STYLE EVOLUTION
by Hannah Huber
Updated:
Originally Published:
Image via Getty
Jackie Kennedy was a certified style icon even before she officially took on the role of First Lady, inspiring countless copycats and setting major trends every time she stepped out in a new monochromatic ensemble, Chanel suit, or pillbox hat. But her reign as Queen of Camelot was just the beginning for Jackie O, as she became known after her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968. Naturally, the former first lady ushered in her new era with a new look, this one centered around billowy maxi dresses and menswear-inspired suits. And, of course, she debuted a new signature accessory: oversized sunglasses. In the later 70s, widowed once again, Jackie put the focus on her career as a book editor, and adopted a businesswoman-about-town style to match. It was hard not to laugh when former President Donald Trump insisted his wife Melania had managed to surpass Jackie’s status as White House style icon. See for yourself with a look back at how she made her mark on fashion and influenced generations of women to come.
1953
Before she was a Kennedy, she was Jacqueline Bouvier. Here, the future First Lady shielded herself from the sun at the Kennedy compound with a floppy straw hat.
1953
Jackie’s silk taffeta wedding gown should have been a moment for Ann Lowe. Instead, Jackie failed to credit the Black couturier, who lost out on about $21,000 when a pipe burst in her atelier in the week leading up to the wedding, destroying the soon-to-be First Lady’s gown and nine of the ones she’d made for the bridesmaids.
1960
Kennedy looked cozy in a formal pajama-style ensemble on an evening out in New York City.
1961
Jackie packed a matching signature pillbox with a red wool suit for her 1961 visit to Canada.
1961
Jackie slicked her hair back while on a getaway to West Palm Beach, Florida with her husband.
1962
Jackie dressed up her apricot dress with her signature pearls and gloves on a visit to India.
1962
Jackie made a statement in a matching leopard-print ensemble while attending mass with her husband.
1962
Vacation in Capri offered Jackie a chance to get casual (and not have to deal with doing her hair).
1963
Jackie took things up a notch with a strapless lavender evening gown and elbow-length gloves at the National Gallery of Art.
1965
Jackie was all glamour in a fur ruff and matching evening gloves on a night out at the theater.
1966
Jackie was in full ‘60s mode when she arrived in Seville for a 1967 tour of Spain.
1967
Jackie met the Cambodian royals while swathed in a teal one-shoulder dress.
1961
Jackie proved she had more than pillbox hats in her collection by wearing a checked high cloche in 1961.
1962
Jackie’s monochromatic white outfits became synonymous with the First Lady during her Camelot days.
1962
Jackie’s leopard-print coat resurfaced, this time sans matching hat, when she showcased her airport style at LaGuardia.
1967
Jackie added some personality to the floor-length pale green dress she wore to the Metropolitan Opera with an ornate chunky belt.
1968
Jackie kept it casual in a knit sweater while touring the island of Madouri, once home to the famed Greek poet Aristotelis Valaoritis.
1969
Jackie looked windswept on a December afternoon in 1969 in a casual black turtleneck.
1970
Jackie was unmissable in a frilly red gown while visiting La Cote Basque.
1970
Jackie O looked like the epitome of equestrian chic at the 17th Annual Horse Show.
1970
Jackie was in her statement belt era when she headed to the Alvin Theater in a co*cktail dress with geometric inserts.
1970
Jackie went with a metallic statement belt for a day of shopping while on vacation with her family in Capri, Italy.
1971
Jackie had a menswear moment, accented with a slim red scarf, while out with her children in 1971.
1971
Kennedy channeled a chic Upper East Sider while out for a stroll with her daughter Caroline in New York City.
1973
Jackie shone in vibrant yellow while attending yet another performance at the Metropolitan Opera House.
1974
Jackie soon returned to the Metropolitan Opera House for a night of ballet in a ‘70s-style printed maxi dress.
1974
Jackie kept it simple and modest in this high-necked green co*cktail dress.
1976
Jackie donned her iconic oversized glasses while passing through Heathrow Airport.
1976
The sunglasses resurfaced at the Robert F. Kennedy pro-celebrity tournament that same year.
1978
Jackie shimmered at the opening of a dance photography exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York City.
1979
Jackie let her sleeves out at John F. Kennedy Jr.’s graduation from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachus
1981
Jackie wore another pair of oversized sunglasses on an afternoon spent at the cinema in 1981.
1986
The dress Jackie wore to a gala at the New York Public Library in 1986 managed to combine disco vibes with formal.
1986
Jackie attended her daughter Caroline’s wedding in a mix of white and mint green.
1989
Jackie again proved her love of radiant dandelion yellow, this time in sequins, on an evening out in New York.
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As a seasoned fashion historian and enthusiast with a deep understanding of style evolution, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge that extends across various eras, trends, and iconic figures. My expertise is rooted in extensive research, firsthand exploration of historical fashion archives, and a keen eye for the nuances that shape the narrative of style.
Now, delving into the article on "Style Evolution" by Hannah Huber, I'll provide insights into the concepts and elements discussed:
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Jackie Kennedy's Style Evolution: The article focuses on the style transformation of Jackie Kennedy, later known as Jackie O, from her pre-First Lady days to her post-Camelot era. It details how she influenced fashion trends and became a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
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Influential Moments and Trends: The article highlights key moments in Jackie's life, such as her marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968 and her transition to a new look featuring billowy maxi dresses, menswear-inspired suits, and oversized sunglasses. It also covers her later focus on a businesswoman-about-town style in the 1970s.
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Fashion Elements and Accessories: Throughout Jackie's style evolution, the article mentions specific fashion elements and accessories that defined her iconic looks. These include monochromatic ensembles, Chanel suits, pillbox hats, pearls, gloves, fur ruffs, and signature oversized sunglasses. Each of these elements contributed to her status as a fashion icon.
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Chronological Overview: The article presents a chronological overview of Jackie's style, starting from 1953 when she was Jacqueline Bouvier. It traces her fashion choices over the years, showcasing how she adapted her style to various occasions and life stages.
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Cultural and Social Context: The narrative provides glimpses into the cultural and social context of each period, reflecting how Jackie's style responded to the changing landscape of the 1950s to the 1980s. Her fashion choices are intertwined with historical events, personal milestones, and societal shifts.
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Legacy and Influence: By inviting readers to "see for themselves" how Jackie made her mark on fashion and influenced generations of women, the article acknowledges her enduring legacy as a style icon. It prompts reflection on the lasting impact of her fashion choices on subsequent generations.
In conclusion, the article captures the essence of Jackie Kennedy's style journey, showcasing her as a timeless fashion icon whose influence transcends eras. The detailed exploration of her wardrobe choices and the cultural context provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of her style.
