Jacqueline Lee Bouvier was born in South Hampton, New York in 1929. She was born to John Vernou Bouvier III and Janet Norton Lee and went on to marry John Fitzgerald Kennedy in September of 1953 (First Lady Biography). Born into a wealthy family, Jackie was accustomed to lavish clothes and high-end fashion. Once JFK was elected president, Jackie Kennedy became especially known for her fashion choices. She pioneered Bouffant hairstyles, pillbox hats, A-line skirts, empire style evening dresses and wraparound sunglasses. She quickly became known as a trendsetter and upper class women embraced her fashions. The “Jackie” look consisted of a skirt with a hem down to the middle of the knee, sleeveless A-line dresses, above-the-elbow gloves, low heel pumps and the famous pillbox hats. The A-line sleeveless dress almost resembled that of the flapper, just with a twist (Phipps). This look spread and became a known statement during JFK’s time in office. Jackie was very vocal about her favorite designers, which included Givenchy, Balenciaga and Chanel. Oleg Cassini was designated as the official designer of her White House wardrobe while serving as First Lady (JFK and Jackie). Jackie was influential during her time as First Lady because of her involvement in the politics at the time, but also because of her ability to dress so effortlessly. She seemed enviably graceful, yet also very approachable (JFK and Jackie). This was the first time in American history in which a woman could dress fashionably while making it seem so uncomplicated. She dressed for the occasion, showing women that it was more necessary to dress conservatively at certain times than others. She set a precedent for future First Ladies to dress in a way that was modern and fashionable but also appropriate. Many celebrities today have said they are influenced by Jackie’s fashions and still imitate them with their clothing choices. Mannequins of Jackie Kennedy are still found in stores today that sell her signature pieces, such as the pillbox hat, thus proving her continuing influence on fashions all over the country (JFK and Jackie).
Sources:
"First Lady Biography: Jackie Kennedy." Jackie Kennedy Biography. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=36.
"JFK and Jackie: When the President and First Lady Were Style Icons | LIFE | TIME.com." LIFE. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://life.time.com/icons/jfk-and-jackie-1961-when-the-president-and-first-lady-were-american-style-icons/#1.
Korosec, Constance. "FASHION IN THE 1960S: CONTRASTS AND EXTREMES IN FASHION SEMIOTICS." UMI. May 21, 2000. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://media.proquest.com
Phipps, Paul. "Fashion in the 1960s." RetroWaste. September 2, 2014. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://www.retrowaste.com/1960s/fashion-in-the-1960s/.
"First Lady Biography: Jackie Kennedy." Jackie Kennedy Biography. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=36.
"JFK and Jackie: When the President and First Lady Were Style Icons | LIFE | TIME.com." LIFE. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://life.time.com/icons/jfk-and-jackie-1961-when-the-president-and-first-lady-were-american-style-icons/#1.
Korosec, Constance. "FASHION IN THE 1960S: CONTRASTS AND EXTREMES IN FASHION SEMIOTICS." UMI. May 21, 2000. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://media.proquest.com
Phipps, Paul. "Fashion in the 1960s." RetroWaste. September 2, 2014. Accessed November 10, 2014. http://www.retrowaste.com/1960s/fashion-in-the-1960s/.