Jackie Kennedy: From the White House to Goodwill
From couture to campus closets, Jackie Kennedy’s timeless influence shows how fashion shapes identity, status, and the subtle performances of everyday life.
First Lady Jackie Kennedy epitomized how fashion can shape the way people perceive you. The way people dress around you tells so much about them. Pants, for example, the baggy sweatpants you wear to your Monday 8 am, the sundress you wear because you are finally tan.
Her approach to fashion and decor mirrors broader societal values, connecting to the effortless aesthetic coveted by young people everywhere.
Jackie is one example, known for her “All-American fairytale” image associated with the White House, which she transformed into a vibrant museum of living American artifacts. While Jackie had a hand-picked group of designers, today’s fashion world is a little different for those of us who do not have access to the White House budget.
Her approach to fashion and decor mirrors broader societal values, connecting to the effortless aesthetic coveted by young people everywhere. We all want to project that put-together energy, especially as we transition into the adult world. To our teachers, our classmates, and our families, there is a constant need to appear as though we have achieved clean lines on our canvas without seeming like we’ve used the eraser or thrown out the project on numerous occasions.
Kennedy’s influence is reminiscent of that of the peak of Princess Diana in the early to late 1990s. Both women became timeless fashion icons whose looks continue to inspire and resonate in contemporary pop culture. Their style choices reflect a narrative deeply rooted in the way individuals present themselves in society. This concept remains relevant and inspiring today, connecting us to a fashion legacy that transcends time.
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Raised in an upper-class family, Jackie’s upbringing heavily emphasized the importance of presentation. Her father’s passion for European accessories, including tailored suits and refined colognes, significantly influenced and informed Jackie’s own fashion choices, providing a deeper understanding of her personal history and its impact on her iconic style.
Besides a hyperfixation on the Kennedy Family, I thought it was interesting to see how Jackie’s signature translates into today’s campus trends.
For example, bold statement pieces, particularly jackets, are popular as the seasons begin to change. This is exemplified by Jackie’s famous red Givenchy coat, which she wore during her husband’s announcement of his candidacy for the presidency on January 2, 1960. Dubbed “her good luck coat,” although the eye-catching red brought unwanted criticism. The coat was from designer Hubert de Givenchy, one of the many French couture items that belonged to the former first lady.
At that point in American history, being a first lady was a position meant to be seen, yet kept quiet under the light of her husband. Wives of prominent politicians such as Mamie Eisenhower and Pat Nixon criticized her “un-American fashion choices.” Her husband pushed for her to wear only American designs, and so she recruited Oleg Cassini, an American-Russian designer, credited with what we call the “Jackie Look”. Despite the pressure, she remained true to her style, inspiring us with her resilience. We have a Goodwill store and a sewing machine.
The big statement pieces we save for Friday nights and for our campus crushes are all about making a lasting impression. The layered necklaces, red and gold Elon bracelets, the skirt suits worn by those in business fellows, and the oversized sunglasses that indeed evolved from Jackie’s time, post-first lady, were more relaxed yet still elegant. Essentially, the equivalent of the outfits we may wear after a night out — casual and comfortable — is opted for.
