The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend.

The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend.

      Defying expectations, and after some questionable fashion choices last summer (which have since been rectified), Ryan Murphy's Love Story has become a genuine success. This series, which depicts the romance between Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr., has sparked an unexpected revival of '90s minimalism. It seems a new generation has just unearthed Bessette Kennedy's iconic style. A quick scroll through social media will confirm this: numerous fashion enthusiasts are attempting to capture the essence of her distinctive aesthetic.

      What truly made Bessette Kennedy's style remarkable was its authenticity. She maintained a consistent look and dressed in a manner that felt genuine to her personality. She ignored trends and was unconcerned with public opinion, donning brands like Yohji Yamamoto and Prada before they gained mainstream appeal. Therefore, one cannot simply wear a basic black turtleneck and trousers and declare oneself as embodying CBK. Her style encompasses much more than that. However, I would suggest that the simplest way to channel her spirit is through her choice of handbags.

      Carolyn favored understated black top-handle bags, frequently from Prada. In today's world of It-bag obsession, where certain bags gain fame (often resulting in saturation), she offers valuable lessons on prioritizing timeless pieces over fleeting trends. Her handbags complemented all her outfits due to their simplicity and ease of styling. You could tell that Bessette Kennedy truly used them, which added to her authenticity as a fashion icon. Recently, while wandering through New York, I spotted many flashy vintage bags and trendy luxury bags on the arms of stylish women, from Brooklyn to Uptown. Yet, I observed that an increasing number of chic individuals, myself included, were gravitating toward simple black top-handle bags. After the release of Love Story, I decided to purchase a basic black Prada tote from the '90s featuring long, slim straps with small silver buckles. While my style differs greatly from CBK's, I channeled her energy in this small way: by wearing something I adore and can repeatedly use. I can assure you this is the trend among the fashionable women in New York right now, and it’s the best approach to reinterpret her look in a more genuine way rather than a direct imitation.

      Shop the CBK-inspired top-handle bag trend:

      Celine

      Teen Nino Bag in Supple Grained Calfskin

      Veronica Beard

      Dash Leather Clutch Bag

      Tory Burch

      Petite Lee Radziwill Double Bag

      Anthropologie

      Melie Bianco Lana Shoulder Bag

      Free People

      We the Free Baby Emerson Tote Bag

      Miu Miu

      Shiny Leather Top Handle Bag

      Free People

      Sierra Suede Shoulder Bag

      Reformation

      Camille Shoulder Bag

      Reformation

      Peppa Top Handle

      Prada

      Large Leather Tote Bag

      Prada

      Bonnie Leather Mini Top Handle Bag

      Miu Miu

      Shiny Leather Top-Handle Bag

      Jacquemus

      Black La Croisière Turismo Bag

The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend. The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend.

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The It Girls of Downtown New York have made their voices heard: they are continually sporting Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's favorite bag trend.

I just can't get enough of it.