Carolyn Bessette Kennedy is My 2026 Style Icon—5 Minimalist '90s Outfits I'm Recreating to Get Her Look
'90s minimalist outfits feel more stylish than ever and we can thank Carolyn Bessette Kennedy for the inspiration. Scroll on for five of my favourites.
We’re at a time when fashion feels like it’s moving increasingly faster and trends seem more fleeting than ever. The more I try to refine my personal style, the more I find myself looking backwards rather than at current trends. I have a minimalist style and favour timeless, classic, structured silhouettes and neutral palettes over bright, dopamine-inducing pieces. While I try to incorporate trends into my wardrobe, I always ensure they feel authentic to my personal style and will be pieces I will keep and love for years to come.
It’s undeniable that Carolyn Bessette Kennedy embodied an understated yet impeccable style that made even the simplest of outfits feel refined and stylish. She opted for more minimalist, capsule-wardrobe pieces yet managed to make them feel fresh and timeless: a crisp white shirt, sleek tailoring, black trousers, trench coats, and pencil skirts were the forefront of her style, and those elevated basics are what give her style icon status.
Personally, I’m becoming less interested in what's new and more interested in what works, and specifically for my own wardrobe, and I’ve concluded that a '90s minimalist outfit is the one for me (I guess it’s a good job that I’m a 90’s child.) This sort of aesthetic embodies quiet confidence rather than trend-led, and embodies the codes that Carolyn built her style on. True confidence in your style isn’t about having more and investing in every trend that comes along; it’s about curating a wardrobe of core pieces and knowing exactly what works.
In an effort to streamline my wardrobe and inspire yours, I’ve scoured my favourite Instagram set and found five 90s minimalist outfits for 2026 that would have been good enough for Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
'90s Minimalist Outfits 2026:
1. Crew Neck Jumper + Pencil Skirt + Mary-Jane Heels
Style Notes: A crew-neck jumper is an essential in any wardrobe, and as we descend into spring and the transitional weather period, there’s no reason why it has to be stowed away with your winter clothes. Pairing it with a pencil skirt and Mary-Jane heels feels refined and chic.
Shop the Look:
A cashmere jumper is such a good investment piece.
I never thought a pencil skirt would be on my wishlist.
Timeless and classic.
I adore DeMellier's Stockholm bags.
There's nothing quite like a good pair of sunnies.
2. White Shirt + Blue Jeans + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: A crisp white shirt is one thing I couldn’t be without in my wardrobe. Pairing it with blue jeans gives an elevated yet more casual outfit – for an every day look opt for a ballet flat, and to take it to a night-out look, opt for a pointed slingback and chic clutch bag.
Shop the Look:
WNU is my first stop when I'm in need of a new shirt.
I love the deep indigo wash of these jeans.
Simple yet so stylish.
A fashion-editor favourite.
There's no such thing as owning too many sunglasses.
3. Short Sleeve Knit + Camel Midi Skirt + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Black and camel is such a classic, timeless colour combo and a personal favourite of mine. A midi skirt paired with a short-sleeve knit is another transitional season outfit I’ll be incorporating into my wardrobe, and to make it feel more modern, I’d add a mesh ballet flat.
Shop the Look:
A great layering piece.
The missing piece in my wardrobe.
Loewe bags are so sought after for a reason.
This year I'm finally going to get myself a pair of mesh ballet flats, and have my eye on these.
A cat-eye is such a classic shape.
4. Trench Coat + Basic White T-Shirt + Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: For a spring wardrobe, there’s no better combination than a basic white t-shirt and a blue jean. To take inspiration from Carolyn, I’d opt for a straight-leg as opposed to a baggier style, and pair it with a heeled sandal to make it feel more elevated.
Shop the Look:
I've had my trench coat for years and it's easily my most worn item I own.
A baby tee is so 90s coded.
I love the styling of this entire look.
This is Salomé's exact bag and it has such a 90s minimalism feel to it.
Heeled thong sandals are so versatile and instantly elevate an outfit.
5. Cashmere Jumper + Maxi Skirt + Mules
Style Notes: All-black outfits are a regular of mine and Sylvie has given me inspiration for a new way to wear it. I don’t yet own a black maxi skirt, but after seeing this look, I will absolutely be investing in one. Mules are an absolute favourite of mine and I’m thrilled that the weather has warmed enough to bring them out again.
Shop the Look:
A basic black cashmere jumper will be a piece you'll wear for years to come.
A satin skirt is such a versatile piece and can be styled in so many ways.
A Déhance belt is currently on my wishlist.
The Maysale mules are one of Manolo Blahnik's most iconic styles.
Finish off your look with a simple silver ring to tie into the silver buckle on the belt.
