Should We Be Upset Over the Fashion Choices in the New Kennedy Series?

American Love Story Controversy

- LIZZIE HYMAN, BRENDAN LE

Paul Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon (left) as JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette (right).

More than 25 years after their 1999 deaths in a plane crash, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy—once one of America’s most captivating couples—are making headlines again. This time it’s for their small-screen portrayal in Ryan Murphy’s upcoming FX series American Love Story, due in February 2026. On June 13 Murphy’s production company shared a first glimpse of the series's costume design on Instagram, revealing Paul Kelly as JFK Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Bessette. The post quickly drew attention, with much of the conversation centering on Bessette, who is still widely revered for her pared-down, minimalist style. Subsequent photos of the pair on-set showed Pidgeon in Converse sneakers and a black slip dress. Fans and fashion insiders quickly weighed in, voicing concerns that the portrayal misses the mark—coming off as modern-day approximations of what she might have worn rather than faithful recreations of her actual aesthetic. Those who knew her or who have studied her style closely tend to agree.