Jackie O's Summer Street Style and Why You Need These Key Pieces
Jackie Onassis was many things to many people, but she's most iconically known for her chic and influential signature style. A true fashion icon, the looks that Jackie O served us continue to stand the test of time. From her time in the White House to her days working as an editor in New York, she developed and maintained her iconic yet minimalistic style. Remembered as a wife, mother, writer, photographer, and champion of the arts, she influences the world of fashion even today. Her signature summer style, especially, standouts among her many famous looks. From clean summer dresses to silky fashion scarves, we've compiled the ultimate list of key pieces directly influenced by the icon herself.
A Shift Dress
Do a quick Google search of Jackie O’s summer fashion and you're sure to see many shots of her signature shift dress. The shift dress is a short, loose-fitting dress with a straight silhouette. This style is trendy yet enduring and looks great on every body. Keep it simple and chic like our fashion inspiration, Jackie, by choosing a shift dress that's sleeveless and without frills or embellishments. Choose a neutral, light color, such as white or beige, which is summer stylish and smart, as the lighter colors also help you keep cool.
A Button-Down Midi Skirt
The button-down midi skirt was a go-to choice of this timeless fashion icon, and though they have waxed and waned in popularity, this style has recently made a resurgence. This skirt is a great staple piece because of its versatility and chic style. This skirt can be dressed down with a simple tucked-in t-shirt or dressed up with a more formal women’s blouse.
A Boat Neck Quarter-Length Sleeve Top
This style top is truly an essential wardrobe piece. It's casual but chic and looks great on every body type. This top can be worn with jeans, capris, skirts or shorts. It truly makes a great top for any outfit. It can even be worn under a blazer to dress it up for your business casual occasions.
Oversized, Geometric Sunglasses
The oversized square sunglasses are part of the signature Jackie O look and are the essential summer accessory for adapting this effortlessly cool style. Jackie O was known for owning several of these style sunglasses and keeping them by her front door, so she always had a pair to leave the house with. In addition to being the definition of cool summer vibes, large sunglasses are also a brilliant and practical choice for summer, as they provide maximum sun protection for your eyes. Pair your oversized sunglasses with an oversized travel tote bag, and you've got this jet-setting, modish fashionista summer look on lock.
A Fashion Scarf
Equally as important as the sunglasses are the signature Jackie O fashion scarves. A fashion scarf is a fantastic summer accessory that can be worn in a number of ways and in a variety of settings. Tie your fashion scarf up in your hair with a ponytail, or use it to keep your hair out of your face.
A White Button-Down
A classic white Oxford button-down should be a staple for everyone’s closet, but it's a key piece if you want to hone in on this Jackie O summer style. You can even size up and go for a more loose-fitting look, but then give it that trademark Jackie O casual sophistication by tucking it into a high-waisted pencil skirt or slacks.
Pleated Capri Pants
A pair of crisp white capri pants is another essential piece for pulling together your Jackie O-inspired summer style. Capris are the go-to choice for casual pants in the summer. White capris will help give you that cool and breezy but ultimately modish look this season. Pair them with your above-mentioned boatneck top and a fashion scarf.
Black Flats
If you only invest in one pair of shoes to pull together your Jackie-Onissa-inspired summer street style, make sure it's a pair of black leather flats. These shoes are simultaneously cute and sophisticated. They've endured the decades due to their chic simplicity and comfortable wearability. You can pair these shoes with any of the pieces mentioned above to help pull your outfit together.
The real key to Jackie Onissa’s signature summer style was in her cool confidence. Her look exuded the energy of refined comfort and ease. Keep your outfits simple and comfortable. The secret to an easy breezy summer look is feeling easy and breezy, so never underestimate the power of a simple T-shirt or your favorite ballet flats.