After Ryan Murphy’s Love Story was released, chronicling the romance between the iconic couple John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette (CBK), social media exploded in discussion. The majority of clips included fellow Calvin Klein co-workers of Bessette and users weighing in on the casting choices. However, it was clear a fashion revival was also underway, with women on TikTok imitating CBK’s outfits and wanting to encapsulate her vibe.
During the 90s, CBK’s style was characterized by its seemingly effortlessness; her essence seemed chic but detached, which translated to her clothing piece choices.
The release of the show in February of this year has spotlighted the impact CBK had on fashion during her time and how this impact is beginning to trickle into women’s fashion today.
“It’s timeless, simple and easy to achieve,” said Caitlin Whelan, a senior finance major and accounting minor, regarding her interest in CBK’s fashion. “She just kind of made simplicity chic.”
On X, an user shared that CBK was known for not wearing brand logos, adding to this minimalistic allure.
In major cities like New York City, fans of the show have been locating different stores where she used to shop. One of the most popular is C.O. Bigelow, an apothecary selling one of her most well-known accessories—her elegant headband.
According to Variety, her emblematic tortoiseshell headband has been sold out on the pharmacy’s website since the start of the release of the show.
“I definitely think the rise of Love Story is contributing to this,” continued Whelan, an owner of the headband and a New Yorker. “I mean, especially when it was kind of put on like TikTok and Instagram and more people were talking about JFK Jr. and [CBK].”
And although a 90s fashion revival has been on the horizon for the last year with an emphasis on elegance and chicness, it’s hard to deny the impact that Love Story and CBK’s outfits are having on new clothing releases, especially on the runways.
Marc Jacobs’s new 2026 fall collection cited the late 90s as his inspiration, with other brands like The Row pulling directly from iconic figures of the decade and their street style, including CBK.
On social media, the streets of NYC and its runways, the 90s, and Love Story are all the rage, but it’s exciting to see how, and if, this style will translate to the West Coast and what its impact will be.
