9 Ways to Dress Like Jackie Kennedy This Spring

There’s a reason we’re all deeply obsessed with CBK’s style, and that reason is she had great taste. But let us not forget about Jackie Kennedy Onassis. From her buttoned-up First Lady days to her bohemian-tinged ’70s looks, Jackie O can offer us literally decades of style inspo.

While I wholeheartedly believe you never have to—and should never try to—fit your style into a single archetype… everything in line with Jackie really does speak to me. Especially the boat necks. Ahead, discover nine staples from Kennedy Onassis’ wardrobe—and modern ways to wear them yourself.

A-Line Game

One thing to know about Mrs. Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis: she was well acquainted with her favorite silhouettes. That’s the thrill of having a favorite designer that you get to regularly collaborate with—hers was her “secretary of style” Oleg Kassini—and also the thrill of knowing your lines. There are a couple more go-to styles to discuss (boat necks, mainly, and we’ll get there in a moment) but for now, let’s give the iconic A-line its due.

Whether she was wearing a simple shift dress or a tailored coat, the first lady’s garments could be counted on to provide a gentle flare starting at the waist. With its clean lines and polished approach, its a style that’s classic, flattering, and so very Jackie O.

Oversized Sunglasses

Look through any paparazzi gallery today and you’ll realize the chicest way to disguise yourself from non-invited observers is to sport a pair of sunglasses. I think Jackie figured this out first? Or at least cemented the idea that the bigger glasses you go for, the better. Her “bug-eye” frames could be tortoiseshell, all black and sleek, rounded, or square. But whatever they were, they were gonna be gigantic.

The Skirt Suit

The reason Jackie O’s pink Chanel skirt suit went down in history is incredibly tragic, obviously. Nevertheless, it would have been just as popular in another timeline—it’s really good. And the tweed set was just one in a large pool of great skirt suits worn by the fashion icon.

Even after she left the White House and her style veered a little more boho, she was in on the idea of a matching set.

Pearl-y Girlie

Rumor has it that Kennedy once said “pearls are always a good idea.” I’ve been burned too many times by something someone notable “once said,” so don’t quote me quoting her. But it does sound like something Jackie would say? She had a lot of pearls! Necklaces, earrings, you name it.

Jackie O’s signature jewelry piece during her time in Washington was a three-strand pearl necklace designed by Kenneth Jay Lane. The pearls were faux, because her babies loved to tug on them, and are still sold today if you want to get a real (fake) replica.

Capri Pants

After marrying her second husband and becoming “Jackie O,” the socialite began favoring the island of Capri for vacation. It was a fitting choice, because she rocked some really good capri pants in her day. Last summer, the cropped style was absolutely everywhere—and I have a feeling this year will be much the same. Especially when paired with those giant sunnies.

Headscarves

Just like CBK, Kennedy could often be spotted out and about with a scarf tied around her head. Paired with the big glasses, the style offered the very famous woman a sense of privacy (though that benefit tends to go away when you become known for the very look you use to hide out).

Regardless, it’s cute and easy to emulate. Though there were times she chose to tie her patterned (or plain!) kerchiefs at the nape of her neck, you’ll want to tie yours under the chin for the real Jackie O effect.

Boatneck Tops

Wide and shallow boat necks were another Jackie O specialty. The first lady liked the minimalist shape for her simple tees, casual sheath dresses, and more dramatic evening gowns—if you could bateau it, you’d probably find it in her White House closet or packed in a bag for a literal yachting trip.

It’s a classic cut, but also a great way to show off your pretty shoulders. The same reason she favored a strapless silhouette, perhaps?

Monochrome

From layers of the same bold fabric to shirt-matching teal headscarves to all-white (like, top to bottom) looks, Jackie O loved a monochromatic moment. You can channel her by wearing your favorite shade in full, or choose one of her most beloved colors to really set the mood. She was always one to favor a soft pastel, so maybe try a mint-y shade? Or peach, or powder blue, or there’s always butter yellow.

Pillbox Hats

Can you imagine if pillbox hats weren’t on this list? I wouldn’t be doing my job. The famed accessory regularly sat on top of the icon’s signature brunette bouffant. She had pillboxes in an array of colors and textures, leopard-print included. These days, the girlies are similarly into the style: Pamela Anderson, Elsa Hosk, and the internet’s trendsetters have all been spotted in them.

The style was immediately etched into fashion history when Jackie wore one to her husband’s 1961 inauguration. Said hat was provided by famed designer Roy Halston Frowick, who was the in-house hat guy (milliner, if you will) at Bergdorf Goodman.

“Funny thing about that pillbox hat. It was made too small for her…but Mrs. Kennedy wore it anyway,” he shared in a 1966 interview according to Vogue. “When a gust of wind threatened to topple it from her head, she dented it hanging on to the hat. The Seventh Avenue copycat hat makers reproduced the design by the thousands so accurately that each pillbox had a dent in it.”

One small dent for hats, one big dent in fashion history.