Jackie Kennedy Onassis was the wife of John F. Kennedy and was a former U.S. First Lady. However, she was and still is known for her style and elegance above everything including her role in the White House and her two marriages.
Who was Jackie Kennedy Onassis?
Kennedy Onassis was born on July 28, 1929 in Southampton, New York. She was the daughter of a wealthy New York stockbroker and a successful equestrienne. Growing up, Onassis lived an ultra-privileged lifestyle – attending the top private boarding school in the Northeast, learning ballet at the Metropolitan Opera House, and learning French at the age of 12. Her family placed heavy emphasis on proper manners and the ability to have good conversation; these two lessons stuck with Onassis all through college, where she studied history, literature, art, and French, and into her adult life.
Post college, Onassis began working at the Washington Times-Herald newspaper as a photographer and interviewer. She became known for her interview with Richard Nixon, the coverage of the inauguration of Dwight D. Eisenhower, and her report on Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. While on the job at a dinner party in 1952, Onassis met and fell in love with John F. Kennedy, a congressman from Massachusetts. The following year, they were married. In January of 1960, when JFK announced his bid for presidency, Onassis assisted in campaigning for him from their home while pregnant with their second child.
Once in the White House, Onassis made it her mission to bring back the White House to its original elegance. She was determined to make it a museum of American history and culture and wanted to inspire patriotism among its visitors. To do so, Onassis found art and furniture that was once owned by past presidents and kept it in the White House along with pieces she felt represented American culture.
Five years after JFK’s assassination, Onassis married Aristotle Onassis in 1968. However, this marriage only lasted about 7 years before he passed away. After his death, Onassis decided to return to work, where she was an editor then senior editor in New York City.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ Legacy on the World
Onassis, with her uber chic yet simple style, popularized some of the most iconic trends of the 60s and 70s – pillbox hats, tailored coats, strapless gown. She also set the standard for how American women wanted to dress for generations. American women were seen purchasing pearls, tailored skirts, stiletto heels, and suits with matching jackets and skirts to reflect Onassis’ style in their own everyday wardrobe.
Known for wearing bright colors and standing out in a crowd, Onassis was often photographed wearing shift dresses of different patterns and tailored suits in bright pastel shades. One of her most iconic looks is from the televised tour of the White House, where she showed the American people the results of her many projects in hopes to restore and preserve the rooms and history of the White House. What did she wear? A red two-piece suit that catapulted tailored suits into major popularity.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis is often described as beautiful, classy, smart, elegant, and most importantly, iconic. She is one of the most well-known and highly respected women in the world to this day and is highly loved by not only the American people but also people of the world. Her poise and elegance were seen in her wardrobe, and her simple, sophisticated style continues to influence today’s trends.
Works Cited
- Editors, Biography.com. “Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 14 May 2020, www.biography.com/us-first-lady/jacqueline-kennedy-onassis.
- Lucy Yang, Anneta Konstantinides. “13 Iconic Outfits Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Wore.” Business Insider Australia, Business Insider Australia, 23 July 2020, www.businessinsider.com.au/jackie-kennedy-iconic-outfits-fashion-2018-9.
- Mass, Terra. “Jackie Kennedy’s Influence on Modern- Day Fashion.” Medium, Medium, 20 Oct. 2020, medium.com/@terra101805/jackie-kennedys-influence-on-modern-day-fashion-2df27d924831.
