The Love Story Effect: How Caroline Bessette Kennedy is Sparking a New Wave of Minimalism

By: Lucy Fries, Senior Writer Edited by: Abigail Seltzer

It seems like last week that minimalism was on the decline. With major outlets and influencers emphasizing the beauty in loud expression, quiet styles felt like a trend of the past. This is echoed by a Vogue article released in February 2025, which shares how minimalism “stole the fun from fashion,” and rather embraced bolder looks on both the runway and social media channels. Maximalist fashion focuses on uninhibited self-expression, something people feel is difficult to achieve when reverting to cleaner, simpler styles. 

This year, the media is taking these sentiments into a recall. Hulu's recent release of the new limited TV series “Love Story” highlights the romance and tragic deaths of historical figures John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, and is drawing considerable public attention. In particular, the media is starting to lock eyes on Carolyn Bessette's personality and elegant style. The TV depiction of her free-flowing and independent nature has caused a new surge of idolization and intrigue. Not only are fans resonating with her personality, but with the way her style seamlessly accentuates it. Rocking turtlenecks, messy hair, no jewelry, and rarely any makeup, Bessette’s historic beauty has become the epitome of modern minimalism—and fans are loving it. 

Born in 1966, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy was an American fashion publicist by trade. Her career first took off after she was recommended for a public relations role working for Calvin Klein in New York City. There, her intelligence and style made her a well respected  employee, trusted to work with celebrity clients in the showroom. Her expertise ultimately landed her the role of brand director of publicity for the company. 

Though notable as herself, the fashion icon became even more well known when she began dating John F. Kennedy, Jr. They first met while Bessette was working at Calvin Klein, and Kennedy had asked for her number. After years of barely keeping in touch, Kennedy began to openly pursue Bessette. However, Bessette was never fully ready to commit, as she did not think he was serious. But over time, their relationship began to evolve and finally solidified, resulting in one of America’s Golden couples and serving as the inspiration for the Hulu series, “Love Story.”

The series portrays a deeply dramatized version of the tragic relationship between Kennedy and Bessette, and heavily focuses on their romance. Kennedy is "America's most eligible bachelor,” and Bessette an iconic fashion professional. Together, their love story drew audiences from far and wide. Although Kennedy was initially more well known, Bessette’s mysterious demeanor was a key factor in the show's appeal, and she has since captured the hearts of many, especially fashion lovers. 

In their relationship, Bessette chose to remain low-key despite Kennedy’s place in the spotlight, emphasizing her commitment to the relationship she had with Kennedy rather than his fame. According to CNN, Bessette didn’t, in fact, love the limelight. The couple was notoriously public-shy, and Bessette never gave any interviews. 

Knowing this, it makes sense that, when the pair did decide to marry, they did so in privacy at an African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island, a small island off the coast of Martha's Vineyard spanning only 17.5 miles long. Bessette’s desire to live a low-profile life, both before and after becoming intertwined with Kennedy, is evident throughout the series. It depicts her casually smoking an afternoon cigarette, hailing taxi cabs, and enjoying her small studio apartment. It may not be glamorous, but she seems perfectly content. 

Bessette’s humble nature was not only evident through her demeanor, but became most notable through her style. Best described as paving the way for “quiet luxury,” Bessette’s effortless wardrobe became the most public thing to come out of her relationship with Kennedy. Being frequently photographed in jeans, a black turtleneck, and little to no accessories, Bessette became a shining example of minimalist fashion. 

The attention received for Bessette’s style has remained constant over the years, even after her tragic passing in 1999, and has gained even more recognition with the new “Love Story” series. In many episodes, Bessette rolls out of bed, casually throws on clothes, and somehow shows up to work looking effortlessly chic and timeless. 

With the current spotlight on Bessette's style, outlets have begun pushing out articles to give consumers direction as to how to achieve her famous looks. Vogue recently put out an article, “Look of Love Story - Recreate Carolyn Bessette - Kennedy’s Wardrobe," highlighting her appeal and creating "wardrobe check lists.”

Additionally, although she tried to remain an under- the-radar star who kept out of the media, Bessette has now taken it over. Not only are major outlets jumping on Bessette’s style, but it has become a massive trend on platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok. Viral trends include: “What Carolyn would wear...” videos, which cultivate outfits for various social situations, such as “what Carolyn would wear to the bar.” Influencers are also going as far as to create “CBK gift guides,” that share where to buy Bessette’s favorite items. 

At this moment, fans sit patiently as the show continues and new episodes are released. Not only are they on the edge of their seats as to what turn the couple's relationship will take next, but they also look forward to what outfits Bessette will be seen in next. Bessette may have unfortunately passed away over 25 years ago, but her influence on American fashion remains and flourishes today. “Love Story” has not only become an ode to America's favorite couple, but it is also a toast to Bessette's “true to herself” demeanor and ultimately minimalistic style.

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