Ryan Murphy’s limited FX series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette garnered plenty of attention regarding early production, storyline, and the ensemble cast, but we always knew one of the most important pieces in the series’ storytelling would be the fashion. When on-set paparazzi shots initially broke, the Internet debated everything from the color of actress Sarah Pidgeon’s hair to the wardrobe choices, so when a last-minute change brought costume designer Rudy Mance to helm the project, we were curious to see which iconic looks and references would make the final cut and be brought back to life throughout the show.
The Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Style Checklist
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Since Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has been an enduring style icon since the ’90s, her fashion legacy was most important to protect. From the very beginning, we saw that Mance did the research, pulling from archives and personal collections to outfit the character of Carolyn, directly referencing many of the pieces that made Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe uniquely hers. We quickly spotted core signatures throughout each episode, those quintessential to her personal style: From the minimalist-coded separates worn for off-duty outings or days at the Calvin Klein office, to slinky evening wear (always in black) within the many party moments, we’ve gone scene by scene to dissect the ready-to-wear and accessories worn throughout the show—plus, the real life looks that might have inspired them.
Eager to recreate the wardrobe yourself? Ahead, shop the outfits inspired by the Love Story costumes and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s closet. Rest assured, we’re watching the nine-part series weekly and updating often.
East Coast Accents
For trips to Hyannis Port and Martha’s Vineyard, Carolyn relied on classics that melded minimalism with beachy New England accents. Episode four of Love Story referenced the now-infamous paparazzi shots from one of the first sightings of the couple in the wild. Mance recreated the very same, scoop-neck tank top and wrapped towel look for the boat ride, then added additional extras we imagine she would have brought along. The linen slip skirt and slightly-sheer, open-knit sweater Pidgeon wears for drinks post-boat, could have been pulled straight from the Calvin Klein showroom, while black leather flip-flops and L.L.Bean’s canvas Boat & Tote bag represent those East Coast staples Carolyn herself often gravitated towards while on a weekend retreat.
