Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's approach to personal adornment provides a fascinating study in deliberate elegance and understated repetition. Rather than chasing fleeting trends, she cultivated a signature style through a carefully curated selection of accessories that she wore consistently, allowing them to become integral to her public image. Her choices in footwear, jewelry, and handbags, though few in number, were always purposeful, reflecting a pragmatic yet sophisticated sensibility that continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts today. This article examines the key accessory categories that defined her enduring aesthetic, from her beloved timepieces to her practical daytime shoes and sophisticated evening wear, revealing how each piece contributed to her distinctive and timeless look.
Her signature style extended beyond clothing to encompass her accessories, where each item was chosen for its functionality, quality, and ability to integrate seamlessly into her lifestyle. This meticulous curation resulted in a wardrobe of accessories that felt authentic and personal, eschewing overt flashiness for subtle distinction. By repeatedly wearing certain pieces, Bessette-Kennedy allowed them to gain deeper meaning and become synonymous with her identity, demonstrating that true style lies not in constant novelty, but in thoughtful selection and consistent wear. This detailed exploration uncovers the lasting impact of her accessory choices, proving that their quiet elegance resonates as powerfully now as it did decades ago.
The Defining Details: Headbands and Eyewear
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's distinctive use of headbands and sunglasses epitomizes her functional yet subtly stylish approach. Her choice of a Charles Wahba headband and Selima Optique Aldo sunglasses were not mere fashion statements but rather practical elements integrated into her daily wear. These items were consistently worn, becoming inseparable from her public persona and retaining a contemporary appeal even after many years. Their enduring relevance highlights her talent for selecting pieces that offered both utility and a quiet sense of individuality.
These two accessory items—the headband and sunglasses—were fundamental to Bessette-Kennedy's image, embodying her understated chic. The Charles Wahba headband, often paired with casual ensembles, provided a polished finish to her hair without being overly ornate. Similarly, her Selima Optique Aldo sunglasses served a practical purpose while adding a touch of cool sophistication. Her consistent patronage of these specific brands and styles showcased a preference for reliable, well-designed items that she could return to repeatedly, allowing them to evolve from simple accessories into iconic symbols of her timeless and effortless fashion sense.
Footwear Philosophy: Prada and Manolo Blahnik
Throughout the 1990s, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's shoe wardrobe was characterized by a focused and deliberate selection, predominantly featuring two esteemed designers: Prada for her daily activities and Manolo Blahnik for more formal occasions. Her daytime ensembles were frequently anchored by practical Prada pieces, including sturdy boots, comfortable loafers, and elegant kitten heels, which perfectly complemented her sophisticated yet functional aesthetic. When attending galas, dinners, or even her own wedding, she transitioned to Manolo Blahnik, often opting for custom-made designs, underscoring the brand's integral role in her formalwear. She personally sourced her Manolo Blahnik shoes from their New York flagship, emphasizing her direct involvement in curating her wardrobe essentials.
My extensive observation of Bessette-Kennedy's footwear consistently reveals a profound intentionality in her choices. The specific styles she favored in the '90s remain highly sought-after in the vintage market today, not due to transient trends, but because of their exceptional quality and the frequency with which she wore them, often beyond the point of easy resale. Those who knew her best confirm that Carolyn possessed an extraordinary eye, not for anticipating trends, but for her patient and discerning selection of pieces that genuinely resonated with her and could seamlessly integrate into her daily life. This philosophy of investing in enduring, well-loved items distinguished her approach to fashion.
The Allure of Understated Jewelry
Bessette-Kennedy's approach to jewelry was arguably the most thoughtfully curated aspect of her personal style. She consistently gravitated towards pieces that were subtle and deeply personal, shunning ostentatious displays in favor of items that held intrinsic meaning. Her everyday wear often included a simple wedding band and an inconspicuous wristwatch, which she wore with remarkable consistency, reflecting a preference for utility and sentiment over overt adornment. However, on the rare occasions she chose more elaborate jewelry, these selections were memorable and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on fashion observers.
A prime example of her discerning eye for impactful jewelry was the intricate leather detail of a Jean Paul Gaultier top, often mistaken for a necklace, which continues to influence designers today. Her unique way of incorporating such pieces into her wardrobe, even inspiring contemporary reinterpretations like Juju Vera's pendant, underscored her ability to elevate unconventional elements. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's jewelry choices, though modest in quantity, were always deliberate, contributing to a distinctive style that was quietly influential and enduringly chic, prioritizing personal significance and subtle sophistication.
Bags: Practicality Meets Polished Style
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's selection of handbags mirrored the careful consideration she applied to her entire wardrobe, focusing on a few key pieces chosen for their practicality and seamless integration into her urban lifestyle. Her daytime preference leaned towards functional bags capable of accommodating the demands of city living, such as her well-used Hermès Birkin and the sleek Prada Spazzolato tote. These choices were less about fleeting trends and more about enduring utility, designed to carry her essentials and accompany her through her daily engagements with effortless ease. Each bag was a statement of pragmatic elegance, serving a clear purpose while contributing to her polished yet approachable aesthetic.
For evening events, Bessette-Kennedy opted for smaller, more refined carriers that provided a sense of understated sophistication. She typically chose compact clutches or simple wallets, demonstrating a consistent preference for minimalist designs that complemented her elegant formal attire without overshadowing it. This thoughtful distinction between her daytime and evening bags highlighted her understanding of appropriate functional and aesthetic choices for different occasions. Her limited but impactful collection of bags exemplified a philosophy where every item had a place and purpose, solidifying her reputation for a style that was both disciplined and timeless.
