Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis is perhaps the preeminent style icon of the twentieth century. While Jackie herself declared that she was not classically beautiful – her eyes were a little too wide set, her jaw a little too square – Jackie had a way with style that made every woman in the world want to look just like her. While Jackie’s brother-in-law, Senator Edward Kennedy, once said about Jackie, “No one else looked like her, spoke like her, wrote like her, or was so original in the way she did things,” Jackie’s look is not in fact difficult to emulate. Here is a simple guide for capturing the Jackie O look.
Oversized Sunglasses. Perhaps the first thing people think of when they think of Jackie O is her oversized sunglasses. Jackie pioneered this look, and in recent years, oversized sunglasses have come back in vogue. Put on a pair and you instantly channel Jackie O glamour.
The Sheath Dress. The sheath dress is a classic Jackie O look. In its elegant simplicity, it is gorgeous on its own or with a few well placed accessories, such as a pearl choker or brooch, both of which are very Jackie O. Of course, the dress should be made out of a natural material. Jackie herself favored linen and raw silk. And no need to relegate the sheath dress to your spring/summer wardrobe only. The sheath dress can be worn year round. Simply switch to a fine wool material in the fall and winter months, and pair the dress with a cardigan or cashmere wrap.
Pearls. The pearl necklace was Jackie’s personal signature. Indeed, photographs from throughout Jackie’s life memorialize her love of pearls: the portraits from Jackie’s wedding to John F. Kennedy; photos of Jackie from the presidential campaign trial; photos of Jackie with her two children; and photos of Jackie strolling the streets of Paris, Nantucket, and New York. In fact, many of Jackie’s pearls were imitations. According to Sotheby’s jewelry expert John Block, “Some of the most famous pearls [Sotheby’s has] sold recently are Jackie’s, and they were fake.” Indeed, in the 1996 Sotheby’s auction of Jackie’s personal effects, Jackie’s Kenneth Jay Lane triple strand imitation pearl necklace sold for $211,500. Costume jewelry designer Carolee Friedlander bought several of Jackie’s imitation pearl items at the Sotheby’s auction, and, shortly thereafter, her company, Carolee, launched a seventeen-item collection of Jackie inspired pearl jewelry. While Jackie herself paid a mere $100 for the necklace, the necklace featured prominently in one of the most memorable photos of Jackie during JFK’s presidency, with the little John-John in his mother’s lap, grabbing one of the three strands of pearls around Jackie’s neck.
Monochromatic Palette. Many of Jackie’s most striking looks, such as her ivory satin Inaugural ball dress, were striking precisely because of the simple, monochromatic color scheme. A single color scheme outfit elongates the body and camouflages figure flaws. But one should be cautious – a monochromatic look is best executed in subtle, neutral shades. Jackie herself often wore “greige,” a neutral hue that was a cross between gray and beige.
Black and White Outfits. You’ll never go wrong pairing these opposites. Together, black and white create a striking look that is appropriate for any season. The one point of caution with this combination is to avoid the “waiter” look. For this very reason, Jackie typically wore white on the bottom and black on top.
Boatneck Tops. Many of Jackie’s outfits had a boatneck neckline. A boatneck top highlights the collarbone and gives an elegant, swan-like look to almost anyone’s neck.
Three Quarter Length Sleeves. The three quarter length sleeve is a classic Jackie O look. Three quarter length sleeves make the arms appear longer and are perfect for highlighting a great bracelet. Many of Jackie’s coats had three quarter length sleeves, which she would pair with opera length leather gloves. This look instantly channels ’60s glamour.
Sources
“In Praise of Pearls,” Town & Country, Sept. 1, 2000.
Bid For a Piece of the House Which Jackie Built Into National Treasure,” Daily Mail (London), Nov. 12, 2008.
James Cokington, “Mother of Peals; Collect It, Enjoy It,” Sydney Morning Herald, Apr. 11, 2007.
