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Nearly three decades after her untimely death aged 33, Carolyn Bessette has become a fashion icon to a whole new generation of women thanks to hit Disney+ drama Love Story, portraying her high-profile marriage to John F Kennedy Jr.
The American fashion publicist’s wardrobe was filled with Prada clothes, a Birkin and stylish trench coats and bandeau dresses from designer brands.
But as ‘Carolyn fever’ takes over the British High Street, fashionistas can recreate her effortlessly chic and minimalist look for a much more affordable price.
Those wanting to embrace Carolyn’s signature style need look no further than H&M, John Lewis and M&S’s 90s edits.
Standout items include M&S Tapered Ankle Grazer Trousers, priced at £30, as well as John Lewis’s Single Breasted Wool Blend Coat.
Carolyn’s gilded life came to an end in July 1999 in a plane crash that also killed her husband JFK Jr and her sister Lauren.
But the golden couple’s romance is back in the spotlight as their tragic tale is explored in the Ryan Murphy-produced, nine-part series Love Story. Starring Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon, the popular drama’s finale released on March 26.
Black trousers
Black trousers were a classic staple of Carolyn’s elegant wardrobe – and for those inspired by the American, the highgate ponte trousers from Boden are a great choice for just £79.
They come in sizes 4 to 22, and you can even decide if you want petite, regular or long.
Meanwhile, the tapered ankle-grazer trousers from M&S are a cheaper alternative. Again, you can pick if you want extra short, short/petite, regular, extra long or long. Sizes six to 24 are still available on the store’s website.
Mango’s straight-cut crop trousers are stylish and definitely worth the money, as they are priced at just £29.99.
But you better be quick as there are only sizes 8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 left in stock online.
Cos’s slim-leg cropped trousers are on the pricier side (£75), but totally worth the investment.
Nobody’s Child’s black cigarette trousers are currently on sale after their price was slashed from £85 to £68. And buyers can pick if they want petite/regular with sizes 6 to 14, which are still available.
H&M’s tapered tailored trousers are the cheapest option priced at just £17. Another great option are the smart ankle trousers from Uniqlo at just £34.90.
Alternatively Karen Millen’s essential techno woven trouser (£79.00) make for a great investment.
Black coat
No wardrobe would be complete without a black coat for the winter and Carolyn was pictured in plenty of those.
The single-breasted wool blend coat in black from John Lewis is currently reduced to clear – so you better get your skates on. Sizes 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 are still available on their site.
And the price is the best bit about it! It was originally £129, and now the coat is priced at £64.
The tie-belt wool coat from & Other Stories is a good alternative, however you have to be quick, because the website states that there are only a few left.
The jacket will cost you £229, but totally worth the investment, as you can wear it every winter, plus it will go with everything.
The long blazer from H&M is also on offer. It is now priced at £55.25, but it was originally £64.99.
Phase Eight’s maya fitted crepe coat only has sizes 12, 14 and 16 left. It was originally £269, but it’s now £129.
The friends like these black tailored maxi length single button coat has proven to be quite popular on the Next website (£79). The coat is nearly all sold out and only sizes 18, 20 and 22 are left.
Bandeau dress
And what would go well with the black coat is a simple LBD that oozes style.
The black satin bandeau arden maxi dress from Nobody’s Child is currently on sale at £99.
Something very similar to that is the amdra dress from Omnes, which is just £10 cheaper at £89.
But Coast’s bandeau fitted crepe fishtail maxi dress is slightly different to the two above.
The dress is on the more expensive side at £99, but gives an elegant look.
Although Club L’s black and white bandeau maxi dress with scarf detail is also slightly different to Carolyn’s original look, it’s totally stunning.
The white scarf makes the dress stand out, giving it an embellished flourish compared to a plain LBD.
Priced at £95 on their website, only sizes 12, 14 and 16 are left.
H&M’s draped bandeau dress is one of the cheapest options at just £23.09.
It was originally £32.99.
But Zara’s bandeau lining dress is just 22.99.
White shirt
A white shirt can be worn with so many other items in your wardrobe, making it a piece of clothing that you should get your hands on.
The pure cotton collared relaxed shirt for £50 from M&S is a great option.
The White Company’s cotton boyfriend T-shirt is pricier at £120, but gives a sophisticated look.
Meanwhile the Oxford shirt from H&M is worth the money at just £17.
And there are plenty of sizes left – XS all the way to 4XL.
Nobody’s Child’s linen-blend shirt would be great for the summer when it’s a little hotter and you want to wear something cool.
It’s currently on sale and you would have to part ways with £52.
Cos’s relaxed cotton shirt is another great look, but on the pricier side of £75.
Boden’s Sadie relaxed cotton shirt is the same price and can be bought in petite or regular.
Sizes 4 to 22 are available online.
Phase Eight’s white cotton oversized shirt was originally £79, but it’s now £49 and sizes 10, 12, 14 and 16 are still in stock.
Next’s fitted stretch essential long-sleeve shirt can also be bought in regular or petite.
There are still plenty of sizes online, and you can even buy a single, two-pack or a fuller bust set.
It is reasonably priced at £18.50.
The trench coat
This Spring, a light car coat would be the perfect item to add to your wardrobe.
The pure cotton car coat from M&S, priced at £70, is definitely something that Carolyn would have worn.
Paired with some denim jeans, a black jumper and some oval sunglasses would make it the perfect outfit.
The camel check trim trench coat from Nobody’s Child is another perfect alternative.
But it is more expensive at £169.
But you will have to get your skates on if you want one because sizes XS and S are the only ones left.
The double-breasted trench coat from & Other Stories is the same price.
Mango’s long double-breasted trench coat is a cheaper option at just under £100, but again, only XXL sizes are left.
Levi’s bree classic long trench coat currently has 30 per cent off, making it an absolute steal priced at £119 – and luckily all sizes are in stock.
Hobbs’ skylar trench coat is £219, but can be picked from the petite or regular range.
