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Fashion publicist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy became a style icon in the 1990s, to the point of rivaling Princess Diana in impact.
They both married royalty, one literally and the other figuratively; They both died tragically young and both knew how to dress casually.
So it’s no surprise that Carolyn’s style, which also had a place in the political world given that she was the wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., inspired Meghan.
The Duchess of Sussex shared her admiration for Carolyn long before she married Prince Harry, describing Carolyn’s Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress as “all objective” and using it as inspiration for her own.
This minimalist aesthetic and refined simplicity are clearly reflected in the Duchess of Sussex’s fashion choices.
In recent days, supporters of the Duchess of Sussex have declared that she is “heading to the White House” following her presidential-style visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry.
Experts have highlighted that he could be just a few steps away from the presidency of the United States, so his style will be a crucial weapon if he leans into politics.
As becomes clear below, on numerous occasions Meghan has channeled particular outfits worn by Carolyn, who died alongside her husband in a plane crash in 1999, at the height of her fame.
Apparently, Meghan used Carolyn’s dress as one of her inspirations when choosing her dress. Above: With Prince Harry after his wedding ceremony inside St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy marries JFK Jnr in a Narciso Rodríguez wedding dress
White shirt and long skirt.
In early 2019, Meghan attended the Endeavor Fund Awards wearing an outfit straight out of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s look book.
The duchess, who was pregnant with her son Archie at the time, paired a white Givenchy button-down shirt with a floor-length black skirt.
It was strikingly similar to the look worn by Carolyn to a charity gala in March 1999.
The former publicist tucked a white men’s shirt, with the top buttons undone like Meghan’s, into a long black skirt with a ruffled hem, both designed by Yohji Yamamoto.
In early 2019, Meghan attended the Endeavor Fund Awards wearing an outfit straight out of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s look book. The duchess, who was pregnant with her son Archie at the time, paired a white Givenchy button-down shirt with a floor-length black skirt. It was strikingly similar to the look worn by Carolyn to a charity gala in March 1999.
Ripped jeans
For her first official public appearance as Prince Harry’s girlfriend in 2017, Meghan kept it casual in ripped Mother jeans and a crisp white Misha Nonoo oxford.
A white button-down shirt is universally considered a wardrobe staple, but it turns out the item was also one of Carolyn’s favorites.
He dressed up for Labor Day in 1996 in a similar oversized shirt with rolled-up sleeves, ripped jeans, messy hair, and sunglasses.
For her first official public appearance as Prince Harry’s girlfriend, Meghan kept it casual in ripped Mother jeans and a crisp white Misha Nonoo oxford. Meanwhile, Carolyn dressed up for Labor Day in 1996 in a similar oversized shirt with rolled-up sleeves, ripped jeans, messy hair, and sunglasses.
Camel Skirt
For her first royal event after her engagement to Harry was announced, Meghan paid tribute to an outfit Carolyn wore in an equally crucial public moment.
For her first royal event after her engagement to Harry was announced, Meghan paid tribute to an outfit Carolyn wore in an equally crucial public moment. Carolyn wore her look in 1996 while she appeared with her husband JFK Jr. outside her Tribeca apartment after her own wedding.
The looks may be more than two decades apart, but the basics are there: a black sweater, a camel midi skirt, and knee-high boots.
Carolyn wore her look in 1996 while appearing with her husband JFK Jr. outside their Tribeca apartment after their own wedding.
Meghan chose a Joseph and Kurt Geiger skirt to seemingly echo Carolyn’s look.
Asymmetrical neckline
Another way Meghan Markle channels Carolyn is through her choice of sophisticated dresses that combine simplicity with a modern twist.
In 2018 she wore the Black Halo ‘Jackie O’ dress named after Carolyn’s mother-in-law, 1960s style icon and former US first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
It featured the same asymmetrical neckline as the dress Carolyn wore to the White House in 1998.
Meghan wearing a Jackie O’ dress in 2018 is a small indication of her obsession with Kennedy clan fashion.
Black t-shirt and jeans.
Accessories play a crucial role in establishing the fashion parallel between the two icons.
Like Carolyn, Meghan often dresses in classic basics, like at the 2023 Invictus Games, when she opted for a J Crew top and Frame skinny jeans.
The look was similar to Carolyn’s denim and T-shirt combo when she was spotted walking her dog shortly after their honeymoon in 1996.
Accessories play a crucial role in establishing the fashion parallel between the two icons. Like Carolyn, Meghan often dresses in classic pieces, like at the 2023 Invictus Games, when she opted for a J Crew top and Frame skinny jeans (left). Her look was similar to Carolyn’s denim and T-shirt combo when she was seen walking her dog shortly after their honeymoon in 1996.
Carolyn was known for her minimalist approach to accessories, often seen with simple gold hoops or a delicate chain necklace.
Meghan does the same, often opting for understated jewelry that complements her outfits without overwhelming them.
He seems to share with Carolyn the style philosophy that, without a doubt, less is more.
Monochrome
Meghan also channels Carolyn in her love of monochromatic ensembles.
Carolyn was frequently seen in all-black or white outfits and Meghan took a similar approach.
She often opts for monochrome looks that are both sophisticated and modern.
When she launched her Smart Works charity collection in 2019, Meghan’s Jigsaw pants and Misha Nonoo shirt were reminiscent of Carolyn’s outfit at Hyannis Port in 1998.
When she launched her Smart Works charity collection in 2019, Meghan’s Jigsaw pants and Misha Nonoo shirt were reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy’s ensemble in Hyannis Port in 1998.
Strapless
Markle’s preference for strapless, off-the-shoulder dresses is another nod to Carolyn’s influence.
Both women prefer sleek, polished dresses that emphasize structure and shape.
For a 2016 appearance, Meghan dressed in Cedric Charlier, echoing Carolyn’s gala look at the Municipal Arts Society in 1998.
Markle’s preference for strapless, off-the-shoulder dresses is another nod to Bessette-Kennedy’s influence. For a 2016 appearance, Meghan dressed in Cedric Charlier, echoing Carolyn’s gala look at the Municipal Arts Society in 1998.
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