Bella hadid ditches equestrian chic for a carolyn bessette kennedy revival
The ever-shifting landscape of Hadid’s personal style has taken another sharp turn. Just months removed from a full embrace of equestrian aesthetics – think jodhpurs and riding helmets – the model and Orebella founder has seemingly traded in the Western vibe for a distinctly minimalist, ’90s sensibility, channeling the effortlessly chic style of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

The headband heard around the boardroom
A recent Instagram post, ostensibly documenting a day at Orebella headquarters, offered the first glimpse of this stylistic evolution. Hadid, typically seen sporting a range of equestrian-inspired accessories, debuted a slim, black headband – a direct nod to Kennedy’s signature look. The photograph, featuring Hadid in a crisp white shirt and classic trench coat, was a masterclass in understated elegance, a stark contrast to the more overtly styled looks she’s favored recently.
The shift isn’t entirely unexpected. The Carolyn Bessette Kennedy effect has been steadily gaining momentum, particularly amongst those seeking a more refined and timeless aesthetic. The resurgence isn’t limited to the elite; just this morning, I observed two gentlemen sporting suits and Kangol hats outside my office—a clear indication of the trend’s broader appeal. It’s a move away from maximalism and a return to the quiet confidence that defined Kennedy’s style – a style, it's worth noting, that remains remarkably influential despite the passage of decades.
Hadid’s commitment to this new direction feels particularly resonant given her recent foray into the Ryan Murphy universe. Her cameo as a Balenciaga model in The Beauty positioned her firmly within the aesthetic of the 1990s, and this headband moment seems to be a deliberate continuation of that narrative. The FX series, with its nostalgic lens, likely played a role in solidifying this stylistic pivot.
The adoption of this understated elegance by a figure as influential as Hadid signals more than just a fleeting trend. It speaks to a broader cultural desire for timelessness and a rejection of the fleeting nature of contemporary fashion. The equation is simple: if the perpetually stylish Hadid is reaching for a headband, it's time to reassess your own accessory game.