Jacqueline Kennedy is a clear frontrunner for the title of the Most Fashionable First Lady. The 1960s were certainly a time of unrest and change, and the vivacious Jackie Kennedy was often portrayed as the posterchild for the bright future of America—the New Frontier. Though she was only First Lady for a mere thousand days, she remains still today one of the most popular and recognizable. Above all else, she is remembered for her style.
A true cosmopolitan woman, Jackie grew up in a very privileged home and attended the most elite schools. She traveled extensively during her college years, particularly around Europe. She was working as a photographer for a newspaper when she became acquainted with the handsome, unmarried Senator John F. Kennedy (Bradley). They were married in a glamorous society wedding in 1953. She was an excellent Senator’s wife, and soon became an excellent First Lady when her husband was elected in 1961.
“John and Jacqueline Kennedy were both exceptionally attractive and intelligent people, and their union only added to their mystique. However, the senator’s new wife preferred to avoid active involvement in politics, a practice she continued until almost the end of their marriage. Although she was not a ‘political wife’ in the traditional sense, her beauty, poise, and even her aloofness were substantial political assets to her husband—assets he only grew to fully appreciate while in the White House” (Bradley).
During her first year at the White House, Jackie Kennedy is reported to have spent $46,446 on her wardrobe above and beyond the presidential salary of $100,000 (Tramz). Her inaugural gown was an “off-white sleeveless gown of silk chiffon over peau d’ange” covered in glittering diamonds and embroidery. Following the inaugural ball, major news outlets, including the Washington Post, began reporting frequently on her “career as a major fashion influence” (Smithsonian).
Her fashion influence was certainly widespread. The list of 1960s trends she began or popularized includes: pillbox hats, oversized sunglasses, strands of pearls, patterned headscarves, tailored skirts, and white gloves. In addition, she often accentuated her waist with a belt and showed off her shoulders with sleeveless dresses.
Jackie Kennedy also drew attention to many designer labels. She appointed Oleg Cassini—“an American label for creations that exuded a Parisian flair”—as her official designer (Gerston). His popularity skyrocketed in response, and many cheap imitations of his clothing were manufactured. Jackie was also known to wear other high-end labels such as Givenchy and Chanel.
“The legacy of one of the most revered style icons in American history cannot be overstated. While most stylish First Ladies had tastes that created trends, none have had a more enduring influence than Jackie Kennedy. From her start as a polished equestrienne to her rise to prominence as a tailored political wife, her sophisticated, chic fashion endures as a model of the highest level of grace and class” (Pous).
Jackie Kennedy was adored by the American public. Her fame often surpassed that of her husband, who once introduced himself as “the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris” (Bradley). While she was an exceptional hostess and a beautiful face of the Kennedy administration, she rarely involved herself in politics. She expressed that she was concerned her reputation would “be plagued by fashion stories,” but she was hardly able to change that before tragedy struck (Smithsonian). John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas with Jackie by his side. Her last fashion statement as First Lady was wearing her blood-stained clothes for the public to witness the horror of the day’s events as Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as president.
After her short stay in the White House, Jackie Kennedy left with little to speak of in regard to political contributions. However, she left with her legacy of style, grace, and courage in the face of tragedy.
The First Ladies of Fashion 