How To Wear 90s Minimalism Today

You guys, this is very clearly inspired by Love Story and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. While I’ve long admired Carolyn’s sleek, minimal aesthetic, I never really thought it was worth emulating — it felt so distinctly suited to her long, slender frame and iconic blonde hair. The same goes for Gwyneth Paltrow’s ’90s looks. Both her red carpet and off-duty style were remarkable in every sense, but also so obviously designed for a particular body type — one I’ve never had.

Fast-forward to now, and watching the weekly episodes drop — alongside the flood of online content surrounding it — has pushed me to explore this pared-back, minimal aesthetic more seriously. While I still can’t wear a column dress or pencil skirt with the confidence of someone much taller, I can start interpreting the look in ways that work for me: dark denim, straight-leg trousers and jeans, clean knitwear and simple tops, strappy or block heels, and classic accessories, all making their way into my autumn/winter arsenal.

As with any trend or cultural obsession, you don’t have to go all in if it doesn’t suit you. Take what you love and let the rest live quietly in someone else’s wardrobe. That’s the beauty of minimal dressing — updating just one or two pieces can instantly make you look the part. It’s wearable, adaptable, and timeless, and I’m really looking forward to seeing more realistic interpretations on women of all shapes and sizes this coming season.