CBK’s Timeless Style Recreated in Love Story
Throughout the past few years, 90s minimalism has been slowly reappearing with brands like the Row and Toteme fostering the movement. With the release of Love Story, a cultural obsession of the simple, clean look is reflected in the media and runways.
In Veronica Leoni’s F/W ‘25 collection for Calvin Klein, she paid homage to the 90s with tailored suits, muted tones, and modest silhouettes. Even in Catherine Holstein’s F/W ‘26 Khaite show, slip dresses, glossy leather, and high collared suits resonated the nostalgic street style.
Calvin Klein Collection F/W ‘25
Khaite F/W ‘26
90s minimalism captures more than a style, rather an emotion. It was a time when life was simpler without the chaos of social media. There wasn’t a constant worry of being perceived, but the freedom to dress in what was authentic. The core of 90s minimalism is effortless, quiet, and timeless.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy captured this era perfectly through her outfits. She frequently wore Prada, Helmut Lang, Jil Sander, and Yohji Yamamoto, most of which were defining brands of the time. She also paired them with pieces like Levi’s 517 jeans, France Luxe tortoiseshell headbands, and Selima Optique Aldo sunglasses.
Most importantly, the reason her looks remained so consistent and resonated with others was that she stayed true to herself and what made her most comfortable.
Image via Evan Agostini
Image via Lawrence Schwartzwald/Getty Images
The 517 was mostly known as “Saddleman jeans”, typically worn by those who rode the saddle since they were western boots. Its bootcut design allowed space for a heeled boot that CBK often wore, creating a practical, chic look. As shown in the picture on the right, she’s in a red Prada coat with bootcut jeans. Although it is currently discontinued, the 517s can be found at stores like What Goes Around Comes Around in Lower Manhattan or The Consistency Project in Brooklyn.
Carolyn was particularly drawn to Yohji Yamamoto, wearing a Yohji ruffled coat to the “Newman’s Own” George Awards and a Yohji Homme white shirt to the Whitney Museum gala in 1999.
Image via Evan Agostini
Image via Ron Galella/Getty Images
In the show Love Story, Rudy Mance recreates some of her looks by either sourcing the pieces she wore or drawing inspiration from her style.
@onparledemode on Instagram
Despite not being an exact match, the show successfully displays CBK’s elegance and simplicity through her character's outfits, which is why it has such an impact on its viewers.
References:
https://www.elle.com/fashion/a70396517/fall-2026-runway-shows-late-90s-fashion-trend/
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/shows/a63735260/90s-minimalism-trend/
https://www.vogue.com/article/our-obsession-with-the-90s-runs-deeper-than-the-clothes
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/a70573614/carolyn-bessette-kennedy-bootcut-jeans/
https://www.vogue.com/article/elements-of-style-carolyn-bessette-kennedy