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.
American Royalty
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.
Written by
LK Cox