A lifelong champion of the arts and outspoken preservationist, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was also one of the most influential fashion icons of her era.
Known for her chic yet simple style, the former first lady was the subject of much media attention throughout her storied life. During her time in the White House, and in the years after, she popularized some of the most recognizable trends of the '60s and '70s including pillbox hats, tailored coats, and strapless gowns, to name a few.
As European editor-at-large of Vogue, Hamish Bowles, told The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2000, Onassis set the standard for how "an entire generation" of American women strove to "look, dress, and behave."
Take a closer look at some of her most memorable outfits below.
Onassis married John F. Kennedy in a stylish ballgown with a boat neck.
Her wedding dress featured a full skirt, one of the biggest trends in bridal fashion in the '50s.
She made a splash in the fashion world at several celebratory galas for JFK's presidential inauguration.
According to The Cut, Onassis asked fashion designer Oleg Cassini — who was known at the time for dressing Hollywood stars like Shirley Temple and Grace Kelly — to create custom outfits for her in 1961.
Dubbed the first lady's "Secretary of Style," Cassini went on to design some of Onassis' most iconic ensembles including an ivory silk satin evening dress that she wore to a gala the night before JFK's inauguration. In 2009, the Design Museum in London, UK, named Cassini's gown one of 50 dresses the changed the world.
She wore one of her signature looks at JFK's inauguration ceremony.
When JFK was sworn in as the 35th president of the US, Onassis looked elegant in a beige coat dress, Halston pillbox hat, and elbow-length gloves — all of which would go on to become huge trends in the '60s.
Designed by Cassini, the simple wool coat featured touches of Paris couture in its A-line silhouette and stand-away collar, according to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The jacket also channeled Hollywood glamour through its oversized pockets and buttons.
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