Capris, Sunglasses, Scarves—Jackie O's Summer Style Has Never Been More Relevant

No one has mastered the art of glamorous summer style quite like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Long before Instagram influencers packed their woven totes for the Grecian isles, Kennedy Onassis was already commanding the Aegean in crisp white trousers and oversize sunnies—cocktail in hand, mystery intact. Her post White House summers were less about political power plays and more about power styling: silk Hermès scarves tied around her head just so, a rotation of canvas Gucci bags (including the one that would eventually be named after her), and sunglasses so dramatically bug-eyed they practically commanded the room. Although she was known for her stylish suits and couture gowns during her time in the White House, my personal delight around Kennedy Onassis's chic style comes from the moments when she lived outside of the walls of the people's house.

It was the late '60s, early ’70s, and Kennedy Onassis had shed her First Lady sheath dresses for a wardrobe that reflected her socialite duties and her new marriage to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. She split her time between Manhattan's Upper East Side, where she worked as a publishing editor, and under the Grecian sun aboard the Onassis family yacht. Every look, from the sweltering New York heat to deck-side in the Mediterranean, was pure, unadulterated chic. (Of course, her younger, fashionable sister Lee Radziwill was her second best dressed in command.)

Kennedy Onassis's post White House style was never loud or trying too hard, though. That was her magic. She understood restraint and the power of a silk button-down, collar popped, and a scarf lazily tied around her neck. She wasn't dressing for photographers anymore (they followed anyway); she was dressing for herself. In the world of rich-looking summers in the South of France, where patterns and logomania feels inescapable due to the influencer and celebrity circuit, ask yourself, WWJD (what would Jackie O do)?

Below, shop the best easy staples Jackie O, the queen of summer dressing, swore by.

Headscarves

Kennedy Onassis didn't just wear headscarves—she authored the look. In the summer, she tied them over her hair to shield from sun and paparazzi flashes alike, always with a pair of dark glasses and an effortless smirk. Whether silk, printed, or nautical chic, the scarf was her stealth accessory. It was glamorous, a little mysterious, and undeniably practical.

Round Sunglasses

Kennedy Onassis's sunglasses weren't just accessories. The bug-eyed, oversize frames became her signature armor. They gave her privacy, allure, and a paparazzi-proof gaze, all while anchoring her simplest summer looks. While miniature sunglasses have been all anyone can think about over the last few years, my Spidey senses are tingling, and I feel the pendulum swinging as oversize, round frames enter our fashion consciousness again.

Beaded Necklaces

In Kennedy Onassis's world, jewelry was never overdone. Beaded necklaces, especially in natural stones and ocean-inspired hues, would have made regular appearances on the deck of her family's yacht. Today's version is more playful. Colorful stones and vintage charms are being popularized by the fashion set vacationing in far-flung destinations.

Cropped Pants

If there were a uniform for off-duty chic, Kennedy Onassis invented it, and it involved cropped pants. Tailored but relaxed, they were her summer staple, especially when paired with heeled sandals, a boatneck top, and her signature oversize shades. The perfect ankle-skimming cut let her move with ease, whether she was boarding a yacht or darting through Manhattan.

Bateau-Neck Silhouettes

Few necklines say "gracefully in charge" quite like the bateau, and Kennedy Onassis wore it like it was made for her. Framing the collarbone just so, it was her quiet power move—delicate, structured, and just the right amount of European. In the above photo, the socialite paired a bright-blue bateau-neck top with a matching blue headscarf and mustard-yellow capris while flanked by her sister during a vacation in the Amalfi Coast in the '60s.

Shift Dresses

The shift dress was Kennedy Onassis's summertime secret weapon, as it was easy to wear, deceptively polished, and always camera ready. She favored clean lines and elegant simplicity, letting the silhouette do the work while she accessorized with her signature oversize sunnies. It's the kind of easy minidress you can throw on and instantly feel pulled-together. Modern iterations may add cutouts and color, but the essence remains. The look is chic, effortless, and very Jackie O.