Jackie O’s Impact on Fashion

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is one of the most famous and world renowned fashion icons to ever exist. Few people reach the level of influence on fashion that Jackie did. Even to this day we still look to her style to guide our outfit decisions. Today, I will be looking at a few of the aspects that Jackie wore that we still see in fashion.

The Classic Camel Coat

Even to this day we consider a long, tan/camel colored coat to be a wardrobe staple. The 1970’s saw Jackie take a turn to influential casual style that was the perfect mix of business and comfort. A coat like this one can be worn to upscale events or to the grocery store, and that is what makes it such a special piece to have.

Of course, I cannot forget to mention the iconic oversized sunglasses that Jackie made famous. This just added to her overall mystique and they made women all over the world feel fabulous. Today fashion is seeing a circular sunglasses have a retro resurgence.

Peacoats

Last fall I wrote a Fashion Forward post all about the peacoat trend that was emerging in fashion. When thinking about Jacqueline Kennedy’s style, one of the first thoughts that come to mind is one of her iconic skirt suits with double breasted buttons. This all lends itself to what we see today as the classic peacoat. I can not understate how impactful Jackie was on this style of winter clothing! She made it a timeless look that can be worn in so many different ways, and we have her to thank for the peacoat trend.

Neon

Jacqueline Kennedy was never afraid of playing around with different colors! Typically, she wore more pastel colors, but now and again Jackie broke out a classic neon or bright color. Once again, fashion today seems to have taken note of this aspect of Jackie’s fashion because we are seeing neon be a bigger trend now than ever (well, except maybe the 80’s ;)). I have share a lot about the neon trend here on Faintly Familiar and even predicted this trend before it happened (check out this post here to see more about the neon trend).

Bows

Although bows are more preppy in style, they are seen more today in fashion than ever before. Bows are most often used today as a detail in evening gowns, dresses, and blouses. We all have the lovely Jacqueline Kennedy to thank for bow details on evening gowns! In the photo above Jackie is wearing a gorgeous yellow skirt with a classic bow displayed on the front of the dress. I personally love a bow detail on clothing, but I don’t find myself wearing them nearly enough.

Streamlined Tailoring and the Pillbox Hat

The look that Jackie is pictured wearing above is the essential Jacqueline Kennedy outfit. Jackie was the person who brought streamlined and sleek designs into the forefront of fashion. Jackie was slow to wear sequins and lace, and, instead, she let the tailoring of her outfits do the talking.

Pillbox hats are still worn on some of the most glamorous ladies in fashion today like the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. The Pillbox hat is universally flattering on everyone, and always adds a touch of class and sophisticated to any ensemble. I personally love the pillbox hat!

It is always so exciting to see modern day ladies take elements of Jacqueline Kennedy’s style and repurpose them for today’s fashion standards! Jackie had iconic style and really left an immeasurable impact on fashion.

Much Love,

Sarah