Zara has rolled out a capsule of five wardrobe staples this autumn that echo the style of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, the American style icon whose pared-back approach to dressing continues to influence minimalist fashion decades on. The pieces, priced from 17.95 to 55.95 euros, favour clean silhouettes, neutral colours and simple cuts over trend-driven statements.
Bessette-Kennedy built her look around well-cut pieces, minimal accessories and letting the garment itself do the talking, a formula that resurfaces every season and finds several close matches in Zara's current range for the in-between months of early autumn.
Black tube midi dress
The first piece is a midi-length, tube-cut black dress, priced at 35.95 euros. The classic black dress needs no introduction, but this season's more refined silhouette gives it fresh relevance, echoing Bessette-Kennedy's preference for clothes that follow the body's lines without being overly tight.
Its length makes it a versatile option for the pre-autumn period: minimalist sandals keep it wearable through the last days of summer, while low heels, ballet flats or boots transform it once temperatures drop. The key is to keep the styling clean, pairing it with a structured bag and understated jewellery for the effortlessly sophisticated look associated with the late style icon.
White satin double-breasted blazer
Priced at 55.95 euros, the white double-breasted blazer is the piece most capable of elevating an outfit in seconds. Its crossover cut and white colour fit particularly well with the late-1990s minimalist aesthetic and offer plenty of options for building transitional looks.
Worn over a black dress, it creates an elegant, simple contrast, while pairing it with straight-leg jeans produces a more relaxed result. It can also be worn with tailored trousers or even over a midi skirt for a more polished outfit. The white tone adds brightness and lets the blazer stand out as a statement piece without relying on prints or bold colours.
Black midi skirt with slit
The 29.95-euro black midi skirt is another piece that shows elegance does not depend on chasing a specific trend. Its main appeal lies in its versatility, working equally well for the office, dinner or a more casual outfit depending on what it is paired with.
To bring it closer to Bessette-Kennedy's aesthetic, the rest of the outfit should stay simple: a white shirt, ballet flats or pointed shoes, and a structured bag are enough. The skirt also works well with a fine-knit jumper once autumn arrives, creating a sophisticated and easy-to-wear silhouette.
White poplin shirt with voluminous sleeves
Few garments represent minimalism better than a good white shirt. The poplin version, priced at 25.95 euros, adds structure and keeps the impeccable look that made Bessette-Kennedy a lasting style reference.
Tucked into the black midi skirt, it creates a classic combination that never goes out of style. It can also be worn open over a basic T-shirt, paired with jeans, or layered under the white blazer for a more polished outfit. Its main advantage is that it works all year round, allowing for multiple looks without needing to fill the wardrobe with different pieces.
Stretch capri trousers
Capri trousers are returning this season and fit particularly well with the minimalist aesthetic that Bessette-Kennedy popularised. Priced at 17.95 euros, the below-the-knee length leaves the ankle bare and creates a slim silhouette that works especially well with flat shoes, ballet flats or strappy sandals.
The black version is even easier to combine. Paired with the white poplin shirt, it makes for one of those outfits that looks simple but is remarkably sophisticated. Adding the white blazer gives the look more structure, making it a strong option for the first days of autumn.
The capri trousers also offer an alternative to full-length trousers for the still-warm days of early autumn, while introducing some of the new season's key pieces into everyday outfits.
