Carolyn Bessette Kennedy vs. Carrie Bradshaw: Whose Iconic New Yorker Style Matches Yours This Summer?

      A few months back, I penned an article exploring whether New Yorkers had become the 'new' French girls. In the piece, I suggested that the significant interest in '90s minimalism, spurred by the hit TV show Love Story, which showcased the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her spouse John F. Kennedy Jr., inspired an aesthetic among fashion insiders in the city that resembled what we typically associate with French women. Regardless of whether you see a replacement happening, the rise of a fashion movement embracing Carolyn’s '90s minimalism and French girl style is undeniable. Every New York influencer, stylist, and editor I followed on Instagram seemed to embody a similar disregard for trends, committed to a timeless, neutral capsule wardrobe filled with pillbox hats, frog clasp closures, and silk scarf belts that radiated an effortless elegance at all times. The show debuted in early 2026, right on the heels of the peak of quiet luxury and revived a renewed appreciation for classic dressing that aligned with the minimalist ideals it referenced.

      Countless publications, Substack writers, and online commentators reported on the explosive influence of ‘CBK style’ in womenswear earlier this year. Every high street collection and marketing newsletter featured the catchphrase “Get the Carolyn Bessette look.” This was completely justifiable, as Carolyn’s wardrobe—which consisted largely of knee-length skirts, white shirts, Levi 501s, minimalist tailoring, and dresses from Prada and her employer Calvin Klein—was exquisitely elegant. Sarah Pidgeon, who portrayed Carolyn in the series, further fueled this frenzy by adopting her understated, yet highly impactful '90s aesthetic, even dyeing her hair to match a specific shade of blonde.

      However, as the series wrapped up just in time for spring, the eagerly awaited spring/summer 2026 designer collections were unveiled. While these collections contained hints of quiet luxury and minimalism, they overall showcased a contrasting direction. Bottega Veneta introduced texture! Dior featured ruffles and tulle! Chanel presented sequins, florals, feathers, and much more! Maximalism was finally back on the table. Minimalists weren’t necessarily abandoning their all-black ensembles right away, but a noticeable shift occurred, paving the way for a more experimental, eclectic, and vibrant wardrobe—one reminiscent of another impeccably dressed New Yorker sharing the same initials; Carrie Bradshaw.

      Carrie Bradshaw’s style, portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker and crafted by costume designer Patricia Field, is iconic. A long-time supporter of Manolo Blahnik shoes and the individual responsible for making the Fendi Baguette the first It Bag, viewers of Sex and the City knew each episode would bring unexpected sartorial choices. From the John Galliano newspaper dress to her ‘naked’ DKNY slip bus ride, not to mention the tulle skirt featured in the intro, Carrie championed many of today’s most polarizing comeback trends—Capri pants (even in camo), crop tops, bandanas, tube tops, and exposed bras (always with the exposed bra!). Carrie embraced it all, usually in heels, and always looking—as she would describe it—fabulous.

      As we find ourselves deep in summer 2026, a glance around the streets or in your office wouldn’t suggest it. I would estimate around 90% of women dress in a manner reminiscent of one of these two iconic '90s New York figures. Today's Carrie Bradshaws (CB) are diving into mermaidcore color palettes, likely enjoying a Pucci summer, and undoubtedly splurging on reedition designer bags like the Saint Laurent Mombasa, Gucci Indy, Fendi Baguette, or Chloe Paddington. Meanwhile, the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (CBK) crowd leans toward contemporary luxury brands such as Toteme, Khaite, and The Row, sporting tailored skirt suits, tank tops paired with jeans and thong wedge sandals, often accessorized with Celine sunglasses and a black headband for good measure.

      Of course, there are overlaps in their styles—some of Carrie’s most beloved outfits were surprisingly understated (like the white bias-cut silk dress she wore when seeing Big at his engagement party at The Plaza), making it an interesting endeavor to draw comparisons. It goes deeper than merely minimalist vs maximalist, or timeless versus trendy. On one side, Carolyn wore a uniform, while attempting to create a uniform for Carrie would result in a tailored mini skirt adorned with a Tory Burch brooch. Carrie’s appeal came from her effort (who else wears heels with athletic shorts for a dog walk?), while Carolyn's allure stemmed from her effortless cool.

      Before you assert that New York style can’t be distilled down to just these two women or that I’m overlooking other well-dressed NYC celebrities like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Chloe Sevigny, and Zoe Kravitz—I'm aware, but they didn’t possess the same '