The Truth About Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s Style (It’s Not the Clothes)

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is everywhere again but the conversation around her style often misses what actually made it so compelling in the first place.I sit down with writer and repeat guest Larissa Mills to talk about the frenzy surrounding CBK right now, from the new Love Story series on FX and Hulu to the endless stream of content promising you can dress like her if you just buy the right boots, coat, or sunglasses. Together, we unpack what people are getting wrong about Carolyn’s style, and why it was never really just about the clothes.In this conversation, we get into:The Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy style revival happening right nowWhat people are getting wrong when they try to copy CBK’s lookWhat it was actually like to live in New York during the Carolyn eraWhether Carolyn was seen as a style icon in real time — or became one laterWhy her style felt powerful because of her aura, confidence, and restraintHow social media and overconsumption have changed the way we approach personal styleThe difference between being inspired by someone’s wardrobe and replicating itWhy repetition, discernment, and editing are the real keys to great personal styleHow to take inspiration from Carolyn’s wardrobe without losing your own point of viewThe brands, silhouettes, and styling tools we’d use to channel the spirit of CBK in a more personal wayTimestamps 05:00  CBK resurgence, Love Story and the social media frenzy07:00  Why “dressing like Carolyn” misses the point of her style09:00  Larissa Mills on personal style and impenetrable taste10:00  What women were actually wearing in NYC during the CBK era12:00  90s minimalism, Calvin Klein, and the “uniform” of the time14:00  Was Carolyn a style icon in real time—or did that come later?17:00  The role of aura, presence, and her relationship with JFK Jr.20:00  Why CBK’s style felt powerful beyond just the clothes23:00  The difference between copying vs. embodying personal style26:00  Overconsumption, the internet, and losing individuality in fashion29:00  How to build personal style through repetition and restraint32:00  Tailoring, fit, and the reality of making clothes work for you34:00  Heels vs. flats and the practicality of everyday dressing36:00  Breaking fashion “rules” and wearing what you actually love38:00  Editing your wardrobe and developing discernment40:00  Signature pieces, silhouettes, and building a personal uniform42:00  Why you’ll never be CBK and why that’s the point43:00  Introducing “Let’s Get You Dressed” (listener styling segment)Follow Larissa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larissamills/Let’s Get DressedYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livvperezInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/letsgetdressedpod/Newsletter: https://substack.com/@livvperezLiv Perez Instagram: www.instagram.com/livvperezTikTok: www.tiktok.com/livv.perezShopMy: https://shopmy.us/livvperez Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.