Channel Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy With This Gorgeous Red Manicure Look For Autumn & Winter

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Count on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy to continue influencing fall and winter beauty trends. The '90s stunner could sway fashion and beauty goals in any direction she chose, and since CBK loved minimalism, her style influence tends towards the spare aesthetic. Undeniably, Bessette-Kennedy's chic and simple style remains unmatched. But there is one way that Bessette-Kennedy showed her more flamboyant side, and that was through a rare but unforgettable red manicure. 

Fans of FX's "Love Story," the limited series that delved into the relationship between Bessette-Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr. will recall the iconic opening in episode 1 where Bessette-Kennedy, played by Sarah Pidgeon, sits in a nail salon in New York City while a pack of paparazzi eagerly wait outside. The nail technician applies a brilliantly bright red polish to Pidgeon's nails when she wavers and opts for a nude tone instead, signifying that the symbolism of red nail polish — independence and vivacity — might not be appreciated by the Kennedy clan. Through this simple interaction about nail polish, a seemingly small thing, viewers capture so much about Bessette-Kennedy's place within the illustrious American family. While she equivocates, the scene shows that she really wanted red. She wanted to show that free spirit. In light of that, as style continues to take inspiration from the icon CBK, a gorgeous red manicure is the anthem for fall and winter. Bright red is also one of the manicure colors that looks best on short nails, so it works for any nail length, too. 

To recreate Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's red nails for fall and winter, the primary focus is on nail grooming and prep. Remove any old polish; then cut nails to the desired length and shape them so that they're even. Gently push back cuticles and trim excess skin. First apply a base coat, allowing it to dry completely, then select a red polish of your choice. In the FX series "Love Story," Sarah Pidgeon, who plays CBK, wears the red Essie shade "Not Red-Y For Bed" as a valuable example of the type of look to go for. It's a rich cherry red shade with a cream finish. 

The best technique for applying a bold nail polish color like red is to do the three-stroke technique. Start with a small drop of polish near the cuticle and gently push it back towards the skin, then pull the polish down the center of the nail. Follow this with two gentle strokes down each side of the nail. Allow the first coat to dry then apply a second coat. Finish with a high-gloss top coat for protection. (If you want to put a twist on the classic red nail, you can opt for a polish with sparkles.) What we love about CBK's classic red manicure is its '90s minimalism. She wore one shade and kept her nails short, so the simplicity of the look suited her overall vibe.