If you’ve spent even a few minutes scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve probably noticed the quiet return of ’90s minimalist aesthetic in neutral hues. Needless to say, this sudden fascination is a result of Ryan Murphy’s newest series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
Inspired by the real-life romance between one of the most photographed couples of the time, the series revisits their whirlwind relationship and the immense public fascination that surrounded them. But beyond the romance and the scandalous headlines, one question quietly lingered among fashion observers – how would the series recreate the iconic style that made this couple so unforgettable? Thankfully, the team cracked it down to every detail.
Costume designer Rudy Mance approached the project with meticulous research, studying archival photographs and historical references to recreate the elements that made Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe so distinctive. This includes many of the original pieces worn by her; for example, the camel PRADA skirt. The team also sourced a pair of Levi’s 517s that she loved wearing. Some of the most unique pieces recreated for the show are the ruffled coat by Yohji Yamamoto and her unforgettable wedding dress designed by Narciso Rodriguez.
Throughout the series, Carolyn’s wardrobe reflects the essence of her minimalist sensibility – sharply tailored separates for off-duty moments, relaxed jeans, sleek Selima Optique sunglasses, and refined workwear reminiscent of her years at Calvin Klein.
What made Bessette-Kennedy’s style so compelling was its authenticity. She wasn’t dressing for trends or attention. At a time when fashion often leaned toward spectacle and excess, Carolyn embraced simplicity. Even after becoming one of the most photographed women in the world, her wardrobe rarely strayed from its quiet elegance.
Bringing that presence to life on screen is Sarah Pidgeon, whose performance captures Carolyn’s quiet magnetism with subtle precision. It’s not only the clothing that resonates, but it’s the way she moves through each scene, with a composed confidence and groundedness that mirrors the woman herself.
If Carolyn’s style was defined by quiet minimalism, John F. Kennedy Jr.’s wardrobe carried its own effortless charisma. Played in the series by Paul Kelly, John appears as he often did in real life – relaxed yet impeccably put together.
The son of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, he grew up in the public eye and developed a style that balanced classic American tailoring with an easy, almost carefree confidence. Photographs from the era often captured him cycling through Manhattan in a suit, sleeves casually rolled, and his signature backwards cap.
His wardrobe reflected a man comfortable in both worlds, the polished legacy of American political royalty and the laid-back rhythm of downtown New York. Well-cut suits, relaxed sweaters, aviator sunglasses, and perfectly worn-in loafers became part of his everyday look. What made their looks so perfectly in sync was the effortlessness that made people notice them first, and not their clothes.
Together, their fashion becomes more than a visual detail in the series – it becomes part of the storytelling itself. Their wardrobes reflect two people who understood the quiet power of simplicity, even as the world watched their every move.
And perhaps that’s why their style continues to resonate today. In an era dominated by fast trends and fleeting aesthetics, their style still feels remarkably timeless.