Under the Italian Sun: Jackie Kennedy's Eternal Summer Style
The pioneer of timeless Italian elegance, chic coordinates, and vacation freedom.
Jackie Kennedy was an influencer long before the word existed.
In the late 1960s, taking a break from political duties and fitted dressings and matching skirts, the former First Lady began jet-setting to Capri and the Amalfi Coast. While vacationing, she let the world see a new side of herself through her laid-back, revolutionary approach to a rather relatable vacation style. Before then, resort-style wasn’t even a concept for the masses, let alone front-facing, worldly figures like her.
Photographed strolling through quaint seaside piazzas, sipping after-hour drinks with friends, visiting local artisanal shops, or eating gelato with her young children, Jackie was captured relaxed, happy, and candidly herself. These famous moments, which are still references to the fashion and travel industry today, showed a different side to her physical appearance and self. She was not just a political figure, often in the shadow of her husband, but a style pioneer of timeless elegance, chic coordinates, and vacation freedom.
Jackie’s “off-duty” summer style became aspirational and attainable
Her style was something any woman could echo and reference, even if she wasn’t boarding a private yacht off the hills of Positano. It was refreshing to see Jackie’s fourth wall come crumbling down during her very own estate Italiana. The very polished First Lady embraced the simple style pleasures of life: a breezy cotton skirt, flat leather sandals, and a celebratory summer white.
Maybe it's something we all feel when we experience Italy in the summer—the same sensation Jackie felt some decades ago. The shimmer of a nostalgic glamour mixed with every day Italian life, the break from our difficult and troubling realities, the Mediterranean sun welcoming you from morning to night, the simple ease slipping into versatile clothes that somehow make you feel more confident than ever before.
Decades later, her influence lives on. Jackie’s Italian summer wardrobe still mirrors what stylish women in Italy will be wearing this season. Here are a few Jackie O. summer essentials to bring with you on your next vacation that are probably already sitting in your closet.
Straw totes
Although Jackie famously was photographed sporting her canvas cream and tan-leather Gucci Jackie shoulder bag, I could easily envision her loving and having a wicker or woven straw beach bag in tow. She often opted for quiet and novelty accessories, simultaneously whispering simple luxury and making you think, "Oh, where did she get that?"
I have found all of my basket bags from flea markets around Italy, like Porta Portese, and I have heard you can score great ones from eBay or Etsy instead of paying for one that is mass-made and overpriced. If you are in Rome and want one new, check out Giuncart.
These baskets become my summer best friend, making for the perfect beach or market bag.
Summer Whites
White eyelet pant // White eyelet shorts // White bermuda linen shorts // White linen skirt // White chino pant
Jackie O. celebrated summer whites, heavily favoring her iconic white capri trousers, which were, once again, simple in style. Well-fitted and tailored, a good white bottom is a testament to easy pairings, breathability, versatility, and wearability from one summer to the next.
Simple swimwear
Red one-piece // Yellow bikini // Navy & brown one-piece
Buying swimwear can be very…troubling. It’s probably my least favorite thing to do, and I’ve found it increasingly challenging, not to mention frustrating, to find swimwear that is not so revealing (i.e., my cheeks completely hanging out!!).
But I do see many women opting for classic, simple in color and pattern, and high-quality swim styles and the rest is history.
Quirky hair accessories
Missoni head piece // Undo red barrette // La Double J braided headband // Undo hair pin // Lisa Corti scarf // Lisa Corti scrunchie
Jackie loved the silk scarves she wore as bandanas to pull her hair back seamlessly. If the bandana look isn’t for you (my thick mane doesn't always handle it well), there are still so many fun and flattering colorful ways to add life to your hair.
I’ve scored and seen so many second-hand silk scarves at flea markets!
Capri sandals
Capri sandals by Da Costanzo Capri since 1963 //
The Capri sandal was probably the most iconic accessory Jackie Kennedy sported, symbolizing Italian summer. Handcrafted with calf-leather straps and soles, Jackie effortlessly wore every style, from simple thong-style straps to more decadent ones adorned with feathers and rhinestones.
Today, the Capri sandal remains a summer wardrobe staple, just as it was for her, while maintaining durability.
Oversized shades
Honey cognac sunglasses // Aviator sunglasses // Ombre sunglasses // Black oval sunglasses
There is something alluring, sexy, and mysterious about an oversized pair of sunglasses. I love the dominant and powerful statement a pair can make, and Jackie consistently wore hers best. Italians wear sunglasses 24/7, so investing in a pair perfectly fits the entire summer style lineage.
What is one thing you can’t live without during the summer months?
Xx
I never leave the house without a pair of sunglasses. Even if it's raining, I still have one in my bag. You never know when the sun will come out!
Obsessed with Jackie and those capri sandals!