EFFORTLESS EDIT

Shop Carolyn Bessette's minimal '90s style at these 8 Houston spots

Thanks to the show, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette," 90s minimalism is back and easy to find in Houston.

Photo courtesy of FX/Facebook

Thanks to Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the woman who helped define ’90s minimalism is back in heavy rotation. Her classic way of dressing serves as a reminder that great style does not need logos or loud trends to make a big impact. Bessette-Kennedy's uniform of crisp white shirts, perfectly cut denim, and minimal accessories is not only nostalgic, but a stylish blueprint for getting dressed right now.

Houstonians don't need a NYC zip code or a Calvin Klein press badge to recreate her most classic looks. From River Oaks District to Rice Village and the Heights, boutiques are leaning into that same pared-back polish — making it easy to find a quietly expensive aesthetic without overthinking it.

Accessories

Lele Sadoughi

Bessette-Kennedy often topped off her casual outfits with a slim tortoise shell headband, and Lele Sadoughi, a boutique in River Oaks District, is leaning into similar timeless styles. The Tortoise Emma Acetate Headband and the Jet Faux Leather Bessette Headband are both available for preorder with similar styles available in-store.

Polished headbands and statement accessories with a timeless twist.Photo courtesy of Lele Sadoughi

Krewe

New Orleans-born Krewe eyewear in Rice Village is channeling '90s minimalistic style with slim, small-frame sunglasses that are reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy's go-to pairs. Its Spring 2026 collection introduces the Kate and Leah styles, each offered in three colorways.

Krewe Sleek, small-frame sunglasses that channel effortless ’90s cool.Photo courtesy of Krewe

Fly High Little Bunny

This Houston go-to for one of a kind pieces offers a variety of both fine jewelry and classic sterling silver styles. Jeweled hoops, dainty rings, and minimal necklaces that were everyday staples of Bessette-Kennedy, are available at their Heights boutique.

Delicate jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces for everyday minimalism.Photo courtesy of Fly High Little Bunny/Instagram

Moreau Paris

Often seen carrying a tote bag, the '90s fashion icon was a big fan of understated luxury. River Oaks District handbag boutique Moreau Paris offers a variety of bags in similar styles including the Mini Vincennes Reversible Totes giving a two-in-one option, as well as the Small Ana Saddle Leather Top Handle Bag for a more structured look.

Understated luxury handbags with clean lines and quiet sophistication.Photo courtesy of Moreau Paris

Clothing

Tootsies

When it came to denim, Bessette-Kennedy kept things classic, favoring straight and bootcut styles. At Tootsies, the brand DL1961 taps into that same timeless feel. The Bridget Boot High Rise Instasculpt offers a flattering polished fit and comes in a variety of colorways and lengths making it easy to find a pair for everyday wear.

DL1961 Classic denim fits and elevated staples for a polished, everyday look.Photo courtesy of DL1961

Alchemia

One of Bessette-Kennedy's most celebrated looks was a basic white button down shirt. She often wore Calvin Klein, as she was a publicist for the brand, but the same classic style can be found at Alchemia. The Essentials Icon Shirt in white is tailored at the waist, chest, and back to give a flattering fit without the dreaded blouse gape.

Tailored essentials, including the perfect crisp white button-down.Photo courtesy of Alchemia

Frock Shop

A versatile black midi skirt not only goes with everything, it can be worn during any season. Frock Shop carries the ALC Remy Drawstring Midi Skirt that is easy to style and comfortable to keep on a regular rotation.

Easy, versatile pieces like midi skirts that work season after season.Photo courtesy of Frock Shop

Beauty

Kiehl's

Used by both Carolyn and John, the Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom delivers soft hold, subtle shine, and natural movement. Ideal for the sleek low buns Kennedy-Bessette favored as well as polished styles. Kiehl's Highland Village location also carries a scent very close to Kennedy Bessette's fragrance of choice. The Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette combines classic musk with with soft floral and woody notes.

Kiehl's Original Musk Eau de Toilette Low-key grooming and fragrance for a naturally polished finish.Photo courtesy of Kiehl's

kiehl's frock shop alchemia tootsies moreau paris fly high little bunny krewe lele sadoughi carolyn bessette-kennedy shopping

RODEO RUNWAY

Western glam takes over as RodeoHouston fans dress to impress

Photo by Gabi De la Rosa

Brooke Jones, Kiala Cardenas, Brittany Ruggeri, and Franschesca Jones.

Houstonians have dusted off their boots and rhinestones as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is in full swing. Already one of the largest events in Texas, the crowds are continuing to grow. In 2025, more than 2.7 million people attended RodeoHouston, and this year the event is already on track for record-breaking numbers.

Livestock competitions, carnival rides, deep-fried food, and headlining concerts are the official reasons people come to the rodeo. Unofficially, however, people watching has become a sport all its own. The crowded walkways on RodeoHouston grounds transform into a Western-themed runway, where personal style is just as much of the experience as enjoying deep-fried Oreos or a Ferris wheel ride.

A wide range of outfits is always on display. Some attendees go all in with head-to-toe sequins, fringe on everything, and dramatically decorated hats. Others keep things casual with denim, boots, and graphic t-shirts, while groups of friends will often coordinate themed outfits for concert nights.

Rodeo Fashoin 2026 Emily Duran and Brylie Wagner.Photo by Gabi De la Rosa

No matter the style, there are two must-have accessories: cowboy hats and boots. Hats serve a dual purpose for both fashion and protection from the sun during daytime events. Boots are essential to rodeo style, but sometimes come with a painful learning curve.

Many attendees walk more than a mile from the parking lot to the grounds, and after exploring, they often add more than 20,000 steps. For those who did not properly break in their boots, the end of the day can involve blisters and a slow walk to the car, boots in hand.

“Rodeo fashion is so fun. My friends and I planned out outfits together, and we made sure we broke in our boots before tonight,” Teresa Delgado tells CultureMap. “When you are from Houston, you only make that mistake once.”

Rodeo Fashion 2026 Karson Graves, Reese, Lowery, Mackenzie Lewis, Natalie Doyle, Brandi Hunger, and Jenna Faulkner.Photo by Gabi De la Rosa

Some days have them whether it's official or it's an unspoken trend. When Megan Moroney took the stage, pink was the color of the concert, inspired by Moroney's album Cloud 9. Nearly 70,000 attendees filled the stadium in everything from flouncy pink ruffled outfits to bright neon boots and hats.

“We have really been looking forward to this concert,” said Ashley Little from Cypress. “I didn't think too much about my outfit at first, but my daughter wanted to coordinate, so here we are wearing pink together.”

Between carnival rides, mutton busting, and nightly concerts, the rodeo has plenty to see, but some of the most memorable moments are stopping to notice that fashion is just another part of the show.

Photo by Gabi De la Rosa

Brooke Jones, Kiala Cardenas, Brittany Ruggeri, and Franschesca Jones.

houston rodeo fashion western style