Politics, Power & Pop Culture: The Return of ’90s Minimalism
NYC via Elle
A client recently sent me style inspiration from the new docuseries Love Story: JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, and naturally, I pressed play.
What unfolds is not only an intimate portrait of their relationship, but a reminder of the quiet power that defined late ’80s and ’90s fashion — effortlessly edgy, sharply monochromatic, and impossibly refined.
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s wardrobe wasn’t loud. It didn’t beg for attention. It held it.
One thing we all appreciate about Carolyn is that effortless yet slightly edgy downtown New York energy that simply screamed IDGAF — but in the most controlled, intelligent way.
Her aesthetic wasn’t loud. It wasn’t trend-driven. It was assured.
Iconic not because she was trying to be, but because she was empowered and confident. She wasn’t selling clothing — she was embodying an attitude. A way of life.
Menswear tailoring thrown over a silky black slip dress. Sharp lines softened by bare skin. Masculine structure paired with feminine ease.
It was never about the outfit. It was about the woman wearing it. And that’s exactly why it still resonates today.
“There’s power in restraint. In mystery. In knowing your value. After all, it’s better to be adored than enamored.”
And then there’s the other side of the ’90s spectrum.
Think Daryl Hannah — giving pure Chloé boho chic energy. A flowy floral slip dress, long blonde locks undone, a camel suede fringe trench, oversized tortoise-shell sunnies, all paired back to effortlessly cool, knee-high vintage boots.
It’s romantic. It’s undone. It feels instinctive rather than styled.
And it’s exactly what we’re seeing resurface — from the runways straight into our walk-ins.
These aren’t fast fashion moments. They’re investment pieces.
I like to call them hero pieces — because that’s exactly what they do. They carry the look. They elevate everything around them. And they stay in your wardrobe for years, not seasons.
But let’s not forget Jackie.
Hermès silk scarves tied into perfectly sculpted bows. Oversized, ’70s-inspired aviators shielding her gaze. A classic Burberry trench layered over head-to-toe camel monochrome.
She understood diplomacy in dressing.
Every look was intentional. Appropriate. Impeccably timed. Whether stepping off Air Force One or walking through Manhattan, she dressed for the moment — but never for approval.
There was polish without stiffness. Femininity without fragility.
She didn’t follow fashion. She defined it.
And in many ways, that quiet mastery of image is exactly what continues to shape the return of American minimalism today.
That’s the difference between trend and legacy.
And as we move into spring, that same restraint is returning — from screen to street.
Let’s review the trends we’ll see everywhere this season.
Monochrome Minimalism
Head-to-toe black. Soft ivory. Camel on camel. The power is in the purity.
Think streamlined silhouettes, clean tailoring, and zero over-styling. A sleek black column dress, a perfectly cut wool coat, or a bias slip paired with simple heels.
The takeaway: Choose one color. Commit.
The Slip Dress Revival
Understated, sensual, and impossibly chic.
The ’90s bias-cut slip is back — styled with oversized blazers, minimalist sandals, or sleek kitten heels. No embellishment. No distraction.
Less fabric. More intention.
Oversized Tailoring
Relaxed blazers. Broad shoulders. Menswear trousers with movement.
The silhouette is strong but not aggressive — structured yet fluid. The key is proportion: elongated lines and subtle masculinity balanced with softness.
Borrowed, but refined.
Sleek Accessories
Structured top-handle bags. Slim leather belts. Minimal gold hoops.
Nothing oversized. Nothing logo-heavy. The mood is discreet luxury — investment pieces that whisper.
Polished, not performative.
Barely-There Beauty
Glossy hair. Neutral makeup. Natural skin.
The aesthetic rejects excess. The glow comes from restraint — not contouring.
Effortless is the goal.
This is not maximalism. This is not trend-stacking. This is controlled confidence — the kind that doesn’t need to prove itself. Spring 2026 will feel quieter. Cleaner. More intentional. And frankly? We’re ready for it. 🤍