Revisiting Jackie Kennedy's Signature Style
Looking for a bit of style inspiration? Jackie Kennedy's wardrobe was a language of its own. Let's have a look at the outfits that made her the trendsetter of her time and proved that style never goes out of fashion!
Wedding Dress 1953
On her wedding day, Jackie stunned in an ivory silk-taffeta gown designed by Ann Lowe. The boat neck and fitted bodice contrasted perfectly with the voluminous skirt, which made it the best of 1950s bridal elegance. It is forever tied to one of the most iconic weddings in history.
Toni Frissell Collection (Library of Congress), Wikimedia Commons
Wedding Dress 1953 (Cont.)
We expect no less than perfection when it comes to hair and makeup, and Jackie came to deliver. Her makeup perfectly complemented her radiant glow. Her hair, styled in a classic French twist, was graceful. The showstopper? A delicate, lace-edged veil that fluttered as she walked down the aisle.
Toni Frissell, Wikimedia Commons
Inaugural Ball Gown 1961
Leave it up to Jackie to pull off white like no one else. She stopped the nation in its tracks in a stunning white, off-the-shoulder gown by Ethel Frankau. This masterpiece from Bergdorf Goodman clung gracefully to her figure, with a strapless bodice adorned with sparkling details.
Jackie Kennedy's Dress by Smithsonian Channel
Inaugural Ball Gown 1961 (Cont.)
Jackie's makeup for the Inaugural Ball was understated yet striking. Her skin was radiant, with a soft, dewy finish. Her eyes were defined with a subtle winged eyeliner, accentuating her almond-shaped eyes. A soft pink blush added a healthy glow, and her lips were painted with a gentle rose hue.
State Visit To India 1962
She took over India in a sleeveless pink unbelted and high-waisted sheath of linen-like silk by New York designer Donald Brooks. This ensemble was part of a series of outfits that showcased her impeccable style throughout the trip.
State Visit To India 1962 (Cont.)
Her makeup, again, wasn't too strong and did a perfect job of highlighting her natural beauty. Her hair was in soft waves, complementing the gown's elegance. She accessorized with a simple strand of pearls so that the gown was the star of her ensemble.
White House Dinner 1962
Baby pink satin—this was the color that defined Jackie Kennedy's look at the 1962 White House Dinner. The strapless gown, with a fitted bodice and full, flowing skirt, was made for the event. Long white gloves were the finishing touch, which added sophistication and heightened the glamor.
Robert LeRoy Knudsen on Wikimedia
White House Dinner 1962 (Cont.)
Her eyes were the focal point of her makeup, softly defined with a subtle eyeliner and long lashes. The rest of her makeup was natural skin with a light dusting of blush and soft pink lips. Her hair, styled in voluminous waves, paired beautifully with a simple strand of pearls.
Cecil W. Stoughton on Wikimedia
Christening Outfit 1960
The signature pillbox hat was the highlight of Jackie Kennedy's look for John F Kennedy Jr's christening in 1960. Paired with a tailored black overcoat, the ensemble was the perfect mix of formal and chic. The simple yet striking hat added the right amount of polish.
Christening Outfit 1960 (Cont.)
Classic Jackie—her makeup was minimal, with soft eye makeup and a pale pink lip. Her hair, styled in smooth waves, peeked out just beneath the pillbox hat. Accessories were kept to a minimum, with the focus squarely on the refined elegance of her coat and hat.
U. S. Department of State on Wikimedia
First Lady Of Fashion 1965
The moment Jackie Kennedy arrived at the memorial for her late husband in 1965, her outfit told a story. In a somber yet graceful tailored suit, she paired it with a pillbox hat and her signature pearls. It was a look of quiet strength, which marked a powerful tribute.
On This Day: 14 May 1965 - The Queen Unveils JFK Memorial in Surrey by The Royal Family Channel
First Lady Of Fashion 1965 (Cont.)
Her hair was styled in a neat, sophisticated chignon. Instead of dramatic makeup, Jackie chose understated elegance. Her lips were lightly touched with a rosy hue, and the pearls were the perfect finishing touch. A symbol of grace.
On This Day: 14 May 1965 - The Queen Unveils JFK Memorial in Surrey by The Royal Family Channel
White House Portrait 1961
When Jackie Kennedy sat for her official White House portrait in 1961, she nailed it: elegant and absolutely timeless. Rocking a white Irish linen dress by Sybil Connolly, she kept it sleek and simple with a high neckline and a modest silhouette. Talk about First Lady vibes!
Aaron Shikler, Wikimedia Commons
White House Portrait 1961 (Cont.)
Her makeup was all about fresh and clean, just a soft pink lip to match the understated elegance. Her hair? Perfectly pinned; no stray hairs in sight. With a pair of understated stud earrings, Jackie kept the focus on her natural beauty and undeniable poise.
Red Dior Dress 1960
It's not every day that you see someone showing up in a red Dior dress to a United Nations, but that was Jackie Kennedy. The dress had a silhouette with a high neckline and three-quarter sleeves. This ensemble highlighted her taste and set a standard for diplomatic fashion.
Robert Knudsen, Wikimedia Commons
Red Dior Dress 1960 (Cont.)
Again, we don't have much to go off when it comes to hair and makeup. This is because Jackie always lets her outfit do the talking. Not to mention, you don't want to look too flashy at an event like this. So, she kept it simple with a necklace.
Robert Knudsen, Wikimedia Commons
Pink Chanel Suit 1963
This one doesn’t need an introduction. It was a doomed day when Jackie decided to step out on what would end up becoming her most famous outfit in history. A jacket and a pencil skirt with black details was the outfit before the incident.
Cecil W. Stoughton
, Wikimedia Commons
Pink Chanel Suit 1963 (Cont.)
She paired it with a matching hat and white gloves. She was also carrying a purse to complete her look. The outfit finally ended up in the National Archives in Maryland and is stored specially in a certain temperature and conditions to preserve it.
Cecil W. Stoughton
, Wikimedia Commons
Sari-inspired dress (1962)
Jackie Kennedy took a fashion gamble when she rocked a sari-inspired dress during her 1962 tour of India. The vibrant, flowing fabric seemed to tell a story and blended Eastern elegance with Western flair. This was a cultural homage that made Jackie a trendsetter in her own right!
Cecil Stoughton, Wikimedia Commons
Visiting The Indian President 1962
During her 1962 goodwill tour of India, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy visited the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi to meet President Dr Rajendra Prasad. Accompanied by her sister, Princess Lee Radziwill, Jackie exuded elegance in a tailored ensemble that blended Western sophistication with subtle Indian influences.
Cecil Stoughton, Wikimedia Commons
Visiting The Indian President 1962 (Cont.)
It was classic Jackie attire during this meeting; her overall style during the tour often featured modest cuts and understated elegance. She frequently accessorized with her signature triple-strand pearl necklace, which complemented her refined aesthetic.
Christmas Costume 1961
At the 1961 White House Staff Christmas reception, Jacqueline Kennedy donned a graceful dress in deep red. The dress had a dramatic front, with elegant twists of drapery, and the back was just as exemplifying. It refined design aesthetics.
Robert Knudsen, White House Collection, Wikimedia Commons
Christmas Costume 1961 (Cont.)
To complement her attire, Mrs. Kennedy accessorized with silver layered bracelets and her signature triple-strand pearl necklace. Her hair was styled in a graceful updo, and she had on black heels, adding a touch of winter luxury to her ensemble.
