What would Carolyn Bessette do?
This newsletter is all about Carolyn Bessette.
There is a reason everyone is talking about Carolyn again. Nearly three decades after she stepped into the public eye, her style feels more relevant than ever. In a world obsessed with maximalism and micro‑trends, her quiet confidence, clean lines, and deliberate simplicity stand out like a breath of fresh air. She understood something timeless: that true elegance isn’t loud — it whispers.
I’ve always found Carolyn inspiring. The way she paired minimal makeup with a sharp centre part, a creamy slip dress with barely‑there jewellery, oversized sunglasses with a tailored coat… everything she wore looked intentional, effortless, and impossibly graceful.
She never chased fashion — she curated a uniform that made her iconic.
In this newsletter, I have created a modern interpretation of “What Would Carolyn Bessette Do?” A curated, shop‑exclusive guide inspired by her understated glamour: the clothes she would choose today, the hair accessories she’d pick, the sunglasses she’d hide behind… and, of course, the most elegant Libelula jewellery pieces I believe she would wear.
Quiet luxury, but with a purpose and soul.
LOOK 1
The first look is one of my absolute favourites. Carolyn in a long, strapless black dress with classic black heels — effortless, refined, and quietly commanding. The magic is in the details: the long velvet gloves with jewellery worn over the top. It makes every piece shimmer a little brighter.
A black clutch tucked under her arm, her hair slicked back, and slim sunglasses finish the look with that signature Bessette polish — elegant and impossibly sleek.
For this outfit, I would choose one perfect piece: the Paris Bracelet worn over the glove. Its soft sparkle against velvet feels luxurious without trying too hard — the kind of subtle statement she mastered better than anyone.
LOOK 2
This is Carolyn Bessette at her most effortless — the kind of off‑duty, running‑errands street style that somehow still feels impossibly refined. A pair of simple jeans, classic loafers, a black polo layered under a long black coat, and her signature slicked‑back hair held with a narrow headband. A structured clutch in one hand and slim, minimalist sunglasses complete the look. Nothing loud, nothing forced — just style.
For this outfit, I would pair the look with one bold piece of jewellery: the Wrapped in Gold ring from Libelula. Crafted in 18k yellow gold with a 2ct antique diamond, it’s understated yet undeniably striking — the kind of subtle statement that elevates simplicity without ever overpowering it.
LOOK 3
The third look is another timeless classic. Her hair swept up in a slightly undone bun, a long black slip dress with the thinnest straps — simple, minimal, and impossibly polished. Her décolleté is adorned with diamonds, creating that signature Carolyn balance- understated lines paired with luminous detail.
For this look, I imagine the Kelly necklace from Libelula — 14k gold with marquise‑ and solitaire‑cut natural white topaz. It’s the showstopper of the outfit, but never overpowering. A perfect choice for a night out where simplicity does all the talking, and elegance quietly wins.
LOOK 4
The final look is all about silhouette — enhanced in the most effortless, Carolyn way. A long, figure‑skimming black skirt paired with a crisp white shirt creates that perfect balance of structure and softness. Her hair is worn down for a change, giving the outfit a less corporate feel and adding a hint of ease, especially when paired with a simple handheld clutch.
With a white shirt, I always love the contrast of a single striking diamond. To keep the look understated yet polished, the Petite Olivia Wedding Band in blue sapphires adds just the right touch of colour — subtle, but quietly captivating.
