I Curated a Minimalist Wardrobe Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Would Approve Of—All From Nordstrom’s Sale

Collage of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy at the Annual Fundraising Gala March 9, 1999 at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City with minimalist nordstrom clothing on models with black borders on white background.

I, like the rest of the world, can't get enough of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy right now. While I didn't grow up with her in the tabloids, Love Story has led to a newfound appreciation of the '90s icon, especially her minimalist style. Bessette-Kennedy has become my fashion muse over the last few weeks, so much so that I'm shopping like her during the Nordstrom Spring Savings Event.

Bessette-Kennedy is essentially the poster child of '90s minimalism, sticking to wardrobe staples in a neutral color palette. Sure, she dabbled in luxury with pieces from Yohji Yamamoto, Hermès, and, of course, Calvin Klein, but she was a master of high-low styling. From her Levi's jeans and khaki pants to classic loafers and elevated tops, I've decided to go all in on Bessette Kennedy's aesthetic for spring.

Thankfully for my budget, Nordstrom's sale has plenty of minimalist finds for the new season (many of which ring in under $100). Ahead, I've rounded up every on-sale style I think CBK would be a fan of for the ultimate minimalist capsule wardrobe.

Caslon

Easy Wide Leg Linen Pants (Were $80)

Linen pants season is nearly here, and this is a top-rated pair.

Mango

Kitten Heel Slingback Sandals (Were $70)

Slingback heels never fail to look classy.

Mila Mae

Mixed Media Midi Dress (Was $138)

A minimalist dress that works for multiple occasions.

Reformation

Gale High Waist Satin Pants (Were $198)

Cool girls will be wearing satin pants with their basics this spring.

Tory Burch

Classic Penny Loafers (Were $325)

Loafers were a favorite of CBK's.

Open Edit

Kick Flare Stretch Twill Pants (Were $80)

These feel a lot less stuffy than your average pair of trousers.

Open Edit

Fitted Short Sleeve Sweater (Was $60)

I'd pair this lightweight sweater with the cropped pants above and loafers for an easy CBK-inspired work outfit.

Halogen

Vest Midi Dress (Was $119)

This looks like a CBK outfit from head to toe.

Open Edit

The Curator Crepe Culottes (Were $90)

Something tells me Bessette-Kennedy would be into culottes.

Sam Edelman

Double Breasted Trench Coat (Was $200)

A trench coat is a must-have for minimalists.

Open Edit

Rib Short Sleeve Shirt (Was $25)

It's never a bad idea to stock up on staple T-shirts.

Levi's

Wedgie High Waist Straight Leg Jeans (Were $110)

Bessette-Kennedy loved vintage Levi's—these are the next best thing.

Open Edit

Boat Neck Sleeveless Top (Was $40)

An elevated neckline takes this tank top to the next level.

Jessie Zhao New York

Leopard Allure Double Sided Silk Scarf (Was $79)

CBK wasn't big on accessories, but she did love a hair scarf.

Nordstrom

Benson Loafers (Were $90)

Loafers are just as big with It girls now as they were in the '90s.

Open Edit

Rib V-Neck Sweater (Was $60)

Layer this sweater for tricky transitional weather.

7 For All Mankind

Tess Twisted Seam High Waist Straight Leg Jeans (Were $248)

Consider these jeans the 2026 take on CBK's favorite khaki pants.

Kenneth Cole

Pinstripe Button-Up Boyfriend Shirt (Was $99)

There's so many ways you could style this classic button-down.

Mango

Cuba Oversize Short Cotton Trench Coat (Was $150)

I instantly thought of CBK when I saw this spring-ready jacket.

Open Edit

Short Sleeve Godet Pleat Dress

Bessette-Kennedy didn't often wear polka dots, but I bet she was a fan.

Frame

The Reboot High Waist Crop Flare Jeans (Were $268)

Bessette-Kennedy loved her bootcut jeans.

Mango

Boatneck Top (Was $36)

A boat neckline makes anything chic.

Tory Burch

Kira Flip Flops (Were $90)

For summers spent on the East Coast.

Marcella

Dawn Layered Top (Was $93)

This top is two pieces so you get two looks for the price of one.

Mango

Large Leather Shopper Bag (Was $80)

While not everyone has the budget for a Hermès bag like Bessette-Kennedy's, this laptop bag still looks rich.