IN CONVERSATION WITH CAELYNN BELL
interview JANA LETONJA
photography CAMERON WHALEY
From beauty queen to Bachelor Nation fan favorite to lifestyle tastemaker, Caelynn Bell has always had an eye for style, and this New York Fashion Week, she’s giving us an exclusive peek into her fashion-girl world. Between front-row moments, backstage chaos, and the whirlwind of outfit changes, Caelynn is bringing her signature charm and sophistication to the city that never sleeps. Fans who’ve followed her journey from ‘The Bachelor’ and ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ to life with husband Dean Unglert will now get to see a new side of her, one where designer runways, street style snaps, and her own personal glam all collide.
What excites you most about experiencing New York Fashion Week this year?
There are so many fun events this year, but I’m really looking forward to seeing the shows, seeing the new trends, and soaking up the outfit inspiration. Every time I leave New York, whether it’s for fashion week or something else, I come home feeling so inspired.
How would you describe your personal style?
I’d describe my style as elevated minimalism. I gravitate toward high-quality basics and then make them my own with fun jewelry or accessories. I love the ease of jeans and a tee, but I also really enjoy dressing for my environment. My outfit in Aspen will look completely different from what I’d wear in Paris, and I love that challenge.
How do you balance your personal style with the vision of the designers you’re wearing?
I think of it as a collaboration. I always want to honor a designer’s vision when I wear their piece, but I filter it through my own lens. I love minimalism with a bit of an edge, so I’ll stay true to myself with the way I style and accessorize while still letting the designs be the focal point.
Street style has become such a big part of NYFW. What’s your strategy for nailing that perfect look outside the shows?
This year, I had so much fun with my street style. I always start with a pair of jeans. I packed Rag & Bone and Re/Done, and built looks around them with capes, ponchos, and layered knits. I also styled a polo under a sweater with the collar peeking out, and layered a classic white tee with a Jenni Kayne sweater. For me, the key to great street style is staying authentic and that means putting comfort first.
Who are some of your biggest style inspirations?
I love Hanna Schönberg. She is so effortlessly cool. I’m also really drawn to Alexandra Saint Mleux’s elegant style and Coco Schiffer’s mix of minimalism and edge.
You’ve built such a strong lifestyle platform. How does fashion fit into your brand and the content you share?
Fashion naturally weaves into everything I do. Whether I’m cooking, styling my home, or traveling, I’m always experimenting with new outfits, trying trends, or thrifting unique pieces. Living near Aspen has also been a huge source of inspiration. It’s such a fun place to dress for, and I love seeing how people interpret the Colorado aesthetic.
If you could raid any designer’s closet, whose would it be?
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The Row is the chicest brand out there, it’s so timeless, and they’re both just so cool. I also love everything Ralph Lauren, which feels fitting for Aspen’s lifestyle and aesthetic.
Meeting Dean on ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ changed your life. Did you ever imagine you’d meet your husband through reality TV?
Never. Sometimes we’ll be watching a reality TV show like ‘Bachelor in Paradise’ or ‘Love is Blind’ and I look over at him and suddenly remember we met on a dating show. We live such a normal life that I always forget and it hits us both like wow, how weird that we did that.
When you’re not traveling or working, what does a “perfect day at home” look like for you?
A perfect day at home is slow and cozy. I’m making sourdough, experimenting with discard recipes, and hanging out with Dean, our cat Carl, and our dog Alastor. I’m a major homebody, and because we live so remotely with no food delivery, I’ve gotten really into cooking and baking.
