Charismatic and Sophisticated: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

Who is she and why is this sudden obsession with her?

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was a prominent American figure who became well-known because of her marriage to the son of President John F. Kennedy: John F. Kennedy Jr. Born on January 7, 1966, Carolyn worked as a publicist and was involved in the fashion industry.  

In 1996, the famous couple married in a secret ceremony. On July 16, 1999, their plane crashed, killing Carolyn, John, and her sister Lauren. The media covered their deaths thoroughly, due to their tragic ending and their influential family. Their deaths came as a great shock concerning the famous ‘’Kennedy Curse’’. The tragic incidents and early deaths that have deeply affected the Kennedy family over the years are collectively called the " Kennedy curse." Many high-profile tragedies have destroyed the Kennedy family, which some believe are the result of a supposed "curse." 

Because of her unique style, interesting life story, and the way she has been portrayed in the media and on the internet, recently Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has seen a rise in popularity among Gen Z. Her status as a fashion icon is just one of many things that boost this growing interest. 

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was admired for her elegant and subtle sense of style. She was well-known for her timeless elegance and preferred simple designs emphasizing her natural grace and beauty. She frequently wore fitted clothing with clean lines and classic tones like navy, white, and black. 

She loved wearing sleek dresses that emphasized her figure without being revealing, high-waisted pants, and well-cut blazers. She wore delicate jewelry and sophisticated handbags as accessories, which complemented her outfits without drawing attention to them. Her wardrobe showed a shift towards sleek and refined styles, influenced by famous designers such as Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein and 1990s fashion trends. 

With the recent obsession with the ‘’Old Money’’ statement in fashion, names like Carolyn gain popularity when creating a sense of style through apps like Pinterest and TikTok.  

Old money is often linked to a feeling of exclusivity and classiness. This could be seen by Gen Z as a preference for classic styles, sophisticated tastes, and a focus on quality rather than quantity. This contrasts with more observable displays of wealth, like extravagant lifestyles, that are frequently connected to new money.  

Lately, her sense of style has been a source of inspiration for me when building my wardrobe. I like how she was able to create a sophisticated yet modest look by mixing delicate accessories with well-fitting pieces. Her classic style choices have inspired me to adopt a more sophisticated and understated aesthetic in my own clothing, prioritizing quality over quantity. According to this statement, real sophistication comes from valuing a wardrobe's longevity and artistry over quantity of clothing. Because less is always more.