It's clear that some women don't need much to become timeless icons. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is one of them. Amid a new wave of '90s nostalgia, fueled by the hit TV series “American Love Story,” her name has once again become synonymous with elegance and impeccable taste.
From her time as a PR executive at Calvin Klein to her years alongside John F. Kennedy Jr., she built an aesthetic based on clean silhouettes, a no-nonsense foundation, and a minimalism that is now seen as the purest object of desire. The effortless and natural line encompassed her entire universe, where beauty (or rather, her hair) was central. It's no surprise that among the moodboards that are now bringing her style back into focus, it's her hair that has taken center stage once again, and has every chance of completely defining the trends of 2026.
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Loose hair with volume at the roots
When it comes to hairstyles that dominated the '90s, the flawless blowout is almost inevitable. To frame her most iconic looks, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy often opted for loose hair with volume at the roots. This style is easy to recreate with a round brush and a blow dryer. And it still garners the same rave reviews today as it did back then.
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Low ponytail (with or without a hoop)
True to her minimalist nature, she often appeared with a low, slightly sloppy ponytail. Unlike the trends that later crowned the perfectly smooth clean look bun with lots of gel, her hair looked as effortless as possible. The secret is to maintain the natural texture and gather the hair at the nape of the neck. If necessary, you can add a tortoiseshell hoop to take the look to the next level. Just like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy did.
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Relaxed bun without parting
And finally, her signature look: a loose bun with no parting. No matter the occasion, she turned to its versatility and the effortless elegance that defined her entire style. She often paired it with red lipstick and understated makeup, proving that you don't need to go overboard to stand out. It's 90s minimalism at its purest.
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Based on material from: Vogue.mx