Gwyneth Paltrow recently embodied the style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, but replaced her '90s sandals with *this* shoe trend.
It’s quite challenging to find a less-than-stellar outfit on the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. She was one of those fashion figures whose personal style was both highly polished and yet effortlessly authentic, making her looks work in any setting, whether she was attending a prestigious gala in New York City or simply walking her dog in Tribeca, where she lived with her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr. However, she certainly had some memorable outfits that remain iconic to this day—one notable look being the white Versace Haute Couture coat dress from the brand's spring 1999 collection, which she wore to the 1998 Fire & Ice Ball at Universal Studios Hollywood. This floor-length, structured gown featured several standout elements, such as a flattering boatneck, long sleeves, a high center slit, and a zipper that ran the entire length of the dress. Crafted from white tweed, this choice of material was just unconventional enough to feel fresh and distinct. She completed the ensemble with her trademark red lipstick, a small black clutch, and simple black strappy sandals. Unforgettable—so it was noticeable when Gwyneth Paltrow donned a similar version of the boatneck dress 27 years later.
Last week, Paltrow was spotted at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment dinner at The Beverly Hills Hotel, alongside personalities like Dakota Johnson, Olivia Munn, and Andie MacDowell. For the occasion, she wore a dress that closely resembled CBK's, featuring the same boatneck, long sleeves, and tweed fabric. However, the zipper on Paltrow's version, named the Freya dress from her own Goop line called Gwyn, only extended a quarter of the way down, and the dress had a more cocktail-appropriate length.
The most significant difference between their styles lay in the accessories. While Bessette Kennedy opted for minimalist '90s sandals and a discreet minaudière, Paltrow went for bold accessories, particularly in her choice of shoes. The actress, who stars alongside Timothée Chalamet in Marty Supreme (set to release on December 25, 2025), paired her classic white dress with bright-red pointed-toe pumps. While not subtle, they certainly added a contemporary and festive flair to her look, given the season. Below, you can shop Paltrow's exact dress from Gwyn (if you can find it in your size, as it’s selling out fast), along with more timeless boatneck dresses.
Shop Gwyneth's Dress
Shop Boatneck Dresses
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Gwyneth Paltrow recently embodied the style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, but replaced her '90s sandals with *this* shoe trend.
A daring decision that proved to be successful.
