The most iconic fashion moments of Jackie Kennedy

Jacqueline Kennedy is one of the most beloved and imitated fashion icons of all time. She was born on July 28, 1929 into an upper middle-class New York family and grew up, along with her sister Caroline (aka the super chic socialite Lee Radziwill), as the perfect debutante, between parties in bon ton clothes, riding lessons, etiquette and art. Her first job, following a degree in Fine Arts from George Washington University, was as a photographer for The Washington Times and, during an interview for the magazine, she met a young Massachusetts politician who would change her life: John Fitzgerald Kennedy. When they married, on September 12, 1953, she arrived at the church in a taffeta dress, characterized by a fitted bodice and a bouffant skirt with 50 meters of silk ruffles, created by African-American couturier Ann Lowe. The moment the couple truly entered history came eight years later, when they reached the White House. From the moment the world saw her standing next to her husband, newly elected President of the United States, wearing a maxi-buttoned coat with sable collar and sleeve by Oleg Cassini (who would create over 300 outfits for Jackie), she became the epitome of First Lady chic.

In the short period in which she covered this prestigious position, she built a personal and super-identifiable aesthetic based on her passion for clean, essential lines and her love for French designers: pastel suits accompanied by matching pillbox hats; A-line or waist-length dresses, coats and minimal, elegant evening gowns worn with long gloves. Her closet was full of Givenchy, Balenciaga, Chanel items and the pink suit she wore on the day of JKF's assassination came from Madame Coco's Maison. 

After the death of Kennedy, Jackie changed life and style. She left the United States for Europe, abandoned the rigors of wool bouclé suits, heels, married the wealthy Greek shipowner Aristotle Onassis and became Jackie Onassis or, more simply, Jackie O. 

The new outfits, captured in many shots of her on vacation in Capri, in the company of her friend Valentino or her sister Lee, are the very definition of effortless chic. In the suitcase of her travels around the world there were capri pants, ultra-flat sandals and loafers, white shirts, midi skirts, patterned long dresses, waist belts, maxi glasses, Hermès scarves on the head, and the legendary Jackie O, the Gucci hobo bag renamed in honor of the former First Lady.

To celebrate this unique and much imitated icon, let's take a look at some of the best fashions that have made Jackie Kennedy's style eternal, with a special focus on her summer essentials.

Capri Pants

Oversize Sunglasses

@vintagejackie

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Foulard

Flat shoes

Summer dress