Emulate Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style with these 8 Scandinavian brands

You would have to be living under a rock to miss the cultural shift currently underway with the release of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. Merely four episodes in, the series has reignited an obsession with the life, the romance, and most importantly, the inimitable style of Carolyn Bessette, the former Calvin Klein publicist who became American royalty.

Bessette has long been a fixture on Pinterest and moodboards, her minimalistic, effortlessly elegant style making her the ultimate beacon of 1990s fashion. Now, a new generation is discovering her allure and bringing it into the 21st century. While many brands offer the pieces needed to attain her aesthetic - a crisp white shirt, perfect denim, black flip-flops, or a slip dress - it is safe to say that Scandinavian brands often do it best. After all, what is our region known for if not refined minimalism?

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Below, discover the eight Scandinavian brands ideal for recreating the quietly magnificent style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

Could any brand be more Bessette-coded than Toteme? The Swedish label shares the American publicist's penchant for crisp minimalism and effortlessly elevated lines. Favouring the same muted palette - a foundation of black punctuated by cream, white, or brown accents - it is the quintessential brand for channeling Bessette's iconic style.

Finnish label Almada perfects the art of understated elegance, offering a minimalist aesthetic with a compelling edge that is as Bessette-esque as can be. It's the ideal choice for those who favour a refined, pared-back look but crave subtle distinction. Detail is key, revealed in structures, a carefully twisted back, a precise seam, or an exquisite drape, a sensibility we believe is entirely Carolyn-approved.

When it comes to footwear that channels the spirit of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the Italian-Swedish label ATP Atelier is arguably the most fitting choice. Bessette-Kennedy's signature shoes were impeccably clean, crisp, and predominantly black. Beyond her off-duty Havaianas, the style icon was almost exclusively seen in classic penny loafers, delicate strappy sandals, or heeled boots, typically rendered in black or a rich tan. To truly nail her aesthetic, a key detail is to embrace the bare ankle: she was famously never seen wearing socks with her sophisticated ensembles.

The cornerstone of any polished wardrobe, regardless of whether it channels Bessette's iconic style, is a strong foundation of quality basics, a domain where Asket excels. Simple tees and shirts, typically in stark black or white, were a signature element of the maven's look, often neatly tucked into a tailored skirt or worn effortlessly loose over denim. To find a denim pairing that rivals the Bassette standard, Asket's loose or slim-fit jeans provide the quintessential silhouette.

While Bessette's enduringly iconic frames were sourced from New York's Selima Optique (the exact model, now aptly named 'Carolyn', is still available), look no further than Swedish label Chimi for a perfect contemporary iteration. Finding the right oval frame can be a challenge, but Chimi's varied silhouettes ensure there is a flawless match for every face shape.

COS is the high-street holy grail for anyone aiming to replicate Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's minimalistic aesthetic. From silk scarves to refined corduroy pieces, the brand offers every building block needed to channel her style. Crucially, their perennial collection of high-quality basics is an absolute necessity for any Bessette-inspired wardrobe.

Herskind offers the perfect entry point for those looking to infuse a touch of Bessette into their contemporary wardrobe. The Danish brand masters clean silhouettes that echo the style maven's signature '90s aesthetic, but with an intriguing modern edge. Shirts feature clever details, like a discrete popper for styling versatility, and the beloved Bessette slip dress is given a playful update with subtle detailing at the bust. And, of course, no tribute would be complete without the nod to her iconic lightweight cardigan, often looped loosely around the neck as an effortlessly chic mock scarf - a crucial detail for capturing her enduring elegance.

No Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy look is truly finished without her signature tortoiseshell headband. While the exact one she wore can still be found at C.O. Bigelow in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, Scandinavian style savants need not despair. By Barb offers a pitch-perfect, CBK-inspired collection to complete the minimalist-chic aesthetic.