Someone that I have been so excited to talk about is Jackie Kennedy, the first lady to John F. Kennedy from 1961 to 1963, and her timeless yet bold style. Currently in my fashion marketing class, we created a fashion timeline of the looks and the people that have impacted the way we dress today, and I included Jackie Kennedy. I always loved seeing old pictures of Jackie with the president in all of her stunning looks, and I still feel the same way about them years later. I am truly obsessed with Jackie Kennedy and everything she wore. Here’s a few of my favorite things about her style:
Timeless and classy
There is something so special about a timeless look. Jackie Kennedy popularized classy shift dresses with clean and minimalistic silhouettes, along with dress suits when alongside JFK. Her modest dresses and simple lines gave an effortless look. Her outfits turned heads, but still earned her respect in formal environments. These outfits to me combine her strength but also her femininity.
Color
Jackie Kennedy often experimented with color. Since the shape of her outfits were simple, she often wore dresses with pastel colors that stood out, paired with a matching pillbox hat. One of the most notable outfits is recognized as her “pink suit” which she wore on the tragic day JFK was assassinated. This outfit is only one of many that stood out. In 1961, Jackie wore a pale yellow dress suit for a luncheon in Paris designed by Oleg Cassini, an American fashion designer. He also designed Jackie’s red wool suit that she wore during a trip to Canada. Oleg Cassini was appointed by Jackie to be her designer during her time as first lady.
Strapless dresses
Jackie Kennedy loved wearing gowns with a strapless neckline that highlighted her collarbone and neck. In 1962, Jackie wore a strapless pink silk gown for a dinner in honor of the Minister of State for Cultural Affairs of France. Another standout moment was in 1966 when she wore a white strapless gown to the Debutante Ball in Spain. Strapless gowns have a flattering silhouette and Jackie showed her elegance with these dresses paired with white gloves.
Trench coats
During the winter months, it was common for Jackie to be wearing a trench coat. Coats in simple colors with simple silhouettes with an occasional turtleneck underneath. Wool trench coats provided Jackie with warmth and also gave an elegant look.
Pearls!
I only wear pearls for earrings, and I believe Jackie inspired my love for pearls. Jackie is known for her iconic triple strand pearl necklace. She believed “pearls are always appropriate” and I could not agree more. Jackie wore them to dress up or down, as they work for both. Jackie’s pearls were actually not real. It is said that she purchased them from Bergdorf Goodman for $35 in the 1950s. It makes me even more obsessed with her, because I too love my fake pearls!
I could go on forever about all of the things I love about Jackie Kennedy. Jackie truly is the definition of classy, and her life through looks will truly remain prominent in my life forever!
As always,
Love, Haley
