The Resurgence of Bootcut Jeans: A Nod to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Enduring Style

This article delves into the enduring impact of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's distinctive fashion sense, particularly her embrace of bootcut jeans, and how her understated elegance continues to shape current style trends.\n

Embrace Timeless Elegance: The Enduring Allure of Understated Sophistication

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The Unwavering Influence of a Style Icon

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Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy remains a significant figure in the world of fashion, celebrated for more than just her notable public life and marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. Her signature minimalist aesthetic continues to captivate and inspire fashion enthusiasts as we head into 2025. This enduring appeal is particularly relevant with the upcoming Ryan Murphy series, American Love Story, where actress Sarah Pidgeon steps into the shoes of a woman whose style became synonymous with subtle luxury. Sunita Kumar Nair, author of CBK: A Life in Fashion, remarks on Bessette-Kennedy's approach, noting, "Her style wasn't overtly extravagant, yet it exuded luxury. The limited number of pieces she owned underscored her forward-thinking attitude. Her look conveyed a message of impeccable dressing in a masculine silhouette while maintaining her feminine essence. There was an absence of excessive adornment, patterns, or accessories, and it steered clear of ostentatious power dressing."

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The Genesis of Effortless Chic: Calvin Klein and the Perfectly Tailored Look

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Reflecting on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's fashion moments from the 1990s, her trajectory to becoming an advertising director at Calvin Klein seems entirely logical. Her inherent confidence allowed her to build a wardrobe around essential, perfectly tailored garments. Whether gracing occasions in a sleek slip dress, pairing a classic button-down with a flowing maxi skirt, or simply donning a T-shirt with jeans, she always exuded the effortless cool characteristic of a true New Yorker.

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The Enduring Appeal of the Bootcut Silhouette

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It's widely known that Bessette-Kennedy had a particular fondness for Levi's, with rumors suggesting her preferred model was the 517, celebrated for its 1970s-inspired bootcut flare. Whether on holiday in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, or navigating the bustling streets of Manhattan, it was common to see her sporting this classic denim cut, alongside other flared jean styles.

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Bootcut Jeans: A Resurgent Trend Rooted in Legacy

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Almost three decades later, the bootcut jean has re-emerged as a dominant fashion trend. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss, and more recently, Bella Hadid, have been spotted sporting this silhouette. The style's popularity dramatically surged following Kendrick Lamar's appearance at the Super Bowl in January 2025, where his bootcut Celine jeans captured global attention, prompting widespread demand for similar styles.

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Curated Selection: Modern Bootcut Styles Inspired by a Legend

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Discover a curated collection of bootcut jeans, ideally suited for the autumn season, each piece reflecting the timeless and sophisticated style championed by Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.