- Wedding Dresses
Nail this timeless look on your big day with these classic slip dresses.
By
Kristin Tice Studeman
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Kristin Tice Studeman
Kristin Tice Studeman is an NYC-based food and wine writer and the founder of the rosé-paired dinners series, The Rosé Project.
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Updated on 05/16/22 10:54AM
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-72465192-79c78392481d400b9537d557ff9853b4.jpg "Get the Look: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Iconic Wedding Dress (2)")
When Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy walked down the aisle on September 21, 1996, she forever changed the world of bridalwear. Before Bessette’s wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr. at First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island, Georgia, it was Princess Diana’s elaborate tulle, taffeta, and lace gown with a 25-foot train—from her 1981 nuptials—that had set the trend for a generation of womens’ wedding gowns around the globe. Bessette’s dress, designed by her dear friend Narciso Rodriguez (the two worked together at Calvin Klein), was the ultimate antithesis of Diana’s ballgown—and broke all the bridal rules in the best way possible. It was strikingly simple and would come to define an era of minimalism, not just for bridal, but fashion as a whole.
The bias-cut, body-skimming silk gown was remarkably bare—it had no embroidery or rhinestones or ornamentation at all. Instead, the dress was all about the stunning woman wearing it. (It’s no wonder Narciso Rodriguez launched his namesake line the next year and catapulted to stardom.) She paired it with a silk tulle veil, long white gloves, crystal-beaded Manolo Blahnik shoes, and a bouquet of lilies of the valley. Her hair was pinned back nonchalantly in a low bun that looked equal parts effortless and chic. To this day, it remains one of the most timeless, iconic—and most copied—bridal ensembles of all time.
If that famous shot of Bessette leaving the church is your ultimate wedding dress inspiration, look no further. We have rounded up some of our favorite current iterations of the Carolyn available now.
The 13 Most Iconic Celebrity Wedding Looks
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Most Similar: L’Agence Serita Silk Maxi Slip Dress
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For instant Carolyn vibes, pair this body-skimming silk gown with a silk tulle veil, crystal-beaded satin sandals, and long white gloves.
SHOP NOW: Saks Fifth Avenue
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Best Slit: Fame & Partners The Rosabel Maxi Dress
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Not into classic white or ivory? This silky maxi dress with a dramatic side slit and cowl neckline is perfect for you. It’s very Carolyn-esque, but comes in various shades, like ‘light latte’ (pictured) and pale lilac, to mix things up from traditional bridal whites.
SHOP NOW: Shop Bop
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Best Train: Jenny by Jenny Yoo Marnie Gown
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This sultry, satin gown captures the essence of Carolyn’s iconic, minimalist wedding dress, but the court-length train adds just a little more drama to the overall look.
SHOP NOW: Anthropologie
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For a Formal Wedding: Nili Lotan Cami Silk Charmeuse Gown
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This silk charmeuse gown nods to Carolyn’s look with its bias-cut, slip silhouette and thin straps. The V-neckline and adjustable straps add a slightly different element to the overall look.
SHOP NOW: Nili Lotan
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Best Midi: Alice & Olivia Harmony Satin Midi Dress
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If you love Carolyn’s wedding gown, but don’t want to wear something floor-skimming, this dress fits the bill perfectly. This satin, midi-length version has a cowl-neck and spaghetti straps, a la Carolyn, but the asymmetric hemline offers a bit of an unexpected, refreshing plot twist.
SHOP NOW: Saks Fifth Avenue
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Most Sexy: Norma Kamali Cross Back Bias Gown with Train
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We can absolutely see Carolyn in this cross-back, bias-cut and cowl neck gown from Norma Kamali’s new bridal collection. If you want a ‘wow’ moment to the overall look, the flowing train does exactly that.
SHOP NOW: Revolve
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Most Minimal: La Perla Long Slip Dress
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It doesn’t get more simple than this classic satin slip dress. The beauty here is in the details—the luxurious silk and long back slit will perfectly frame your figure. Plus, we can see this versatile number becoming a part of your regular wardrobe rotation post-wedding.
SHOP NOW: Shopbop
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Most Classic: ASOS Cami Maxi Slip Dress
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With the cowl neck and silky draping, it’s got that simple and elegant vibe of Carolyn’s dress and at this price point, you probably couldn’t do better. It turns up the sex appeal just a touch with the lace-up back and side slit. Classic and well-priced…it’s a win.
SHOP NOW: ASOS
11 Cowl Back Wedding Dresses for a Sultry Look
