Jackie Kennedy, otherwise known as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was an American socialite and writer who served as First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, as the wife of President John F. Kennedy. While she was simultaneously known for her campaigns and efforts towards preservation in and out of the white house, she was especially endeared by the public because of her unique fashion choices. Serving as a true beacon of style and grace, Jackie Kennedy has been one of the foremost American fashion influences in the last century.

Before she was Jackie Kennedy, she was Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, born in Southampton and raised in eastern Manhattan. Growing up with a stockbroker father and a socialite mother, she had the means and the inspiration to dress the way she did. On a trip to Paris in the spring of her junior year, she fell in love with the European lifestyle and incorporated such in many of her future looks.

Jackie Kennedy represented poise, independence, and strength. She inspired change to a whole generation, creating a new image for a successful woman. She opposed the obedient and submissive stereotype by campaigning issues independently and creating an image for herself, separate from her husband. Most importantly, Kennedy created a wonderful role model for all women, making her a true American icon.

Kennedy’s Fashion Taste

Kennedy popularized many of the ’60s and ‘70s styles. She followed trends such as the pillow-hat, and Chanel suit. Later in her time, she experimented with white jeans, shorter skirts, and big sunglasses. In 1961, Gucci introduced a Hobo-style bag that Jackie Kennedy especially wore, knowing her husband so famously loved Gucci's loafer moccasins. To this day, the bag has surged as the Gucci Jackie.

Aforementioned, she loved to experiment with different looks and styles. Recreate some of her best looks here!

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