Jess Cartner-Morley on fashion: Still time to adopt 90s minimalism after Love Story
Jess Cartner-Morley highlights the enduring appeal of 90s minimalism in fashion, inspired by the style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy as portrayed in Ryan Murphy’s TV series Love Story. The show brought renewed attention to Bessette Kennedy’s simple yet iconic wardrobe, characterized by understated pieces like white tank tops, jeans, black dresses, oval sunglasses, and tortoiseshell headbands.
The essence of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy has long been regarded as an insider style icon, but Love Story transformed her from a subtle reference into a global phenomenon. The series offered viewers close-up views of her minimalist wardrobe, which resonated strongly with audiences. However, Carole Radziwill, a friend of Bessette Kennedy, emphasized that copying her style directly misses the point. On the Deuxmoi podcast, Radziwill explained that Carolyn’s choices were driven by comfort and authenticity rather than fashion trends. She often pulled her hair back with a headband simply to avoid washing it daily and preferred jeans, button-down shirts, and T-shirts that felt natural to her.
The key takeaway from Radziwill’s insight is that the power of Bessette Kennedy’s style lies in being true to oneself rather than mimicking a look. Carolyn’s confidence in her own taste and her effortless approach to dressing made her style compelling and timeless.
Minimalism in the workplace and beyond
Jess Cartner-Morley notes that some of the most striking outfits in Love Story appear in the early episodes, where Carolyn is shown working at Calvin Klein. Her wardrobe during this period balances office-appropriate attire with a cool, understated vibe. This contrasts with many TV portrayals of female office wear, which often swing between overly glamorous or deliberately unflattering.
For example, in one scene, Carolyn wears a black polo neck, straight black trousers, black loafers, and carries a plain dark bag while commuting on the subway. The simplicity of this outfit makes it easy to replicate in concept but difficult to perfect without attention to fit and careful selection. Cartner-Morley points out that achieving the right fit—such as trying multiple pairs of trousers to find the perfect cut—is essential to capturing the look’s elegance.
The minimalist approach also involves restraint in styling. Carolyn’s choice to forgo heels, jewelry, or flashy accessories is described as a deliberate power move. Her outfits often feature monochrome palettes, such as pairing a black midi skirt with a black silk cardigan or a white pencil skirt with a simple black jacket. This style avoids the typical power-dressing clichés like shoulder pads, large earrings, or pussy bows, resulting in a wardrobe that feels serious yet effortlessly chic.
This minimalist 90s aesthetic translates well into modern workplaces and remains versatile enough to transition into evening wear. It offers an alternative to more ostentatious fashion trends and emphasizes clarity and simplicity in personal style.
Lessons from Jess Cartner-Morley on adopting 90s minimalism
- Keep messaging simple: Avoid overcomplicating outfits with excessive accessories or loud colors.
- Focus on fit and edit: Invest time in finding well-fitting pieces and have the confidence to hold back on unnecessary additions.
- Be authentic: Dress in a way that feels natural and comfortable rather than copying someone else’s style exactly.
- Repeat key pieces: Don’t be afraid to wear the same simple items regularly to build a cohesive look.
- Minimal accessories: A pair of classic sunglasses and a simple phone can complete the look without overwhelming it.
While it is impossible to replicate Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s unique charisma or features, her style offers valuable lessons in minimalism and authenticity. Jess Cartner-Morley’s reflections suggest that there is still time to embrace this 90s minimalism trend inspired by Love Story, focusing on simplicity, fit, and personal confidence.