The Carolyn Bessette Kennedy-Coded ’90s-Inspired Bags We’re Shopping After ‘Love Story’
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Laura TarafaTue, March 24, 2026 at 6:03 PM UTC
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The Chicest CBK-Inspired ’90s Bags to Shop Nowgetty images
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The finale of Love Story—the Hulu and FX series chronicling Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr.’s romance—arrives this week. And with it, a renewed fascination with her quietly captivating ’90s style. Fashion obsessives (myself included) have once again fallen under the spell of her signature minimalism.
Bessette Kennedy favored refined, impeccably tailored pieces that spoke volumes on their own, without relying on excess accessories or following fleeting trends. Decades later, her style is just as inspiring, with a new generation eager to recreate that same understated sophistication. And if there was one accessory the fashion icon had a strong affinity for, it was a handbag. Naturally, I’m already taking notes on the styles that channel her ultra-chic, ’90s allure.
Shop the Chicest CBK-Inspired Bags -
The Designer Style: Prada Large Re-Edition 1995 Handbag, $4,400
The Grab-and-Go Bag: Verafied Shoulder Bag, $168
The Practical Pick: Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40, $695
The Affordable Find: Kattee Genuine Leather Shoulder Bag, $57
The Sleek Shopper: Mango Large Leather Shopper Bag, $60
The Structured Flap Bag: Sézane Claude Bag, $450
The It Girl Bag: DeMellier The Small Stockholm, $495
Spring-Ready Raffia: Florabella Vallejo Tote, $150
Elegant Accents: JW Pei Eloise Shoulder Bag, $129
Her collection was as considered as her wardrobe, anchored by investment-worthy designer pieces. Among them is the sleek patent Prada Spazzolato bag from 1995, which she was frequently photographed carrying (and, yes, you can still shop the re-edition). Then there’s the Hermès Birkin 40, her go-to oversized carryall—both ultra-practical and polished. But her repertoire extended beyond statement-making totes. Bessette Kennedy also embraced more delicate silhouettes, often finishing a pared-back jeans-and-sweater look with a refined clutch or crossbody vanity case.
Getty Images
And while it seems that she was drawn to black, structured designs, she wasn’t afraid to veer into the unexpected. A miniature gold Whiting & Davis beaded evening bag added a touch of glamour to her iconic Whitney Museum Gala look, while a relaxed raffia tote was the perfect companion on sunny city strolls (and has me eyeing a few similar styles as spring approaches).
After revisiting her most iconic ’90s street style moments, I’ve curated a selection of CBK-coded handbags that perfectly capture her enduring, effortless elegance—and are well worth adding to your rotation.
1) Kattee
Genuine Leather Shoulder Bag
When I spotted this chic little CBK-coded bag on Amazon, I immediately thought how perfect it is for quick errand runs—just enough space for your phone, wallet, and keys without feeling bulky or in the way. Best of all, it’s genuine leather and rings in at under $60.
Colors: 8 options
Dimensions: Height: 9 inches; width: 13.8 inches; depth: 2 inches
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Perfect size for me! I’m a small person, and this purse is perfect for a 5’3”, 120 lb woman. It holds a lot of ‘stuff’. Seems very well made. Low profile, which I prefer. The leather is as nice as my expensive, high-end purses. I’m so pleased.”
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Kattee
Genuine Leather Shoulder Bag
amazon.com
$57.00
2) Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40
You simply can’t go wrong with any of Coach’s sleek silhouettes, but the Empire in particular channels Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s signature ease—she, too, favored large, carryall styles that could hold it all. Chic-ify your commute with this perfectly sized beauty, spacious enough for your laptop, books, and anything else you need to tote around.
Colors: Black, Merlot, Maple, Olive, Warm Brown
Dimensions: Height: 4.7 inches; width: 9.5 inches; depth: 2 inches
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Literally one of my favorite bags now! I can carry my laptop to and from all my daily stops and travels and will still look polished and classy. Dressed in work attire or cozy weekend clothes, it still works. Love it!”
Shop Now
Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 40
coach.com
$695.00
3)
Anine Bing
The Anine Bag
Frame bags were everywhere in the ’90s, and I, for one, am so glad to see the silhouette make a return. Anine Bing’s version is such a stand-out with its distinctive trapezoidal shape, and I especially love that it’s finished with a comfortable leather strap rather than a chain.
Colors: Black, Black Embossed, Taupe
Dimensions: Height: 7.1 inches; width: 13 inches; depth: 2.8 inches
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Crazy about this bag! The leather is so buttery soft, it’s a luxurious companion! Roomy and yet lightweight, love that I can carry everything or almost nothing to start the day and fill it up as I go about errands, and it’s so comfortable.”
Shop Now
Anine Bing
The Anine Bag
aninebing.com
625.00
4) Prada
Prada Large Re-Edition 1995 Leather Handbag
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy famously carried a sleek, structured 1995 Prada Spazzolato tote—a piece that became the perfect finishing touch to her outfits, whether paired with a floral spring dress or a refined trench and tailored denim. You can still shop the Re-Edition today to channel her timeless look; it features an open top, a double-zip center compartment, and a special tag.
Colors: Black, Gray
Dimensions: Height: 8.3 inches; width: 11.8 inches; depth: 3.1 inches
Material: Leather
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Prada
Prada Large Re-Edition 1995 Leather Handbag
farfetch.com
$4400.00
5) DeMellier The Small Stockholm
This ultra-chic find feels tailor-made for the It girl—and destined to become a new favorite. With its slim, elegant straps and just-right proportions, it’s ideal for everyday use, though there’s also a larger size if you need to carry a laptop.
Colors: Black, Dark Chocolate, Deep Tan, Dark Taupe, Berry Red
Dimensions: Height: 6.3 inches; width: 8.2 inches; depth: 4 inches
Material: Leather
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DeMellier The Small Stockholm
demellierlondon.com
$495.00
6)
Verafied
Shoulder Bag
I adore a small, chic bag you can effortlessly throw over your shoulder before heading out, and this style works just as well for casual weekend outings as it does for evenings out. Stylish and versatile, it pairs with everything in your closet and, despite its minimalism, elevates any outfit in a flash.
Color: Black
Dimensions: Height: 4.7 inches; width: 9.5 inches; depth: 2 inches
Material: Leather
Shop Now
Verafied
Shoulder Bag
revolve.com
168.00
7)
Florabella
Vallejo Tote
Bessette Kennedy was often photographed with a large, structured raffia tote—a stylish choice that perfectly complements breezy spring outfits and doubles as an ideal summer work bag. When it’s time to jet off, it transitions seamlessly into the ultimate vacation-ready beach tote.
Color: Natural
Dimensions: Height: 10 inches; width: 22 inches; depth: 10 inches
Material: Raffia
Customer review: “Beautiful and very durable.”
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Florabella
Vallejo Tote
revolve.com
$150.00
8)
JW Pei
Eloise Shoulder Bag
A smaller style suited to dinners and elegant evening affairs, this JW Pei bag feels timeless thanks to its smooth black leather and brassy gold accents. Its chic, subtly cylindrical silhouette allows you to fit more than you might expect.
Color: Black
Dimensions: Height: 5.8 inches; width: 12 inches; depth: 4 inches
Material: Faux leather
Shop Now
JW Pei
Eloise Shoulder Bag
revolve.com
$129.00
9)
Sézane
Claude Bag
Sézane consistently delivers chic, timeless designs, and this bag is proof. It perfectly captures that refined ’90s aesthetic—and how beautiful is that elegant gold clasp? The structured silhouette and smooth leather make it a perfect match for your favorite tailored looks.
Colors: 10 options
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Dimensions: Height: 6.1 inches; width: 7.9 inches; depth: 2.6 inches
Material: Leather
Shop Now
Sézane
Claude Bag
sezane.com
450.00
10)
B-Low The Belt
Rowe Suede Clutch Leather Bag
An understated clutch was a Bessette Kennedy signature, and I love how this version can be styled up or down, just as she did with her impeccably versatile collection. Pair it with a sultry boatneck top and a silk skirt for evening to channel CBK at the Warhol Look/Glamour, Style and Fashion exhibition gala at the Whitney Museum in New York City. Or keep it effortless with a cozy sweater, jeans, and classic loafers for a laid-back weekend look.
Color: Black
Dimensions: Height: 8.5 inches; width: 13 inches; depth: 6.5 inches
Material: Suede
Shop Now
B-Low The Belt
Rowe Suede Clutch Leather Bag
b-lowthebelt.com
$328.00
11)
Cult Gaia
Rue Embellished Wristlet
On occasion, Bessette Kennedy would trade her signature structured black bags for something a touch more playful. Case in point: the striking gold evening bag she carried to the 1995 “Brite Night” Whitney fundraising gala. This Cult Gaia option channels the same glamorous spirit, pairing just as effortlessly with polished evening looks as it does with chic resort-bound attire.
Colors: Sand Dollar, Chianti, Black
Dimensions: Height: 6.1 inches; width: 6.1 inches; depth: 6.9 inches
Materials: Glass, polyester, faux leather
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Cult Gaia
Rue Embellished Wristlet
neimanmarcus.com
373.50
12)
Mango
Large Leather Shopper Bag
You can’t go wrong with an oversized, double-handle tote. I love this Mango pick for its simple, clean lines and refined shape—it’s as comfortable for the daily work commute as it is practical for travel.
Colors: Black, Chocolate
Dimensions: Height: 12 inches; width: 19.5 inches; depth: 5.5 inches
Material: Leather
Shop Now
Mango
Large Leather Shopper Bag
nordstrom.com
$59.99
13)
Hoxis
Envelope Clutch Shoulder Bag
Keep it simple with a classic envelope clutch, reminiscent of the one CBK carried to the Municipal Art Society’s Jacqueline Onassis Medal presentation at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City in April ’98. Style it like Bessette Kennedy—with a bold red lip and equally minimalist pumps. This Amazon find rings in at just $22 and can be worn hands-free as a wallet on a chain or carried as a clutch.
Colors: Black, Leopard, Nude
Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 8.8 inches; depth: 2 inches
Material: Faux leather
Customer review: “Enough space for my personal things, and yet it’s not large. Love the color and the feeling of the material. Looks good with formal and informal clothing, like jeans.”
Shop Now
Hoxis
Envelope Clutch Shoulder Bag
amazon.com
$21.90
14)
Reformation
Oversized Seraphina Tote
Ideally suited to the office, this generously sized tote stands out with its distinctive rounded silhouette. Pair it with a black bodysuit, high-waisted tailored trousers, and slim oval sunglasses to channel Bessette Kennedy’s effortlessly polished, professional style. And if you’re after a pop of color, the rich Ruby version is equally tempting.
Colors: Black, Ruby, Espresso, Bracco
Dimensions: Height: 5.5 inches; width: 8.8 inches; depth: 2 inches
Material: Faux leather
Shop Now
Reformation
Oversized Seraphina Tote
thereformation.com
598.00
15) Strathberry
Georgia Maxi Bag
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy gravitated toward refined minimalism, favoring clean lines over loud prints and monograms. Strathberry follows a similar ethos, relying on signature hardware as a subtle mark of identity. This luxe, structured pick features playful, piercing-inspired accents for a touch of personality—and is spacious enough to carry everything you need.
Colors: Black, Clay
Dimensions: Height: 10.4 inches; width: 15.9 inches; depth: 6.7 inches
Material: Leather
Shop Now
Strathberry
Georgia Maxi Bag
strathberry.com
$895.00
16) Lauren Ralph Lauren
Lainey Extra-Large Crocheted Straw Tote Bag
Another stylish option that’s just as suited to beach days as it is to errands (or even the office), this generously sized tote is wonderfully versatile. The leather straps make it comfortable enough for all-day wear, while the miniature gold charm adds a chic finishing touch.
Color: Natural
Dimensions: Height: 11 inches; width: 17 inches; depth: 6 inches
Material: Paper straw
Customer review: “It is beautiful. Very well made and the perfect size. It has two inside pockets.”
Shop Now
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Lainey Extra-Large Crocheted Straw Tote Bag
macys.com
$225.00
17)
Parker Thatch
Jack Heritage “Broken-In” Leather Bag
If you’re a fan of slouchy totes, look no further than Parker Thatch’s “broken-in” leather styles, including this ultra-cool oversized option. The leather is impressively soft and malleable, and the bag easily accommodates a laptop along with all your other essentials.
Colors: 8 options
Dimensions: Height: 10 inches; width: 17 inches; depth: 8 inches
Material: Leather
Customer review: “Crazy about this bag! The leather is so buttery soft, it’s a luxurious companion! Roomy and yet lightweight, love that I can carry everything or almost nothing to start the day and fill it up as I go about errands, and it’s so comfortable.”
Shop Now
Parker Thatch
Jack Heritage “Broken-In” Leather Bag
parkerthatch.com
$950.00
18) Teddy Blake
Gigi Stampato 13”
This elegant tote is a polished desk-to-dinner pick, spacious enough to carry everything you need throughout the day and beyond. Crafted in Italy from soft, supple leather, it includes a detachable crossbody strap for effortless, on-the-go versatility.
Colors: Black, Brown, Dark Brown, Bordeaux, Beige, Dark Beige
Dimensions: Height: 14 inches; width: 13.4 inches; depth: 5.7 inches
Material: Leather
Shop Now
Teddy Blake
Gigi Stampato 13”
teddyblake.com
$501.00
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