When we talk about timeless summer fashion, one name rises above the trends and hashtags: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Decades before today’s Instagram influencers were posing with woven bags, oversized sunglasses, and breezy dresses under the Aegean sun, Jackie O was already defining vacation chic in the late 1960s and early 70s with her signature grace and effortless elegance.
Her summer style was the epitome of understated luxury. Every outfit she wore radiated a quiet sophistication—from silk scarves tied just so, to her iconic round-frame sunglasses, and that now-legendary Gucci canvas bag. Jackie’s approach to fashion wasn’t about flashy labels or trend-chasing; it was about curating simplicity in a way that felt deeply personal, poised, and impossibly polished.
After stepping down from the intense public scrutiny of the White House, Jackie’s wardrobe transformed. The formal suits and fitted dresses of her First Lady years gave way to relaxed silhouettes and sun-kissed fabrics that matched her freer lifestyle. In the 1970s, her fashion choices reflected her shift in identity: natural fibers, clean lines, and refined comfort. But make no mistake—even her most casual looks were curated with intentional elegance.
On the hot streets of New York, Jackie was often seen in crisp white trousers paired with a lightweight button-down shirt, her look completed with oversized sunglasses. She didn’t dress to impress the camera but effortlessly captivated anyone who happened to see her. A simple scarf around the neck or tied in her hair added a subtle touch of exotic glamour—another hallmark of her summer aesthetic: effortless, yet thoughtful.
Perhaps her most iconic accessory was her sunglasses. Those large, dark, round frames did more than shield her eyes from the sun—they offered a layer of privacy, mystery, and unmistakable style. Today, fashion lovers around the world still seek out similar frames to channel that enigmatic Jackie O aura. Picture yourself on a sun-drenched afternoon in the South of France, walking through cobblestone streets with those shades on—it’s a moment straight out of a vintage dream.
Whether strolling through Manhattan or sailing the Greek Isles, Jackie’s outfits always struck the perfect balance between practicality and beauty. She didn’t dress for the flash of the paparazzi; she dressed for herself. That authenticity is what continues to inspire generations of fashion enthusiasts.
Scarves, too, were a staple in her vacation wardrobe. In summer, she often tied them around her head—not only to shield from the sun but also to deter unwanted attention from the lenses of photographers. From simple white scarves to bold prints, each choice was as effortless as it was intentional. A bateau-neck top, a printed scarf, a pair of dark sunglasses—standing on the deck of a yacht, she needed little else to turn heads. It wasn’t just style; it was a way of moving through the world with calm confidence.
In an age where fashion often screams for attention with logos and bright palettes, Jackie Onassis’s summer wardrobe reminds us of the beauty of restraint. She mastered the art of using simplicity to express strength. In an era not yet overrun by overconsumption, she proved that a few well-chosen items could speak volumes.
Her summer style wasn’t about chasing trends—it was a philosophy of living. It told us that fashion isn’t just what you wear, but how you carry yourself. True elegance comes not from extravagance, but from an unshakable sense of self. Jackie summed it up best herself: “I just wear what I like, and I try to be the best version of myself.”
In today’s fast-paced world of ever-shifting trends, perhaps we could all take a page from Jackie O’s book: dress with intention, live with grace, and let your style tell your story.
