Cocoon dress
$739 at SHOPBOP | $740 at NET-A-PORTER
– Manolo Blahnik Borelapla slingback pumps
$1,095 at NORDSTROM
– Prada satin clutch
$3,450 at PRADA
– Norma Kamali velvet long gloves
$100 at REVOLVE
– Loulou de Saison Kerry coat
$835 at NORDSTROM
– Brilliant Earth lab diamond stud earrings
$995 at BRILLIANT EARTH
The Calvin Klein Years
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy embodied the minimalist fashion movement of the ’90s—simple silhouettes, natural makeup, and effortless hair—essentially, the Calvin Klein aesthetic. One office outfit worn by actress Sarah Pidgeon appears inspired by a post-wedding ensemble worn by Bessette-Kennedy herself, photographed in New York City. A black high V-neck sweater, camel pencil skirt, and brown leather knee-high boots form a neutral, powerful combination that still feels relevant today. Paired with a structured tote—you could also add the tortoise headband she often wore from Greenwich Village apothecary C.O. Bigelow and a simple gold ring—the look is timeless.She always kept things very simple, especially when it came to accessories.
J.Crew cashmere V-neck sweater
$148 | J.CREW
Lafayette 148 New York camel hair pencil skirt
$1,198 | NORDSTROM, BLOOMINGDALE’S
Gianvito Rossi Santiago 60 boots
$2,195 | NORDSTROM, NET-A-PORTER
The Row Marcel bag
$2,300 | THE ROW
Brilliant Earth slim wedding ring
$520 | BRILLIANT EARTH
C.O. Bigelow tortoise headband
$40 | BIGELOW CHEMISTS
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Evening Ease
For a chance encounter at Kelly Klein’s Pools book launch party, Mance dressed Pidgeon in a simple black slip dress with a high neck—a wardrobe staple we consistently saw Bessette-Kennedy rely on for events. Black tailored coats were always in her arsenal, too, so if you’re planning to recreate this look, grab one to layer overtop. Finishing touches include sleek pointed pumps and a bit of lip color. Although generally fresh-faced with minimal makeup, Bobbi Brown’s Ruby lipstick was a signature shade she wore for nights out. And perhaps we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves, but how could we not include the sapphire and diamond eternity engagement band in the idea? An evening look can always use a little dose of timeless jewelry.
Totême wool blend coat
$1,920 | NORDSTROM
Calvin Klein Collection Lynn draped midi dress
$1,960 | NET-A-PORTER
Jimmy Choo Ixia pumps
$975 | NORDSTROM
Métier Ease leather clutch
$2,150 | NET-A-PORTER
Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond band ring
$6,700 | TIFFANY & CO.
Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color Moisturizing Lipstick
$35 | SEPHORA
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Off-Duty Minimalism
In the opening scenes of Love Story, we witness classic Bessette-Kennedy style firsthand—and hints of what to expect as the series unfolds. Pidgeon’s character is seen traveling to meet Paul Anthony Kelly’s John F. Kennedy Jr. at what we can assume is East Hampton airport, wearing one of CBK’s quintessential pairings: a black top with brown pants and oval sunglasses (hers were from Selima Optique). This was a combination she frequently experimented with in her off-duty wardrobe, whether it was a simple black cardigan and khaki pants or an oversized black button-down and brown trousers. She generally styled these casual looks with leather loafers for on-the-go ease, and we’d add a similar straw bag for transitional outfitting as we head into spring—a trick Zoë Kravitz sports today, perhaps also nodding to the icon.
Maria McManus cotton-sateen shirt
$490 | NET-A-PORTER
Banana Republic Straight Everywhere pants
$100 | BANANA REPUBLIC
Cos polished-leather loafers
$169 | COS
Selima Optique Carolyn sunglasses
$520 | SELIMA OPTIQUE
Reformation Clara cashmere cardigan
$198 | NORDSTROM
Hunting Season Market tote
$525 | SHOPBOP
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs The Look of Love Story Recreating Carolyn BessetteKennedys Wardrobe
Q Who was Carolyn BessetteKennedy and why is her style still talked about
A She was a fashion publicist who married John F Kennedy Jr in the 1990s Her style is iconic because it was incredibly elegant minimalist and timelessfocusing on perfect fit neutral colors and simple luxurious pieces that still feel modern today
Q What exactly is The Look of Love Story about
A Its a style guide or inspiration project dedicated to analyzing and recreating Carolyn BessetteKennedys signature wardrobe It breaks down her key pieces silhouettes and the philosophy behind her quiet luxury aesthetic
Q Im not rich Can I really recreate her look on a budget
A Absolutely The core idea is about the principles not the price tag Focus on finding welltailored basics in neutral colors simple silhouettes like slip dresses and tailored trousers and avoiding logos Great fabric and fit are more important than the brand
Q What are the absolute essential pieces I need to start
A Start with these five a perfectly fitted white buttondown shirt a sleek black slip dress highwaisted tailored trousers a simple cashmere or fine knit sweater and a pair of minimalist heels or loafers
Q Whats the biggest mistake people make when trying to copy her style
A The most common mistake is choosing pieces that are too baggy or unstructured Her magic was in impeccable bodyskimming tailoring Another mistake is adding too many accessoriesshe often wore just simple earrings or went without jewelry altogether
Q How did she make such simple outfits look so expensive and special
A Through a combination of factors expert tailoring luxurious natural fabrics a strict neutral color palette and flawless grooming It was about quality and confidence over trendy details
Q Were there any specific brands she loved
A She was known for wearing designers like Narciso Rodriguez Calvin Klein Gianni Versace and Manolo Blahnik However she mixed highend pieces with more accessible