In my ideal world, I’d have a full vegetable garden—raised beds overflowing with tomatoes, greens, and herbs that I could wander out and snip from while cooking dinner. But right now, I live in an apartment in Portland with very little outdoor space, which means my gardening ambitions have had to get a little more creative.

Luckily, herbs are incredibly forgiving. You don’t need a backyard—or even much space at all—to grow them. A single planter on a balcony, a few pots by the kitchen window, or a small corner of a garden bed can produce more fresh herbs than you’ll know what to do with. And once you start cooking with herbs you’ve grown yourself, it’s hard to go back. A handful of basil tossed into pasta, mint tucked into sparkling water, or dill scattered over roasted vegetables somehow makes everyday meals feel a little more special.

If you’ve been curious about herbs to grow at home, these are five of the easiest to start with—whether you’re planting them in a backyard garden, a patio planter, or a sunny kitchen window.

The Best Herbs to Grow at Home—Even in a Small Space

If you’re starting an herb garden at home, the goal is simple: choose herbs that are easy to grow and that you’ll actually use in your cooking. These five herbs are incredibly versatile, forgiving for beginners, and adaptable whether you’re planting a garden bed, filling a planter, or growing herbs indoors.

Basil

If there’s one herb that makes summer cooking feel complete, it’s basil. It thrives in warm weather and grows quickly, which means you can harvest it often throughout the season.

Best for: Garden beds or sunny outdoor planters

How to use it: Basil is best enjoyed fresh. Think pesto, caprese salads, sandwiches, and pasta tossed with olive oil and tomatoes.

What to make:

• Strawberry Caprese Salad
• Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberries, Basil, & Almonds
• Summer Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Burrata and Basil

Mint

Mint is one of those herbs that almost grows too well. In a garden bed it will happily spread anywhere it can reach, which is why many gardeners prefer growing it in containers. The upside? Once it gets going, you’ll have more mint than you know what to do with.

Best for: Outdoor planters or pots

How to use it: Mint instantly brightens drinks and salads. I love adding it to sparkling water with citrus, tossing it into grain bowls, or using it in sauces like tzatziki.

What to make:

• Lime-y Chicken Tacos with Jicama, Avocado, & Mint
• Grilled Zucchini with Chile Mint Vinaigrette
• Pea Salad with Mint and Microgreens

Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the most resilient herbs you can grow. It’s woody and shrub-like, which means once it’s established it can last for years with very little maintenance.

Best for: Backyard gardens or large outdoor pots

How to use it: Rosemary shines when cooked. Add it to roasted vegetables, marinades, or infuse it into olive oil or honey.

What to make:

• Roasted Cauliflower and White Bean Soup with Rosemary
• Rosemary and Apple Zucchini Bread with Ginger
• Roasted Honeynut Squash with Hot Honey, Pecans, and Rosemary

Cilantro

Cilantro is a little polarizing—some people love it, others think it tastes like soap (it’s not their fault… genetics play a role)—but if you’re in the first camp, it’s one of the most useful herbs to grow at home.

Best for: Small garden beds or outdoor planters

How to use it: Cilantro is best added fresh at the end of cooking. Sprinkle it over tacos, grain bowls, soups, or hummus.

What to make:

• Green Chutney
• Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Cilantro Pesto
• Sheet Pan Chicken With Japanese Sweet Potatoes & Tahini Drizzle

Dill

Dill feels very spring to me. It’s light, fresh, and pairs beautifully with vegetables, fish, and creamy sauces.

Best for: Garden beds or sunny kitchen windows

How to use it: Chop dill into yogurt sauces, scatter it over roasted potatoes, or add it to salads and seafood dishes.

What to make:

• Roasted Cauliflower Recipe With Garlic Tahini, Chimichurri, and Dill
• Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bowl
• Fennel Salad

How to Grow Herbs at Home (No Matter Your Space)

If you have a garden: Plant herbs along the edges of raised beds or alongside vegetables. Most herbs love full sun and well-draining soil.

If you have a small outdoor space: A single planter can support multiple herbs. Basil, mint, and cilantro are especially happy growing in pots.

If you’re growing herbs indoors: Choose a sunny window and pots with drainage holes. Basil, mint, and dill tend to adapt well to indoor growing.

The Takeaway

Growing herbs at home is one of the easiest ways to bring more freshness into everyday cooking. Even a few small plants can completely change the way you cook—suddenly you’re reaching for fresh basil, snipping mint for drinks, or scattering dill over dinner.

Start with one or two herbs you use most often. Once you see how easy they are to grow, it’s hard not to keep adding more.

This post was last updated on March 21, 2026, to include new insights.

The post Want to Start an Herb Garden? These 5 Are Almost Impossible to Kill appeared first on Camille Styles.

Long-distance relationships ask a lot of you. When you live in different cities, staying connected takes intention—especially during the days between visits. My boyfriend lives in San Francisco, and I live in Portland. While we’re lucky enough to see each other a couple of times each month, there are still long stretches when we’re living our daily lives in separate places.

Over time, we’ve learned that staying close from afar isn’t about doing something elaborate. It’s about finding simple ways to stay present in each other’s days.

A quick voice note on a walk home. A shared playlist that keeps evolving. Planning the next visit before the current one ends. These small habits make the distance feel manageable—and remind you that you’re still building a life together, even when you’re apart.

Long-Distance Relationship Ideas That Actually Help You Stay Connected

While every relationship looks different, the goal is the same: finding ways to feel present in each other’s lives even when you’re apart. Some are romantic, some practical, and some simply fun. The best ones become small rituals you return to again and again—the kind of habits that make the time between visits feel a little easier.

The truth is, long-distance relationships don’t have to feel like something you’re simply getting through until circumstances change. With the right rituals, they can deepen communication, create anticipation, and make the time you spend together feel even more meaningful.

Ahead, you’ll find our favorite long-distance relationship ideas—from romantic surprises to cozy virtual rituals to modern tech-friendly habits that help you stay connected from anywhere.

The Everyday Habits That Make the Distance Easier

My boyfriend and I have found a few small habits that make the distance feel easier. None of them are complicated, but they help us feel like we’re still sharing the everyday parts of life.

1. Send photos from your day. A quick photo from a morning walk, a favorite coffee shop, or your neighborhood farmers’ market helps your partner feel included in your everyday life—even when you’re in different cities.

2. Keep a shared playlist. Start a playlist you both add to over time. It becomes a running soundtrack to your relationship and gives you something to listen to when you’re missing each other.

3. Plan the next visit before saying goodbye. Before one visit ends, put the next one on the calendar. Having something to look forward to makes the time apart feel much more manageable.

Romantic Long-Distance Relationship Ideas

4. Plan a surprise visit. If schedules allow, an unexpected reunion can be one of the most memorable ways to reconnect.

5. Send something that brightens their space. Flowers are classic, but a favorite candle or fresh bread from a bakery you love can feel just as thoughtful.

6. Exchange your signature scents. Wearing or spraying your partner’s favorite fragrance can be a surprisingly comforting reminder of their presence.

7. Send a favorite book with notes inside. Mail them a novel, poetry collection, or essay book you love—highlighting passages that remind you of them.

8. Write a handwritten letter. There’s something special about receiving real mail that isn’t a bill (lol). A handwritten note instantly feels more personal than a text.

Relaxing Ways to Stay Connected From Afar

9. Share an end-of-day check-in call. Instead of texting throughout the day, set aside time in the evening to talk through your highs and lows.

10. Go on a walk and talk. Call each other while you’re both out for a walk. It almost feels like you’re exploring together.

11. Send a small “thinking of you” package. A favorite snack, a book you loved, or something that reminded you of them can make an ordinary week feel special.

12. Take a meditation or breathwork class together. Apps like Headspace or Calm make it easy to share a relaxing ritual, even from afar.

Long-Distance Dinner Date Ideas

13. Cook the same meal together. Choose a recipe you’re both excited about and cook while video chatting.

14. Send delivery from their favorite restaurant. Ordering dinner for your partner from afar is a simple way to show care.

15. Order the same coffee subscription. Signing up for the same subscription makes it easy to enjoy something together each month.

16. Take a virtual cooking class together. Many chefs now offer online classes, making this a fun shared activity.

Thoughtful Gestures That Show You Care

17. Gift them a plant. A low-maintenance plant becomes a living reminder of your relationship.

18. Create a shared watch list. Keep a running list of shows and movies you want to watch together so you always have something lined up for your next virtual movie night.

19. Plan your next trip together—even if it’s hypothetical. Pick a destination, research hotels, and build a shared list of places you want to try. Planning something together keeps the future feeling shared.

20. Stock their fridge before you leave. If you’re visiting, leaving behind a few groceries is a sweet and practical gesture.

Fun Long-Distance Activities to Do Together

21. Take a virtual workout class together. From yoga to dance workouts, moving together (apart) can be surprisingly fun.

22. Start a two-person book club. Pick a book each month and talk about it on your next video call.

23. Listen to the same podcast. Choose a podcast series and discuss episodes as you go.

24. Play an online game together. Whether it’s chess, Mario Kart, or a puzzle game, a little friendly competition keeps things light.

Tech-Friendly Long-Distance Relationship Ideas

25. Keep a shared notes app. Use it to jot down ideas, future plans, or things you want to talk about later.

26. Send voice notes instead of texts. Hearing your partner’s voice—even briefly—can instantly make the distance feel smaller.

27. Start a daily photo ritual. Send one photo from your day each evening. It’s a simple way to stay connected to each other’s routines.

Final Thoughts

Long-distance relationships aren’t always easy. There are missed dinners, quiet apartments, and plenty of moments when you wish you could reach across the couch instead of across a screen. But distance also has a way of sharpening what matters.

When you live in different places, connection becomes something you practice intentionally. You learn to communicate more clearly, plan time together thoughtfully, and appreciate the ordinary moments you might otherwise take for granted.

My boyfriend and I still count down the days until our next flight between PDX and SFO. But in the meantime, these small rituals help us stay present in each other’s lives.

Because ultimately, long-distance relationships aren’t about closing the miles between you. They’re about continuing to choose each other, wherever you are.

This post was last updated on March 18, 2026, to include new insights.

The post 27 Long-Distance Relationship Ideas to Stay Close—Even When You’re Miles Apart appeared first on Camille Styles.

Every spring, I feel the same familiar pull toward a reset. The longer days, the open windows, and the sudden urge to reorganize EVERYTHING from my closet to my calendar. It all makes a complete life overhaul seem oddly appealing. But… been there, done that—and I’m not going back. In truth, I’ve learned that the moments when I’m most tempted to change everything are often the moments when a simpler approach works better.

That’s really the beauty of entering my 30s (and leaving the last decade far behind). When we want to create change, it seems like a burn-it-all-to-the-ground approach works best. But in recent years, I’ve learned to look at how small shifts can make the biggest difference in how I feel day to day. The habits that seem almost too simple to matter—drinking water before coffee, stepping outside for a quick walk, putting my phone down a little earlier at night—are often the ones that move the needle the fastest.

Featured image from our interview with Sanne Vloet by Michelle Nash.

The 5 Habits That Help You Feel Better Within a Week

So this year, instead of chasing a dramatic reset, I’m taking that springtime urge as a signal to slow down and return to the basics.

The truth is, your body responds quickly when you give it what it needs. While meaningful change always unfolds over time, a handful of simple habits can noticeably improve your energy, mood, and focus within just a few days.

Each of the habits below supports a system in the body that tends to respond quickly to change—things like blood sugar regulation, circadian rhythm, hydration, digestion, and nervous system balance. When those systems are supported, the feedback can be surprisingly immediate: steadier energy, clearer thinking, deeper sleep.

Think of these as small inputs with fast feedback. Five habits that help you feel better—minus the complete reinvention of your life.

1. Start the Day With Protein

The fastest way to stabilize your energy.

If there’s one habit that can noticeably improve how you feel within a few days, it’s starting your morning with protein. Trust me: as a girl who long and lovingly bought into the Parisian pastry-a-day AM routine, I’ve learned that a quick breakfast (toast, cereal, or coffee alone, included) spikes your blood sugar and leaves you crashing by mid-morning.

Protein, on the other hand, slows digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which translates to improved energy, better focus, and fewer cravings throughout the day.

Within a few days, the shift can feel surprisingly noticeable: mornings feel steadier, the mid-afternoon slump softens, and you’re less likely to find yourself reaching for a quick snack just to get through the day.

Try This This Week

Aim for ~30 grams of protein at breakfast. It can be as simple as eggs with avocado toast, Greek yogurt with berries and nuts, or a smoothie blended with protein powder and nut butter.

If you want something a little more inspiring, Camille’s protein-forward breakfasts are some of my favorite ways to start the day. The Savory Sweet Potato & Egg Breakfast Bowl and Mediterranean Quinoa Breakfast Bowl are both satisfying and easy to prep ahead, while the Savory Yogurt Breakfast Bowl, Berry Yogurt Parfait, and Breakfast Tacos are quick options for busy mornings.

2. Step Outside Within the First Hour of the Day

Morning light resets your internal clock.

One of the fastest ways to improve your energy, mood, and sleep has nothing to do with supplements or complicated routines—it’s light.

Exposure to natural light early in the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm—the internal clock that controls when you feel alert and when you feel sleepy. Research shows that morning light can help align this rhythm with the 24-hour day, supporting better energy during the day and improved sleep at night.

Within a few days of stepping outside soon after waking, the shift can feel subtle but noticeable:

• steadier morning energy
• clearer focus throughout the day
• easier, more restful sleep at night

Try It This Week

The goal isn’t a long morning walk—just a few minutes of daylight within the first hour of waking. You might drink your coffee outside, open the windows while you get ready, or take a short walk around the block before starting your workday. (Camille swears by it.) Even 5-10 minutes can help cue your body into a healthier rhythm.

It’s a small shift, but it’s one that often makes the entire day feel more grounded.

3. Create a Daily Movement Window

Small pockets of movement make a big difference.

Okay, okay, okay: I love (and swear by) my 45-minute barre3 workout, 5-6x a week. BUT! Not every habit that improves your health has to be so involved. Truthfully, there are some weeks when my workout just doesn’t happen—and in fact, some of the most impactful movement happens in small windows throughout the day.

Every day—whether I work out or not—I love to incorporate a few minutes of intentional movement. It’s a welcome break from my wfh routine, and can help regulate blood sugar, improve circulation, and boost mood.

One of the simplest examples is a short walk after dinner. Light movement after eating can help support digestion and stabilize blood sugar, while also creating a natural transition between the activity of the day and your evening’s slower pace.

Try It This Week

Choose one moment in your day that becomes your movement window.

It might be stretching while your coffee brews, taking a short walk between meetings, or stepping outside for 10 minutes after dinner. The habit works because it’s small enough to repeat. Over time, those small pockets of movement begin to add up.

Think of it less as exercise and more as keeping your body gently in motion throughout the day.

4. Drink Water Before Coffee

A small shift that changes your mornings.

Coffee has become such a natural part of the morning that many of us reach for it before anything else. But after a full night of sleep, the body is naturally dehydrated, and that first glass of water can make a noticeable difference in how the morning unfolds.

Hydration supports circulation, digestion, and cognitive function, all of which help the body transition out of sleep. When caffeine enters the system before the body has had a chance to rehydrate, it can sometimes amplify jitters or lead to a sharper energy spike and crash later in the day.

By simply swapping the order of your morning bevs, you quickly notice:

• clearer thinking
• fewer morning headaches
• more stable energy

Try It This Week

Keep a glass or water bottle by your bedside and drink it shortly after waking—before coffee. It’s a simple shift, but it signals to your body that the day is beginning with care rather than urgency. And once hydration is taken care of, that morning cup of coffee often tastes and feels even better.

Casa Zuma

Mesa Recycled Carafe and Glass Set

$88 at Casa Zuma

Casa Zuma

Luna Recycled Carafe and Glass Set

$74 at Casa Zuma

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5. Create a 30-Minute Wind-Down Window

Because your evenings shape how tomorrow feels.

If mornings establish the tone for the day, evenings set the foundation for how the next one begins. Many of us move straight from the activity of the day into bed—answering emails, scrolling through our phones, or finishing one! more! episode! before finally turning out the lights. The problem is that constant stimulation keeps the brain in a state of alertness long after the body is ready to rest.

Creating a small buffer between the day and sleep helps the nervous system slow down. When the body has time to shift into a calmer state, sleep tends to come more easily—and the quality of that sleep improves.

Instead of scrolling or watching television, use that final half hour to transition gently into rest. A few simple ideas:

• Dim the lights throughout your home to signal to your body that the day is ending.
• Make a cup of herbal tea—chamomile, lemon balm, or peppermint are all calming options.
• Read a few pages of a book (preferably something relaxing rather than stimulating).
• Take a warm shower or bath to help your body temperature drop afterward—a signal that sleep is approaching.
• Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air and quiet.
• Do gentle stretching or light yoga to release tension from the day.
• Write down tomorrow’s to-do list so your mind doesn’t carry it into bed.
• Spend a few minutes journaling or reflecting on the day.
• Practice a short breathing exercise or meditation to calm the nervous system.

Even one small ritual practiced consistently can signal to your body that it’s safe to relax.

For more ideas, Camille shares the simple practices she swears by in her Sleep Toolkit—a collection of small habits that make it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling restored.

The Takeaway

When we think about feeling better, it’s easy to assume the answer lies in doing more—adding another routine, another rule, or another habit to track. But often, feeling better begins with something simpler: giving your body the basics it’s been asking for all along.

A nourishing breakfast. A few minutes of sunlight. A short walk. A glass of water before coffee. A quieter transition into sleep. None of these habits are complicated, but practiced consistently, they ladder up to a routine that supports the way your body is designed to function.

And sometimes, that’s all a reset really needs to be.

The post 5 Habits That Will Make You Feel Better Within a Week appeared first on Camille Styles.

Like half the internet, I recently fell down the rabbit hole of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. The series—equal parts romance, nostalgia, and glossy ’90s mythology—revisits one of the most fascinating relationships of that decade. Not everyone is thrilled with the portrayal. Daryl Hannah recently published a beautifully scathing op-ed in The New York Times about how she was depicted, and Jack Schlossberg (hi, call me!) has already dismissed most of the show as fiction. But even if the storytelling takes liberties, one thing remains indisputable: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style was—and still is—iconic.

Before “quiet luxury” had a name, Bessette-Kennedy was already living it. As a publicist at Calvin Klein, she embodied the label’s entire ethos: pared-down silhouettes, immaculate tailoring, and that elusive kind of effortlessness that somehow looks both casual and impossibly polished. A slip dress and sandals. A perfectly blazer. Black trousers that fall exactly right. Three decades later, the formula still feels modern.

5 Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Outfits From Love Story That Define ’90s Minimalism

So in honor of my recent binge-watching habit—and my long-standing fascination with ’90s minimalism—I went back through some of Bessette-Kennedy’s most memorable looks. Ahead, five of her most iconic outfits, the stories behind them, and how to recreate the look today (starting, of course, with a perfectly tailored men’s button-down).

The Unexpected Evening Look

One of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s most celebrated outfits came from an unlikely formula: a crisp white button-down and a black silk maxi skirt. It’s the kind of outfit that perfectly captures what made Bessette-Kennedy’s style so magnetic. Nothing about it is complicated: a borrowed-from-the-boys shirt, a fluid skirt, minimal jewelry. And yet the proportions, the restraint, and the quiet confidence of the styling make it feel more striking than a traditional evening look. In true ’90s fashion, she proved that tailoring and simplicity could be more powerful than anything overtly glamorous.

Why It Works

The genius of this outfit is the contrast. The crisp structure of a men’s-style button-down offsets the softness of the silk skirt, while the monochrome palette keeps the entire look feeling intentional and polished. Bessette-Kennedy also understood the power of restraint: simple heels, delicate jewelry, and a small clutch let the silhouette do the talking.

It’s also a masterclass in proportion. The slightly oversized shirt adds ease, while the long skirt elongates the body. The result feels understated and unfussy—like something she threw on without overthinking it (even though the balance is clearly very considered).

How to Get the Look

This look is all about fabric, fit, and simplicity.

• Choose a relaxed button-down. Look for one with a slightly oversized cut so it feels effortless rather than corporate.
• Pair it with a silk or satin skirt. The material adds movement and elevates the look beyond everyday basics.
• Keep the palette minimal. White and black are the foundation of this outfit’s impact.
• Finish with sleek sandals. A minimal black sandal keeps the look grounded and modern.
• Stick to delicate accessories. Small diamond studs and a simple clutch maintain the understated mood.

Sézane

Max Shirt

$125 at Sézane

Quince

100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt

$79.90 at Quince

Margaux

The Paloma Sandal

$365 at Margaux

Clare V.

Sissy

$375 at Clare V.

Ring Concierge

Curved Trio Studs

$248 at Ring Concierge

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Accessories That Make the Outfit

Few images capture the everyday style of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy quite like this one. Photographed walking through Manhattan with John F. Kennedy Jr., she wears an oversized black blazer layered over a minimalist strappy dress with knee-high boots, slim sunglasses (apparently, Jacob Elordi’s taking notes), and a headband holding back her signature honey-blonde hair.

It’s quintessential New York street style: polished but practical, minimal but still memorable. Bessette-Kennedy had a gift for making tailoring feel relaxed, often leaning into slightly oversized silhouettes that gave her outfits an easy edge.

Why It Works

The power of this outfit lies in its contrast. The oversized blazer brings structure and authority, while the delicate, strappy dress underneath introduces softness and movement. The all-black palette keeps the look cohesive, allowing the silhouette—and the layering—to take center stage.

Then there’s the headband, one of Bessette-Kennedy’s styling signatures. Paired with slim sunglasses and knee-high boots, it softens the sharpness of the blazer and adds just enough personality to keep the outfit from feeling overly polished.

How to Get the Look

Keep the focus on proportion, layering, and restraint.

• Start with an oversized blazer. Look for one with slightly broad shoulders and a relaxed fit for that signature ’90s silhouette.
• Layer it over a minimalist slip dress. Thin straps and fluid fabric create the contrast that makes the look feel effortless.
• Stick to a monochrome palette. Head-to-toe black keeps the outfit timeless and sophisticated.
• Anchor the look with knee-high boots. Sleek boots add structure and make the outfit feel distinctly city-ready.
• Finish with understated accessories. A simple headband, sunnies, and a structured bag keep the look minimal but intentional.

Alex Mill

Wide Headband

$45 at Alex Mill

Selima Optique

Carolyn Sunglasses

$520 at Selima Optique

Almina Concept

Ceremic Carved Bowl – designed with Studio McGee

$328 at Almina Concept

Wilfred

Lamplight Satin Dress

$148 at Aritzia

Margaux

The Uptown Boot

$495 at Margaux

DeMellier

The Small Stockholm

$495 at DeMellier

Understated Elegance

Some of the clearest glimpses into Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s personal style came during the most ordinary moments. In this photo, she’s walking her dog Friday through the streets of New York, dressed in a fitted black tank, classic blue jeans, and simple sandals.

It’s an outfit that feels almost startlingly simple, and yet it perfectly captures what made Bessette-Kennedy’s style so compelling. She understood that great basics, worn with confidence and the right proportions, could be just as striking as any statement piece. Even a quick walk around the neighborhood became a lesson in minimalist dressing.

Why It Works

This outfit is built entirely on clean lines and thoughtful proportions. The fitted tank creates a sleek silhouette, while the slightly cropped kick-flare jeans add just enough shape to keep the look interesting.

The simplicity of the palette—black and denim—keeps everything grounded. With minimal accessories and understated sandals, the outfit feels relaxed but still polished. It’s a reminder that some of Bessette-Kennedy’s best looks weren’t elaborate at all—they were simply well-chosen essentials worn beautifully.

How to Get the Look

If you want to recreate the outfit today, the key is sticking to elevated basics and sharp silhouettes.

• Start with a fitted black tank. A structured neckline keeps the piece from feeling overly casual.
• Choose kick-flare or straight-leg denim. Slightly cropped jeans create a flattering proportion with sandals.
• Keep footwear minimal. Simple sandal heels add a subtle element of polish.
• Add one understated accessory. A classic watch is all the outfit needs.

Anine Bing

Cole Tank

$95 at Anine Bing

Everlane

High-Rise Kick Flare Jean

$104 (reg. $148) at Everlane

Intentionally Blank

Anca Sandal Heels

$189 at Shopbop

Heaven Mayhem

The Icon Watch

$280 at Heaven Mayhem

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The LBD, Reimagined

Few looks capture the understated drama of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s evening style quite like this one. In 1998, she attended the Municipal Art Society’s celebration of the revitalization of Grand Central Terminal alongside JFK Jr., wearing a sleek strapless black dress paired with long opera gloves.

It’s an outfit that feels both classic and unexpectedly modern. While many formal looks of the era leaned toward embellishment and excess, Bessette-Kennedy chose restraint instead. The silhouette is simple, the palette entirely black, and the styling almost austere—proof that minimalism can feel just as striking as glamour.

Why It Works

The strapless neckline creates a strong architectural line through the shoulders and collarbone, while the column silhouette keeps the entire look streamlined and elegant. The opera gloves are the only overtly dramatic element—and that’s precisely why they work. Against the simplicity of the dress, they introduce length, texture, and a subtle sense of occasion without overwhelming the outfit.

It’s a perfect example of Bessette-Kennedy’s approach to eveningwear: one statement element, everything else refined.

How to Get the Look

This look works so well because of its sleek tailoring and focus on one striking accessory.

• Start with a strapless black dress. Look for a clean, structured silhouette.
• Keep the palette monochrome. Head-to-toe black enhances the sophistication of the look.
• Add long evening gloves. They bring elegance and drama while still aligning with the minimalist aesthetic.
• Choose classic heels. A pointed slingback or pump keeps the look timeless.
• Skip heavy jewelry. Let the neckline and gloves carry the visual impact.

Tuckernuck

Black Strapless Joelle Dress

$198 at Tuckernuck

Quince

Italian Leather Slingback 75mm Heel

$82 at Quince

Handsome Stockholm

Mesh Long Gloves

$230 at FWRD

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Tempered Color

Though CBK is often remembered for her disciplined palette of black, ivory, and camel, there were occasional moments when she leaned into color—usually in the most understated way possible. In this street-style moment, she steps out in a soft floral dress paired with sleek black slingback heels and a structured handbag.

Even here, the formula remains unmistakably Bessette-Kennedy. The dress introduces pattern and color, but the accessories bring everything back to her signature minimalism. The result feels fresh, feminine, and surprisingly striking—a reminder that restraint doesn’t have to mean avoiding color altogether.

Why It Works

What makes this look so compelling is the contrast. The romantic floral dress introduces softness and movement, while the black accessories ground the outfit with structure and polish.

It’s an unexpected pairing that still feels entirely understated. Instead of leaning into overtly “springy” styling, Bessette-Kennedy balances the dress with sharp, minimalist pieces—pointed slingbacks and a sleek handbag—that keep the look aligned with her refined aesthetic.

And then there’s the hair: Bessette-Kennedy’s signature. Often worn loose and slightly undone, her hair acted as an accessory in its own right. Against the dress’s ease, the relaxed hair adds an effortless, almost romantic quality that makes the entire outfit feel natural rather than overly styled.

How to Get the Look

Here, you’ll pair a romantic dress with clean, structured accessories.

• Start with a soft floral dress. Look for a silhouette that feels feminine but streamlined.
• Ground the look with black accessories. Slingbacks or minimal heels add polish and contrast.
• Carry a structured handbag. A simple top-handle bag keeps the outfit refined.
• Keep the styling minimal. Let the dress provide the color while everything else stays understated.
• Wear your hair loose. Slightly undone hair adds the effortless romance that defines the look.

Show Me Your Mumu

Nicola Dress

$218 at Shopbop

Margaux

The Colette

$395 at Margaux

Jw Pei

Elise Top Handle Bag

$99 at Jw Pei

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The Takeaway

What made Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s style so enduring wasn’t any single outfit—it was the clarity of her approach to getting dressed. She favored pieces that felt timeless rather than trendy, silhouettes that balanced structure with ease, and styling choices that never tried too hard.

Whether she was attending a formal gala, walking through Manhattan with John F. Kennedy Jr., or simply taking her dog around the block, the formula remained the same: beautiful basics, thoughtful proportions, and a confidence that let simplicity shine. Decades later, her wardrobe still feels remarkably modern. It’s proof that true style isn’t about chasing what’s new, but about knowing exactly what works.

The post The Effortless Style Rules Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Always Followed appeared first on Camille Styles.