The wait is over—the first few episodes of Ryan Murphy’s limited FX series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette have been released. Although the series has garnered plenty of attention regarding early production, storyline, and the ensemble cast—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
Since Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy has been an enduring style icon since the ’90s, her fashion legacy was most important to protect. After our first viewing, it’s safe to say 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 the very first few episodes, 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 will be watching the nine-part series weekly and updating often.
Making an Entrance
In Love Story, Calvin Klein introduces Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. at a benefit for the Amazon rainforest in 1992. We’re not entirely sure if this is fact or fiction (many believe that the pair actually met in the showroom at Calvin Klein when she was fitting him for a suit, which the show highlights later on), but what we can confirm is that Bessette-Kennedy loved to wear a slinky black dress for the evening. The one chosen for the series nods to a famous strapless version that Bessette-Kennedy wore to a gala later down the timeline, and although shown bare on screen, we’d take notes from her roster of accessories—including strappy pointed pumps, opera-length gloves, and a boxy clutch—to recreate the feel of the look for today.