Jackie Kennedy Inspired Style
📍 Dunedin, Florida
Dress || Sandals ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Handbag || Similar Scarf (Also) || Sunglasses || Bracelet || Earrings || Lip Color
For as long as I can remember, Jackie Kennedy has been one of my top sources of style inspiration. From her years as First Lady to post Camelot, you can see a progression in her taste that has always fascinated me. My favorite of these iterations is when she is galavanting around Italy in Rome and Capri. At this point in her life, she had been given the nickname of Jackie O because of her marriage to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Although she was an incredibly private person, she was the most photographed woman of her time. These pictures never fail to inspire me, and I wanted to pass the inspiration along. Here are some pieces of fashion advice that practically comes from Jackie herself.
Have Your Oversized Sunglasses On-Hand
A picture of Jackie without her signature, oversized sunglasses somehow seems incomplete. In fact, legend has it that Jackie would keep a bowl of sunglasses next to her front door to always leave the house with a pair on. While she didn’t have one set favorite, nearly all of them were large and dark. American writer, Gore Vidal, is rumored to have told her, “they are not only useful for hiding under but also for studying people without their realizing it.” Recently, I have been wearing this pair from Celine almost daily. The cat-eye silhouette gives them a vintage quality that I just love!
A Silk Scarf is the Perfect Accessory
Jackie Kennedy loved a patterned silk scarf. They were often found wrapped around her head, putting her in full incognito mode with her sunglasses. That can be a tricky look to pull off and may not be in your comfort zone. Instead, add your scarf to wherever else you see fit. Use it as a cover-up on a breezy day and tie it around your handbag when you don’t need it. I have an ever-growing collection of silk scarves, and I share where I curate them all in this blog post from a few years ago. Currently, I love to shop for vintage Hermes Scarves on The Real Real or find budget-friendly alternatives on Amazon.
Find Stunning Sandals for Summer
Jackie’s time on the island of Capri, Italy, sparked an awakening in the sense of footwear. While sometimes photographed walking barefoot through the streets, she became partial to the custom-made sandals from Canfora. I’ve heard a few different versions of the story, some claim that her discovery ultimately led to the beginnings of Jack Rogers when she returned to the family’s Palm Beach home. The Jack Sandals are universally loved, consider shopping with my personal favorite, Sarah Flint. Her Grear Sandal includes a Grecian lace-up design and is handcrafted in the Amalfi Coast. It still is an effortless summer classic, and you can support a woman-run business in the process. To get $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flints, use the code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE.
A Shift Dress is Always Your Friend
Whenever I slip this Cabana Life dress on, I feel like I’m heading right for a Slim Aarons photoshoot. Jackie loved a great shift dress, but honestly, who doesn’t? They are almost universally flattering and perfect for a hot summer day. Cabana Life, in particular, is such a great choice because the Terry fabric includes 50+ SPF and blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Keeping your skin healthy is always in style!
Opt for Minimal Makeup
I guarantee that I will never post a makeup tutorial because my skills are almost non-existent. A few swipes of concealer (that I assume matches), mascara, and eyebrow pencil, and I am out the door. Jackie also preferred an understated element to her makeup. She had one exception, as do I, which I’ll get to later. When feeling inspired by Jackie Kennedy and her worldwide travels to the sunniest destinations, don’t forget to apply a healthy layer of sunscreen so you can have a youthful glow for decades to come.
Pick Functional Signature Accessories
In each picture of Jackie Kennedy, there’s an element of functionality to the accessories she chooses. Apart from her sunglasses, she was also known for her love of Gucci bags. One style was even rebranded as the “Jackie” bag and is still making waves today. I may have to splurge and buy this handbag for myself. She also wore her Cartier Tank Watch almost every day, becoming an accent piece in its own right. Finding the perfect bag and daily watch may just be the best fashion advice Jackie could have left us.
Have a Signature Perfume and Lip Color
While Jackie’s makeup was often minimalistic and simple, that wasn’t always the case for her fragrance and lip color. Because she never shied away from a bold color, it often became her best accessory, even matching it to the exact shade of pink or red that she was wearing. Her lipsticks were often from Elizabeth Arden and is maybe the simplest way to emulate this fashion icon, although I’m more of a Chanel girl myself.
Don’t Over Think Your Summer Style
While this is the most straightforward statement, it can sometimes be the hardest to remember. At the end of the day, some of Jackie’s most outstanding style moments came when she was just living her life. Remember, she wasn’t necessarily looking for the public’s attention or notoriety so quickly given to her. Be comfortable, be yourself, and pick even just one item to become your signature. After all, what would Jackie do?
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.
