The epitome of the American dream, decked from head to toe in red, white, and blue, the Kennedy family is the epitome of American class wealth and political power.
Ambassadors, Presidents, and fashion icons keep this more relevant than even the most influential political families. This family made a name for themselves from humble Irish beginnings by taking their Hollywood glamor to the political world. In 1938, Joseph Kennedy left the world for Hollywood producing to serve our nation as ambassador to the United Kingdom. He and his family embodied the grace, elegance, and, most importantly, glamor of the United States, immediately enthralling all those who met them.
The Kennedys represented America on the rise, and everyone had the opportunity to get ahead and make a name for themselves that would last a lifetime. They were nothing short of the poster family for how you can do anything in the States.
1960s style icon and the original political it girl, Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis, was a New York socialite who became the epitome of what it meant to be a classic American woman. She was an accomplished rider, well-educated, and captivating, making her the perfect First Lady.
She married John F. Kennedy in 1953, was a writer for the Washington Times-Herald Newspaper, and was about to be the senator of Massachusetts. A few years later, she became First Lady of the United States at 31, prepped and ready for a life of shaking hands and attending state dinners. Her elegant and understated style accompanied a gracious passion for the arts. She focused on making the white house a place for the “Great American Arts,” highlighting the homegrown artistic talent instead of focusing on European design.
"Once in a great while, an individual will capture the imagination of people worldwide. You have done this, and what is more important, through your graciousness and tact, you have transformed this rare accomplishment into a vital asset to this nation."
Her style was modeled after that of Audry Hepburn, another American sweetheart. The combination of old Hollywood glamor and infectious personal style made her the most influential American woman in 1960s fashion.
She stuck to the basics, everything tailored just right. Her uniform was classically tailored suits, lady-like dresses, and intense, solid colors. Pinks, yellows, reds, and ivory—she always knew what colors looked best on her to highlight her features.
She was an international success with her unique and refined wardrobe. She often wore sleeveless dresses, wrist-length gloves, and a simple strand of pearls for day-to-day wear. Around the White House, she was more laid-back, wearing high-waisted trousers and a trim blouse or turtleneck. Her iconic black oversized sunglasses became a staple for the decade, playing off her dark hair and bright-colored outfits.
Some of her more famous fashion moments are her evening wear. She stuck to single-colored dresses with bateau necklines or sheath off-the-shoulder gowns. A pair of white opera gloves always accompanied her.
Her arguably most iconic outfit is also her saddest. A watermelon pink suit paired with her trademark pillbox hat, worn on that fateful day in Dallas, TX. It was a replica of a Chanel suit made with Chanel fabric but made by American hands.
Jackie lived in the limelight, became a political icon, and is today known as fashionable and influential. It's no coincidence that this family attracts the most fashionable people. Taking over the 90s, Carolyn Basset Kennedy inspired the new age of minimalist style. “Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy,” A book by Elizabeth Beller, recounts a tell-all of the 90s style icon Carolyn Basset Kennedy, the next generation of chic and classic. She was the publicist for the iconic Calvin Klein; she had her foot on every trend and event. Kennedy joined the political dynasty in 1996 when she married John F. Kennedy Jr., the white house born attorney.
Cultured Elegance is the term coined to describe her style. She pioneered minimal and clean-cut elegance and is known for her classic looks and simple yet elevated style. She never did too much; she was always natural and chic. That is not to say she didn’t change her appearance.
Kennedy had a knack for what was in and what was out. After the 1980s, she did away with her natural blonde hair and opted for a more bright and platinum blonde. She went to the salon often to avoid grown-out roots, making her hair appear naturally blonde.
Her accessories stayed simple and stayed classic. Her classic black Prada bag was her everyday staple, not to say she didn’t dabble in the vast world of handbags with a Birkin or two. However, they were always simple and mostly black.
Tortoiseshell headbands, oval-frame glasses, and tousled hair were staples of her everyday look. Kennedy often wore thin-strapped minimal heels with silk slip dresses and an array of beige and black clothing in every shape and fabric possible. She wore a classic red lip with strappy dresses, and her hair pulled back perfectly for formal occasions.
With Kennedy’s new age on the political rise, one wonders who will be the next style icon of this great political family and whether they will succumb to yet another case of the Kennedy Curse.