Gwyneth Paltrow recently drew inspiration from Carolyn Bessette Kennedy but replaced her '90s sandals with *this* shoe trend.
It’s quite a challenge to find an unflattering outfit on the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. She was one of those fashion icons whose personal style was not only highly polished but also felt inherently natural and genuine, making it work effortlessly, whether she was at a high-profile gala in New York City or walking her dog in Tribeca, where she resided with her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr. Nonetheless, she had some iconic looks that are still celebrated today—one particularly memorable ensemble being the white Versace Haute Couture coat dress from the Italian brand's spring 1999 collection, which she donned at the 1998 Fire & Ice Ball in Universal Studios Hollywood. The structured, floor-length gown featured a flattering boatneck, long sleeves, a high slit down the center, and a zipper running its full length. Made from white tweed, which added an element of surprise, the dress felt fresh and unique, and she accessorized it with her trademark red lipstick, a small black clutch, and simple black strappy sandals. It was unforgettable—so much so that I immediately recognized when Gwyneth Paltrow wore a reminiscent version of the boatneck dress 27 years later.
Last week, Paltrow was seen at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment dinner at The Beverly Hills Hotel, alongside notable figures like Dakota Johnson, Olivia Munn, and Andie MacDowell. For this occasion, she wore a white dress akin to CBK's, featuring the same boatneck, long sleeves, and tweed material. However, the zipper on Paltrow's dress, called the Freya dress from her Goop brand, only extended a quarter of the way down and was designed in a shorter cocktail length.
The most significant difference in their looks was in the styling. While Bessette Kennedy opted for minimalist '90s sandals and a subtle minaudière, Paltrow chose to make a statement with her accessories, particularly her shoes. The actress, who stars alongside Timothée Chalamet in Marty Supreme (set to release on December 25, 2025), paired her classic white dress with vibrant red pointed-toe pumps. Although they weren’t a subdued option, they offered a modern and festive flair to her outfit, fitting for the season. Below, you can shop Paltrow's exact dress from Gwyn (if you can find your size, as it’s selling out fast), along with more timeless boatneck dresses.
Shop Gwyneth's Dress
Shop Boatneck Dresses
MANGO
Fitted Sweater Dress
EAVES X Coco Norna
Polished Crepe Maxi Dress
Reformation
Benson Knit Dress
KBB by KAHLANA
The Boat Neck Micro Mini Dress
Proenza Schouler
Yara Stretch Column Dress
Gap
Lightweight Cashsoft Rib Maxi Sweater Dress
ZARA
50th Anniversary Short Dress
PROENZA SCHOULER
Romi Off-The-Shoulder Asymmetric Stretch-Knit Dress
Reformation
Rocky Knit Dress
ZARA
Belted Crepe Midi Dress
MANGO
Open-Back Knitted Dress
Proenza Schouler
Yara Stretch Column Dress
Reformation
Lucca Knit Dress
Other articles
Forget about sequins and pumps—this holiday party outfit worn by Margot Robbie is what we're adding to our mood boards instead.
I will copy it right away.
My friend requested suggestions for shoes, so I informed her that these heels pair well with dresses, jeans, and skirts.
That's my sole suggestion.
The 2025 Best Dressed List for Gen Z: Explore the Celebrities Shaping a Fresh Era of Fashion
From relaxed street style snapshots to glamorous red carpet appearances, these were the standout fashion moments of Gen Z in 2025.
Stylish Women Are Donning Grown-Out Bobs—Here’s My Approach to Styling My Own Transitional Cut.
Advice from experts and sources of motivation.
Chic women are embracing grown-out bobs—here’s how I’m styling my own mid-length cut.
Advice from experts and sources of inspiration.
Not Flats, Not Boots, Parisians Are Currently Repeatedly Wearing This Elegant Shoe Trend.
Always sophisticated.
Gwyneth Paltrow recently drew inspiration from Carolyn Bessette Kennedy but replaced her '90s sandals with *this* shoe trend.
A daring decision that proved beneficial.