Good style is forever.
Ryan Murphy’s hit series “Love Story” spotlights Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s timeless aesthetic, which continues to inspire fashion today
The Calvin Klein exec’s high-low looks were relatably aspirational, whether she paired Levi’s with Hermès handbags or designer pencil skirts with T-shirts. And, interestingly enough, the latter crewneck tees she loved are still available today.
Her go-to was from the 100-year-old-plus French line Petit Bateau, which offers styles starting at $45. (While the brand can be challenging to find in the U.S., Amazon offers many options.)
Made from 100% soft cotton in a fine rib, the slim-fit cut works on its own or as a base layer.
Consider wearing the crewneck under a dark V-neck sweater for a pop of white, as CBK did — a look plenty of stars have started emulating as of late.
Bessette Kennedy gravitated towards a neutral palette, picking white, black and navy in the short- and long-sleeved tees, as well as the brand’s tank tops.
(Interestingly, the fashion maven actually wore the brand’s children’s sizes, as an adult collection wasn’t fully launched until the 2000s.)
The cotton, crewneck tees get wonderful feedback from shoppers, who call them “perfect.”
John F. Kennedy Jr.’s assistant RoseMarie Terenzio — who developed a fast friendship with Bessette Kennedy — confirmed to The Post in 2012 that the style icon’s most-loved tees included those from the French brand.
Terenzio also said CBK gifted her a vintage faux-leopard double-breasted coat, another style we expect to see emulated this year.
Whether pairing your tees with your favorite denim or something dressier, there’s nothing as classic and enduring as this wardrobe essential, making it a good piece to invest in.
“I have had Petit Bateau camis for many, many years. Excellent quality, excellent fit. Stands up to many washings,” reads one five-star review.
No matter how you wear yours, the brand’s price point is far less than many star-approved designer tees — and it hasn’t changed much in the decades since it was first popularized by Bessette Kennedy.
If you’re looking to channel a bit of that effortless style, pair it with a large structured bag and voilà, instant chic.
Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping
This article was written by Erica Radol, Page Six Commerce Reporter. From identifying the top anti-aging skincare secrets the stars trust to dishing on the latest fashion collabs to finding a great deal on all of the above, Erica has a knack for reporting on – and even testing – Hollywood’s bestselling fashion and beauty products. Before joining Page Six in 2025, she wrote about entertainment, lifestyle and shopping trends for Us Weekly, The Daily Beast, Entertainment Tonight, Well+Good and Hearst.
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