We’re All Obsessed With CBK — But I Didn’t Survive a New York Winter to Dress in Black and White

My POV on the Carolyn Bessette effect — and why spring deserves more personality (and color). Embrace the decade of your time!!!

I know we’re all currently obsessed with CBK (Carolyn Bessette Kennedy), the love tragedy (oh sorry, story), her minimalist ’90s, CK-coded aesthetic — but I have to be honest: this phenomenon is on the verge of becoming its own caricature.

“CBK core”

First of all, this is just how people dressed in the ’90s. The examples are endless. And like I often say about Zendaya — or any other attractive, tall, slender woman — it’s actually quite hard to make them look bad.

I wonder: if CBK had been deeply into 17th-century–inspired dressing, would we all be romanticizing lace collars right now, and would the associated brands be enjoying their day in the PR sun?

While I appreciate the quiet power of black-and-white minimalism, I didn’t survive a New York winter just to emerge into April dressed like February never ended.

Spring, to me, should feel like relief — a loosening, a return to personality. Not uniform dressing disguised as good taste.

And while we’re all busy obsessing over CBK minimalism, I can’t help but wonder why Jackie O — arguably one of the greatest masters of personal style — isn’t a bigger part of this conversation.

Here are a few outfits — and a few cool girl/mom pieces — to consider as we all breathe in the fresh air of spring (soon to be known as pollen season).

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Minimalism has its place — but spring always asks for a little more personality

A perfectly soft grey polo, white pants that show you know what's what, and a YSL-inspired thong heel (you're going to see it on everyone). This tote is perfection, whether for work or as a mom on the go, and the long pendant necklace is an absolute must-have for this season — trust me on this. Another great option here. Oversized sunnies — you can't talk about Jackie and not have these in here.

Early dinner with this bag is all I’m thinking about. These sandals from Khaite are chef’s kiss, and I can’t wait to try them on. A white tee, statement earrings (not that this bag needs any help conveying character), and you're good to go.

I found the perfect V-neck from the brand all the cool moms are wearing, paired with a show-stopper clutch and Madewell sunglasses that look designer.

New Chanel denim flats, a Toteme bag, a classic boat-neck tee, and oversized Celines — proof that the right basics do most of the heavy lifting.

As easy as it gets: jeans, a polo, Dries Van Noten sunglasses, an Alex Mill tote for the win, and the perfect understated suede sneakers.

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