Gen Z’s obsession with the old money aesthetic
JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy have taken over social media with their chic, effortless looks
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was known for her signature minimalist look. (FX Networks)
Since the release of FX’s limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, the internet has once again fallen hard for the high-profile courtship between JFK Jr. and Bassette-Kennedy.
On platforms across the internet, creators are breaking down the pair’s effortless looks. What started as a niche fascination has quickly grown into a full-on revival of 1990s minimalism. From outfit recreations to guides on mastering their understated accessories, the late couple seems to have taken hold as the internet’s new wave of obsession.
It’s fair to say that part of the fascination stems from gen Z’s obsession with the “old money” aesthetic: tailored clothing that favours cashmere, classic pieces, and, most importantly, no logos — which pieces together the fixation on these two style icons.
Kennedy’s style continues to matter today because it was a balance of polished and effortless. Imagine chunky cable-knit sweaters, crisp white button-down shirts, and classic trench coats thrown together with ease. His secret weapon was arguably how he finished his looks — or, in other words, the “cherry on top.”
He often paired tailored pieces with something casual, like a worn basketball cap or a casual beanie. This gave his outfits a lived-in feel. On the surface, his outfits might have looked simple, but many basic pieces were custom Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani.
As for Bessette-Kennedy, she matched his energy flawlessly. She lived and breathed minimalism. With a signature look that included a tortoise shell headband, sleek sunglasses, and perfectly cut blue denim — nothing was flashy. It was strictly couture. She famously never accessorized with jewelry, often skipping it altogether.
Bessette-Kennedy’s wedding look was no exception. When she married JFK Jr., she wore a simple slip dress, paired with no jewelry.
Decades later, the couple’s aesthetic still feels as relevant as ever. It just goes to show that it was never about trends, but about smooth confidence. It’s no surprise so many are trying to capture that same energy.
The real question is, are you channeling your inner Bassette-Kennedy or JFK Jr. this year?
