Jackie Kennedy’s iconic style in photos

The former first lady was born on July 28, 1929

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JULY 28, 2022 8:50 AM EDTJUL 28, 2022, 8:50 AM EDT

Born on July 28, 1929, Jackie became the first lady of the United States after her husband John F. Kennedy was elected president, thus thrusting her into the global spotlight and cementing her status as a bonafide fashion icon.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Kennedy Onassis was once called “the greatest single influence [on fashion] in history” by renowned Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. And it’s easy to see why. From her trademark pillbox hats to her tweed skirt suits, pearls and oversized sunglasses, Jackie O was known for her timeless style.

“Jacqueline Kennedy is one of history’s great style icons,” Hamish Bowles, international editor at large for Vogue, has said of the former first lady. “Her profound influence on the way an entire generation wanted to look, dress, and behave cannot be overestimated. She set the standards that American women strove to follow.”

Over the years, numerous high-profile women have been compared to Jackie, while others have attempted to channel her. Although Jackie passed away in 1994, her style continues to inspire today.

In honor of the late first lady’s birthday, take a look at some photos showcasing Jackie O’s iconic style...

1976

Jacqueline Kennedy returned to New York City from Staten Island after touring the Snug Harbor Cultural Center.

1962

Sporting a tweed skirt suit and matching trademark pillbox hat, the first lady attended a fashion show at the US State Department, the “Commonwealth Costume Cavalcade.”

1963

Jackie exuded glamour in a strapless evening gown and white gloves at an unveiling ceremony at the National Gallery of Art in D.C.

1961

Pictured next to Queen Elizabeth, Mrs. Kennedy flashed a bright smile after a dinner at Buckingham Palace. The American first lady donned a blue silk Chez Ninon gown for the royal occasion.

1953

Jackie’s nautical style was on display while sailing with then-fiancé John F. Kennedy at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

1953

Jacqueline Bouvier was the picture of elegance in her Ann Lowe wedding gown.

Circa the 1960s

Jackie looked effortlessly chic at a picnic wearing a sleeveless mint green dress.

1960

Even at her home in Georgetown, Jackie was dressed up in a pink boat neckline dress and pearls.

1953

Jackie served major summer style inspiration going barefoot and donning a sleeveless gingham shirt, shorts and hat at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port.

1971

The former first lady hit the streets of New York City wearing trousers and a matching jacket with a book on hand.

1970

Jackie enjoyed an Italian holiday in Capri wearing a printed skirt, scoop neck black top, oversized belt and shades.

1969

With her windswept hair, the style icon made a simple black turtleneck look glamorous.

Jackie looked tres chic strolling the streets of Paris in a trench coat, trousers, oversized sunglasses and headscarf.

1972

Jackie looked très chic strolling the streets of Paris in a trench coat, trousers, oversized sunglasses and headscarf.

1948

Jacqueline posed for a portrait at age 18 wearing a short-sleeve white dress that featured a lace embroidered overlay.

1958

JFK’s wife looked picture perfect in a strapless number, white gloves and multiple strands of pearls at the “April in Paris” ball. Like Jackie once said, “Pearls are always appropriate.”