When someone mentions Jackie Kennedy’s name, what do you think of? A beloved fashion icon who made her debut as JFK’s chic wife? Do you think of her influence on future generations? Both of these thoughts should cross your mind, as Jackie O. is a very prominent figure in the evolution of women’s fashion. 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. She later used this experience with fashion to build a well-known reputation of dressing well at her public appearances.
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. It was noted that booklets were handed out instructing women how they could achieve the “Jackie Look”. Many magazines ran articles that promised women who followed their advice that they could “Be [Their] Town’s Jackie Kennedy” (Articles about First Ladies & Fashion). She set a precedent for future First Ladies to dress in a way that was modern and fashionable but also appropriate. One such example of Jackie’s influence on future first ladies is when Pat Nixon wore a red coat when touring Communist China, which was very similar to the bright red pant suit Jackie Kennedy wore while giving her television tour of the White House (Articles about First Ladies & Fashion). This example shows how future first ladies took Jackie’s lead when dressing boldly for events. 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).
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. It was noted that booklets were handed out instructing women how they could achieve the “Jackie Look”. Many magazines ran articles that promised women who followed their advice that they could “Be [Their] Town’s Jackie Kennedy” (Articles about First Ladies & Fashion). She set a precedent for future First Ladies to dress in a way that was modern and fashionable but also appropriate. One such example of Jackie’s influence on future first ladies is when Pat Nixon wore a red coat when touring Communist China, which was very similar to the bright red pant suit Jackie Kennedy wore while giving her television tour of the White House (Articles about First Ladies & Fashion). This example shows how future first ladies took Jackie’s lead when dressing boldly for events. 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:
"Articles about First Ladies & Fashion." Articles about First Ladies & Fashion. Accessed December 2, 2014. http://www.firstladies.org/FirstLadiesandFashion.aspx.
"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/.
"Articles about First Ladies & Fashion." Articles about First Ladies & Fashion. Accessed December 2, 2014. http://www.firstladies.org/FirstLadiesandFashion.aspx.
"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/.