The wait is over—the first few episodes of Ryan Murphy’s limited FX series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette have been released. Although the series has garnered plenty of attention regarding early production, storyline, and the ensemble cast—we always knew one of the most important pieces in the series’ storytelling would be the fashion. When on-set paparazzi shots initially broke, the Internet debated everything from the color of actress Sarah Pidgeon’s hair to the wardrobe choices, so when a last-minute change brought costume designer Rudy Mance to helm the project, we were curious to see which iconic looks and references would make the final cut and be brought back to life throughout the show.
The Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Style Checklist
Since Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has been an enduring style icon since the ’90s, her fashion legacy was most important to protect. After our first viewing, it’s safe to say that Mance did the research, pulling from archives and personal collections to outfit the character of Carolyn, directly referencing many of the pieces that made Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe uniquely hers. We quickly spotted core signatures throughout the very first few episodes, those quintessential to her personal style: From the minimalist-coded separates worn for off-duty outings or days at the Calvin Klein office, to slinky evening wear (always in black) within the many party moments, we’ve gone scene by scene to dissect the ready-to-wear and accessories worn throughout the show—plus, the real life looks that might have inspired them.
Eager to recreate the wardrobe yourself? Ahead, shop the outfits inspired by the Love Story costumes and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s closet. Rest assured, we will 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 benefit for the Amazon rainforest in 1992. We’re not entirely sure if this is fact or fiction (many believe that the pair actually met in the showroom at Calvin Klein when she was fitting him for a suit, which the show highlights later on), but what we can confirm is that Bessette-Kennedy loved to wear a slinky black dress for the evening. The one chosen for the series nods to a famous strapless version that Bessette-Kennedy wore to a gala later down the timeline, and although shown bare on screen, we’d take notes from her roster of accessories—including strappy pointed pumps, opera-length gloves, and a boxy clutch—to recreate the feel of the look for today.
The Calvin Klein Years
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was the face of the minimalist fashion movement in the ’90s—simple silhouettes, natural makeup, and undone hair—essentially: the Calvin Klein look. One outfit actress Sarah Pidgeon wears to the office, actually seems to be inspired by a post-wedding nuptials pairing worn by the CBK herself, captured in New York City. A high V-neck sweater in black, camel pencil skirt, and brown leather knee-high boots are the neutral wardrobe power players that feel more than relevant today. Accessorized with a structured tote—here, you could also add the tortoise headband she often sported, from the Greenwich Village apothecary C.O. Bigelow, and a simple gold ring—she always kept things very simple, especially in the accessories department.
Evening Ease
For a chance encounter run-in at Kelly Klein’s Pools book launch party, Mance dressed Pidgeon in a simple black slip dress with a high-neck—a wardrobe hero we consistently saw Bessette-Kennedy lean on for event dressing. Black tailored coats were always in her arsenal, as well, so if you’re planning to recreate this look—grab one to style overtop. Finishing touches include sleek pointed pumps and a bit of lip—although generally fresh-faced with minimal makeup, Bobbi Brown’s Ruby lipstick was a signature shade she wore for night’s out. And perhaps we are getting a little ahead of ourselves, but how could we not incorporate the sapphire and diamond eternity engagement band into the idea? An evening look can always use a little dose of timeless bijoux.
Off-Duty Minimalism
Within the opening scenes of Love Story, we witness firsthand, classic Bessette-Kennedy style—and hints of what’s 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, donning 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 that be 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 presently, perhaps also nodding to the icon.
