The Tamesis
The first time I really paid close attention to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s accessories was when I decided to create a vintage collection inspired by the shoes and bags she wore. One piece in particular stands out: a photo of her entering a Tribeca apartment wearing a Cartier tank top. For years, there have been rumors that the watch was a gift from her mother-in-law, Jackie Kennedy. To this day, the exact model worn by Bessette-Kennedy remains a lingering mystery. The origin story of this watch, which appears only a few times in it, has become legendary and is one of her many creations that will be closely studied.
What stood out to me the most was her attitude towards accessories. Sure, we’re all familiar with Bessette-Kennedy’s famous Charles Wahba headbands and Selima Optique sunglasses, but many of the finishing touches that define her style are quieter—from her shoes to her jewelry to the bags she wears every day. In an age where constant rotation has become the norm, there’s something to be said for seeing women reuse the same shoes, bags and jewelry until they become second nature. Her accessories, like her clothes, were limited in number but carefully chosen – subtle details gaining meaning through repetition – much of which is often overlooked today compared to her clothes. To get a full sense of Caroline Bassett-Kennedy’s style, let’s take a closer look at the accessories she returns to time and time again.
Headband and sunglasses
Photo: Courtesy of Getty Images
Two of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s most enduring hallmarks appear here, worn exactly as she was intended: functional, repeatable and quietly unique. The Charles Wahba headband and Selima Optique Aldo sunglasses were never statement pieces, but over time they became inseparable from her image. Decades later, they still feel stylish.
