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25 of Jackie O.'s Most Iconic Fashion Moments

A look back at the fashion-forward First Lady.

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When it comes to style, no one did it quite like Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Although the New York native became a household name after her husband John F. Kennedy was elected president, it was her inimitable style and personality that kept everyone hooked. From her tweed skirt suits and pillbox hats of the early ’60s to her oversized sunglasses, graceful chiffon gowns, and stylish Gucci bags (that the design house later re-named for her) of the following decade, the former First Lady is the ultimate style inspiration.

Whether attending a dinner at the White House or simply arriving at the airport, Kennedy always exuded an unmatched level of glamour that will be remembered for years to come. Ahead, we look at some of Jackie O's most iconic fashion moments throughout the decades.

1

1953: Marriage to John F. Kennedy

wedding portrait of jacqueline bouvier
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Known as one of the most iconic wedding dresses of all time, Jackie wore a beautiful ivory silk-taffeta gown made by the acclaimed designer, Ann Lowe, to her nuptials. The young couple married at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island.

2

1953: On Vacation in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts

senator kennedy goes a courting
Hy Peskin Archive//Getty Images

Jackie is pictured here wearing a checkered top and high-waisted shorts while being interviewed by a LIFE magazine journalist at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The Kennedys' love for the Cape Cod area began when John F. Kennedy’s parents bought a sprawling estate there in 1928.

3

1957: At the ‘April in Paris’ Ball

mr and mrs john f kennedy at ball
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Jackie wore a gorgeous strapless gown, opera-length gloves, and a triple strand of pearls to attend the "April in Paris" Ball at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. Money raised during the gala helped benefit several French-American philanthropist organizations, as well as a French hospital in New York.

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4

1959: At Idlewild Airport

john f kennedy with wife jacqueline kennedy
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Jackie even looked stylish while in transit. Here, she’s seen walking with JFK through Idlewild Airport, now known as John F. Kennedy International Airport. The airport was renamed in December 1963 to honor the late president.

5

1960: At John Jr.’s Christening

john f kennedy with jackie holding son john jr
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Jackie wore a black overcoat with a matching pillbox hat to her son, John Jr.'s, christening at the Georgetown University Hospital Chapel.

6

1961: In West Palm Beach, Florida

pres and mrs kennedy return to hospital
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While in West Palm Beach, Florida, to visit JFK’s father in the hospital, Jackie wore a belted above-the-knee length dress with a headscarf and white purse.

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7

1962: Pretty in Pink

jacqeuline bouvier kennedy
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All eyes were on the First Lady when she stepped out at a dinner in honor of the Minister of State for Cultural Affairs of France dressed in a strapless pink silk gown styled with white gloves and a sparkly hair accessory.

8

1962: With Lee in London

jacqueline kennedy and her sister
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Jackie looked picture-perfect while snapped in London with her sister, Princess Lee Radziwill. The two women had lunch with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace during this trip.

9

1962: At the Pier of Amalfi with Lee

jacqueline kennedy with sister lee radziwill on pier
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Jackie once again was photographed alongside her equally stylish sister while strutting around the Amalfi Coast. Jackie chose a pair of chartreuse pants with a vibrant blue top and headscarf, while Lee landed on a diagonally striped tunic matched with a navy hair ribbon.

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10

1962: At LaGuardia Airport

jacqueline kennedy arrives at the marine terminal at laguard
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In the early '60s, the First Lady was photographed at LaGuardia Airport in New York wearing a chic leopard print coat with a black hat and black gloves.

11

1965: A Night at the Opera

jacqueline kennedy attending opera in powder blue evening dress
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From the beach to the theater, Jackie always exuded glamour. Here, she’s pictured wearing a strapless turquoise satin dress with a pair of matching heels while enjoying a night out at the opera.

12

1966: Attending the Debutante Ball in Spain

jacqueline kennedy in crowd at debutante ball
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For the Debutante Ball in Spain, Jackie wore a white crepe strapless gown beautifully accessorized with a bright blue sash. The ball wasn’t her only event while in town that week—the First Lady had a whole itinerary filled with street processions, bullfights, and more.

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13

1970: Shopping in Capri

jackie kennedy and family shopping in capri august 24, 1970
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The word “glamorous” doesn’t even cut it. The fashion icon was shopping in Capri while wearing a long-sleeved black top, a wide silver belt, and a patterned skirt in this snapshot. Her elegant-yet-casual chignon completed the look.

14

1970: Walking Around New York City

jacqueline kennedy onassis
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Jackie was frequently seen walking around her native New York City dressed to the nines, such as here where she’s donning a silk headscarf and oversized sunglasses.

15

1970: At Heathrow Airport

jackie onassis file photos september 19, 1970
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No one did travel dressing better than Jackie. In 1970, she was snapped at Heathrow Airport in London wearing a buttoned Yves Saint Laurent coat, a turtleneck, and a pair of oversized tortoiseshell shades.

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16

1972: At the Kennedy Center

jacqueline onassis at kennedy center
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Jackie attended the performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass in memory of the late President Kennedy, wearing a patterned gown with fluttery sleeves and a boat neckline. The event was held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

17

1973: Golden Girl

jacqueline kennedy onassis at metropolitan opera house
Tom Wargacki//Getty Images

The style icon was photographed at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City in the early '70s. At this soiree, she wore a ruffled golden yellow gown with a cascading hem.

18

1974: In Washington, D.C.

jacqueline kennedy onassis
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A couple of years later, she decided on a gingham-esque long-sleeved gown with a tiered hem to attend an event in Washington.

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19

1974: At the Metropolitan Opera House Royal Ballet

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Later that year, Jackie appeared in a magnificent chiffon gown in a groovy purple and black pattern at a Metropolitan Opera House Royal Ballet performance.

20

1975: Walking Fifth Avenue

jackie onassis on fifth avenue
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While walking along Fifth Avenue in New York City, Jackie sported a leather trench coat with wide-leg black pants and a black scarf.

Lettermark
Brittany Natale
Freelance Writer

Brittany is a freelance writer based in her hometown of New York City. She writes about everything from fashion and beauty to food and wellness. When she's not writing, she can often be found at her local library, playing with her cats, or exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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