FX on Hulu’s limited series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette already got us Gen Z girls sprinting to find the best hair accessories to achieve that CBK fashion icon status — whether that be by going to the same apothecary as her or finding the most cost-effective dupes online. And since the show is still taking over the pop culture zeitgeist, and now that spring is on the way, it’s time to refresh our sunglasses lineup with some modernized ‘90s pieces all inspired by Carolyn Bessette.
Having some basics on hand is essential for pulling off rushed outfits that still look put together, but also for mastering effortlessly chic attire that’s the perfect happy medium between classy and casual. Bessette was the queen of the capsule wardrobe. She often sported small, oval-shaped style sunglasses in tortoise or black to match her classic hair accessories, of course.
Bessette was often photographed wearing the small-frame style called Aldo from designer Selima Optique, which even named a larger version of the Aldo after Carolyn. But both the Aldo and Carolyn styles go for over $500, and they’re in high demand right now.
Quality eyewear is important, but there’s no need to drop hundreds of dollars on a pair when there are countless dupes out there. Here are 12 sunglasses dupes to emulate Carolyn Bessette’s signature look this spring.
Urban Outfitters UO Essential Oval Sunglasses ($15)
These sunglasses offer a bit of individuality while still paying homage to CBK’s look. They come in a variety of colors, from a classic brown tortoise frame with a blue-tinted lens to a bold orange tortoise. With the slim oval style, they still have the perfect vintage vibe.
Princess Polly Wonderful World Sunglasses ($20)
With a UV400 protection level, these sunglasses are a great buy that don’t compromise quality and safety. The black or brown colors are great neutral colors to align with CBK’s closet, but this pair also comes in sorbet, which is a blush-cream look that’s great for spring or summer.
PrettyLittleThing Tortoise Shell Small Oval Sunglasses ($8)
These sunglasses come in a classic tortoise shell or taupe shade. This pair would be well-styled with a long blazer, or even a jean jacket for a more low-key look.
Sllac Fish-B Oval Cream Sunglasses ($20)
These sunglasses come in so many colors: brown tortoise, black, green, and cream. Any option would be a great finishing touch to a CBK-inspired outfit.
Vaele Maé Noir Oval Shades ($30)
Here’s another pair of sunglasses that aims to achieve a “retro attitude” in different colors. The bronze color is a particularly striking option that could be paired with the perfect brown leather boot and a headband.
Quince Bali Polarized Acetate Sunglasses ($50)
Although at a higher price point, these sunglasses are a great value and still hundreds of dollars cheaper than the typical retail value. On their website, Quince even highlights elements like acetate frames, UV400 protection, and CR-39 lenses (a high-quality, lightweight plastic material) that some designer brands don’t have.
Quay Felt Cute ($75)
The name alone is almost enough to buy this higher-quality dupe. The chocolate frame with brown lenses or the black frame with a smoke lens are great CBK lookalikes.
Urban Outfitters Sasha Oval Sunglasses ($15)
Another Urban Outfitters item, this time offered in tortoise brown frame with a rose lens, black frame with a blue lens, or a two-toned brown option. Like the UO Essential Oval Sunglasses, these offer 100% UV protection with tinted lenses. These sunglasses, however, have a bit more of a slim look, which aligns perfectly with CBK’s style.
American Eagle Skinny Oval Brown Sunglasses ($12)
These sunglasses have 100% UV protection and are the ultimate oval shape. This pair of frames is another great basic accessory that can complement any attire.
Parker Hayes The Valencia Shades ($35)
With four different lens color options and UV400 protection, these sunglasses are another great item that can be customized to any individual’s style while fitting the CBK vision board.
Viln Stellar Oval Shades ($30)
These sunglasses come in olive green, beige, black, leopard, or clear. They offer a thicker frame and stem while still giving off a slimmer look.
Vogue EyeweaR SUNGLASSES ($51)
These borderline cat-eye oval sunglasses are very CBK in their black or dark Havana frame colors. They also come in taupe, transparent olive green, or full bordeaux. Although they’re pricier than some other dupe options, Solstice Sunglasses offers customizable lenses, so this is a great option for those who require bifocal/progressive or single vision lenses for distance or reading assistance.