Style File: The Enduring Style of Jackie Onassis
Jackie Onassis: The Enduring Legacy of an American Style Icon
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, often remembered simply as Jackie O, left an indelible mark not only on American history but also on the world of fashion. As First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, Jackie became a global symbol of grace, poise, and effortless style. Her aesthetic was not just about clothing—it was a deliberate, cultivated image that reflected both her personal elegance and the political demands of her role.
When Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy became First Lady , she instantly captivated the nation—not just with her charm and fluency in French—but with a fashion sense that blended European sophistication with American modernity. Her signature pillbox hats, pastel skirt suits, white gloves, and tailored coats quickly became symbols of the "Camelot" era, a time when style and statecraft went hand in hand.
Defining Her Statement Style
Jackie's style was defined by its clean lines, simplicity, and quiet sophistication. Collaborating closely with designer Oleg Cassini, Jackie curated a look that was polished yet approachable, regal yet refreshingly contemporary. “She had the ability to make any outfit look iconic,” Cassini once remarked. Indeed, her wardrobe was less about flash and more about form: streamlined silhouettes, monochrome palettes, and statement accessories—especially those oversized sunglasses—became her sartorial calling cards.
Perhaps one of her greatest strengths as a fashion icon was her ability to balance trends with timelessness.
While she embraced contemporary designers like Givenchy, Chanel, and Valentino, Jackie always maintained a sense of restraint. She understood the power of consistency in personal branding long before the concept became mainstream. Her wardrobe often featured a monochromatic palette, statement accessories, and subtle tailoring—choices that made her look both current and enduring.
Beyond her clothing, Jackie's style extended to her demeanor and lifestyle. She moved with calm assurance, spoke with measured poise, and exuded an aura of mystery that further fueled public fascination. Her transition from First Lady to private citizen, and later to book editor in New York, marked a shift in her wardrobe to more relaxed yet still impeccable looks: wide-legged trousers, silk blouses, Hermès scarves, and minimalist dresses that underscored her adaptability and evolving identity.
In the late '60s and '70s, now married to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, Jackie embraced a more cosmopolitan, bohemian elegance. Think wide-legged trousers, silk scarves, and relaxed jersey dresses—still impeccably tailored, but now layered with the quiet confidence of a woman in full command of her identity.
Her wardrobe choices—be they Givenchy dresses, Valentino gowns, or casual jeans paired with ballet flats—were never just about fashion. They were statements of intent. Jackie used clothing as a form of visual language: diplomacy through design, resilience through refinement. She didn’t follow trends; she transcended them.
Decoding: the elements
Pillowbox hats
Strapless gowns and elbow length gloves
Statement coats
Loafers
Oversized sunglasses
Scarves
Capri Pants
Summer Style:
Winter Style:
City Style:
Events:
Today, her influence is as visible as ever. Designers cite her as a perennial muse. Instagram feeds are dotted with throwbacks to her effortless airport looks and breezy summer dresses. And those pillbox hats? Still iconic.
In an age of fast fashion and fleeting attention spans, Jackie Onassis offers a powerful reminder: style isn't about being seen. It’s about being remembered. Her style wasn’t loud, but it spoke volumes—and continues to echo across generations.
Shopping as Jackie O: HERE
Hope you enjoy, more icons coming soon
xx