When you think about timeless, elegant style, one of the first fashion icons that might spring to mind is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Before, during, and long after her time as First Lady, Jackie O. exuded elegance and sophistication. It was in how she carried herself as much as the clothes that she wore. Jackie wasn’t afraid to mix classic silhouettes with trendier items. As much as she loved simple, well-known styles, she didn’t hesitate to experiment with her fashion, either. If you want to emulate her iconic style, keep reading to get inspired by nine of the best Jackie O looks.
1. East Coast Chic
button-down | watch | linen pants | sandals | necklace
A New York girl at heart, Jackie is the perfect inspiration for chic East Coast style. Jackie was born in Southampton, New York in 1929, and raised in Manhattan. Her love for understated, elegant looks embodied the polished East Coast aesthetic. She valued a quality over quantity approach when it came to her clothes, and valued fine materials and craftsmanship when it came to the pieces in her wardrobe.
For a day on the water, you can style this look inspired by Jackie’s simple but chic outfit. First, start with a pair of tailored linen pants. They’re perfect for an easy, breezy summer look. On top, add a navy button-down. Then, add a pair of crisscross leather sandals. Finally, finish the ensemble with minimalist but elegant accessories. A mixed-metal watch is versatile and practical, while a structural necklace elevates the whole look.
2. The Little Black Dress
dress | watch | bag | loafers | sunglasses
Although Jackie O. may have loved her vibrant colors, she also loved the little black dress. This timeless wardrobe staple fits right in with Jackie’s adoration of simple, yet elevated pieces. The little black dress is easy to dress up or down, and in this photo, Jackie put together an elegant, but not overdone, look for a day spent out and about.
First, start with your little black dress. You can choose the silhouette that best fits your comfort level and personal style. I own the Everlane dress pictured above and appreciate how it falls a little above my knees, and that it has a flattering pintuck around the waist.
Next, it’s time to accessorize. Add a pair of sheer tights if you’d like a little coverage, paired with buckle loafers or flats. Then, add a leather and canvas bag, a mixed metal watch, and oversized round sunglasses. These were a staple item worn by Jackie!
3. Airport Runway Ready
camel coat | bag | pants | heels | sweater | scarf | sunglasses | earrings
If there’s one thing to know about Jackie O., it’s that her airport style was just as chic as if she were heading to an important event! Flying used to be a special occasion in and of itself, and the airport dress code used to be much more elevated than it is today. Although it’s nice to be comfortable on a long-haul flight, there’s also no reason you can’t look stylish when you arrive at your destination!
Recreate Jackie O.’s iconic travel style by choosing neutral, soft layers. First, start with a cotton sweater or cardigan. Then, choose a pair of flexible ponte pants. They look more elevated than leggings, but are almost just as comfortable. Next, add a belted camel coat. You can use it as a blanket if you get cold on the airplane! Finally, add your accessories – they make all the difference in this look.
When it comes to shoes, you might want to pack heels in your carry-on and wear flats until you land. But if you want to step onto the tarmac in style, a pair of kitten heels is a great choice to change into! Complete your look with a spacious tote bag and use it as your personal item. And, don’t forget a silk scarf, stud earrings, and oversized sunglasses to truly recreate the Jackie O. look.
Related: Master the Art of Travel Fashion With These 7 Tips on How to Look Chic While Traveling
4. Bright in Butter Yellow
jacket | skirt | heels | hat | necklace | earrings
Jackie O. might have been most well-known for her brightly colored suits. From pastel pink to powder blue to butter yellow, Jackie wasn’t one to shy away from bright, pastel colors. Her suits were always well-tailored, and often accessorized with her go-to oversized sunglasses and strands of pearls. Jackie’s favorite designers were Chanel and her friend Oleg Cassini. Oleg would go on to become known as her “Secretary of Style”.
You can recreate Jackie O.’s ladylike look today by leaning into monochromatic outfits, pastels, and vintage accessories. From lady jackets to matching suits, you can get inspired by Jackie’s feminine, tailored style that still looks chic today. Don’t forget to accessorize with classic pieces like pearls, and you can even try styling a pillbox hat if you’re feeling bold – they were everywhere on the runways this season and are making a comeback in 2025 fashion.
5. Summer Street Style
button-down | skirt | sandals | bag | watch | sunglasses
There’s plenty of inspiration to be found in Jackie’s classic looks for modest, elegant summer style. For instance, she wore linen pieces to keep cool in the summer without having to give up long sleeves and midi skirts. Because linen and cotton are such breathable fabrics, you don’t have to worry about overheating, even with the extra coverage.
Accessorize a black button-down shirt and a flax midi skirt with neutral accessories. Think a pair of wrap sandals, a two-tone canvas and leather tote bag, and a bracelet watch. Complete the ensemble with Jackie’s signature oversized sunglasses.
6. A Stylish Shirtdress
shirtdress | flats | sunglasses | bag | belt | bracelet
An easy, breezy shirtdress is right on brand with Jackie’s elevated East Coast style. It’s quick to throw on and go, but the collar and buttons give the dress a more polished feel. If you’re dressing for the office this summer, consider adding a shirtdress in a classic pattern to your weekly wardrobe rotation.
You can further elevate the look of the simple dress with your accessories. Jackie often appreciated French-inspired accessories and even spent a year living in France during her college studies. It makes sense that she loved a French girl staple shoe, like ballerinas or loafers. Jackie grew up practicing ballet, which makes the classic flat even more fitting.
A pearl bracelet, oversized round sunglasses, and a small bag complete the look. If you’d like to highlight your waist, swap out the tie that comes with the dress for a more structured leather option that also adds contrast around your midsection.
7. Beach Day Ready
t-shirt | white jeans | scarf | flip flops | sunglasses
Dress down for a spring or summer beach day with Jackie O.’s off-duty look. Go for basic pieces constructed with quality fabric for a look that’s casual, but still appears put together.
First, start with a classic crewneck black t-shirt. Then, add a pair of crisp white jeans. You can never go wrong with this chic color combination. Use the sandwich theory to choose your shoes – a pair of black leather flip flops. Complete the look with a black and white neck scarf (perfect if you need to tie your hair back) and a pair of large round sunglasses.
8. Pretty in Pink
button-down | cardigan | trousers | heels | tote | sunglasses | scarf | bracelet
Jackie loved incorporating a pop of color into her neutral looks. When she wasn’t dressed head to toe in one bright shade, one statement piece was all she needed to transform a simple outfit into something unique and all her own.
In the case of this beige look, she added a pop of light pink. This shade has been everywhere so far this year, and this is the perfect way to experiment with a trending color if you typically stick to neutral tones. A light pink linen shirt adds a little feminine touch to your more masculine-leaning outfits, like a pair of tan trousers.
Tie a sweater over your shoulders for that French girl look. Plus, you have it with you if it gets chilly later on! Next, add texture with your accessories – try a suede pair of slingback heels and a leather tote. Finally, introduce two subtle patterns into your look with a colorful scarf and tortoiseshell sunglasses.
9. Fun with Polka Dots
skirt | belt | sandals | sunglasses
Last, but certainly not least, we have Jackie O.’s sightseeing look, pictured here with her family in Rome. Polka dots are another vintage-inspired pattern that is making a comeback in today’s fashion, although at MCO we believe this is a timeless look that never really goes out of style!
Pair a polka dot skirt with a simple black crewneck t-shirt for a comfortable, yet chic look to spend the day exploring. Whether you’re walking around your own city or on vacation, this is the perfect outfit to enjoy a fun lunch and shopping. Next, add a pair of strappy gold sandals. Complete the look with a thick waist belt to highlight your natural shape and a large pair of sunglasses.
Essential Pieces to Get Jackie O’s Style
If you want to recreate the looks above, a few key pieces will help you to emulate Jackie O.’s classic fashion. Start with a pair of oversized round sunglasses, colorful suits, quality basics, and pearls. These essentials are the foundation for many of Jackie’s most recognizable outfits! If you’re inspired by any of the looks above, you have great taste – Jackie is still one of the world’s most recognizable fashion icons for timeless, elegant looks.
Ready for more wardrobe inspiration from style icons of the past? Up Next: How to Recreate 15 of the Best Audrey Hepburn Outfits
