Actually, Let's Talk About The Other Kennedy

On Jackie O's enduring style inspiration

This a very CBK-positive newsletter. I adore her personal style. I devoured Love Story. But I’m on the side of history that thinks rushing to your nearest H&M to purchase a camel skirt or a tortoise headband from the drug store won’t quite land you in her style camp.

Instead, I thought it’d be nice to write a tribute to the style of Jackie Onassis Kennedy—a wonderful dresser in many respects with countless personal style eras, one more iconic than the next. Here’s a quick timeline:

When Jackie met John F. Kennedy, she was a polished young socialite in full skirts and pearls. As First Lady, she became America’s ambassador of elegance with Oleg Cassini’s structured sheaths, pillbox hats, and that famous pink Chanel suit. Think power through restraint.

After her marriage to Aristotle Onassis, she shed the formal White House aesthetic entirely, embracing massive sunglasses, head scarves, wide-leg trousers, and an almost defiant casual sophistication. This is when she started dressing for herself rather than the cameras, even as they never stopped following her. And where we’ll be drawing inspiration from today.

Let’s take a look at some of her signature pieces and find some great vintage options from her reign as Jackie Onassis (70s-90s).

Oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses

The massive frames (Tura, Nina Ricci) became her shield and her signature after Aristotle Onassis’s death in 1975. By the end of the decade, the style was so associated with her, magazines ran features on “Jackie O sunglasses.”

There are new options (I like these) but my best advice would be to buy a pair second hand at a thrift store and have them re-lensed locally or on this site.

The aviator bend of these makes them feel a little more wearable. They’re $50 on Etsy.

Wait a minute—Jackie O’s brand of choice and $75!

I’m genuinely not sure what’s going on with the white faux fur and the vintage sunglasses dealers, but these are $15 on eBay.

Stacked-heel leather boots

Low block heels, worn with everything from trousers to skirts were key in the style icon’s wardrobe. Like you, Long Live reader, she prized comfort. Jackie famously hated high heels, calling them impractical for her active New York life. In the ‘70s, she adopted low stacked-heel boots (often from Gucci or Ferragamo) that she could wear for walking miles through Manhattan or riding horses in New Jersey.

My take? A great pair of leather boots is about as classic as it gets. I bought a pair on eBay maybe six years ago and wear them at least fifteen times per year. I paid $18 for them! The key is to look for a sole that’s sturdy and take great care of them, aka having them resoled when the time is right.

VIntage Gucci on TRR! With tights…perfect.

Hint: shop for Barney’s brand shoes on eBay. These are $100. Here’s a new option that looks really sleek IMO.

As always, keep an eye out for Frye secondhand. These are a great price at $85. The Campus boots are so popular that I would save and buy them new because the secondhand prices are a nightmare.

Gucci Jackie

Previously known as the “Constance hobo,” this purse was renamed for its most popular fan. Jackie often carried her bags with a scarf tied to them. I have a Gucci Jackie of my own ($200ish on Poshmark years ago, Tom Ford era) and they’re such a fun bag to keep an eye out for on secondhand sites.

Not to get distracted, but this skirt is pretty close to the one pictured above.

This option is a fraction of the cost of a new Jackie and as someone who has been carrying a brown suede bag for the past few months, I can’t recommend it enough.

Under $300 and I adore the stripes. Or experience a Gucci Jackie on Vivrelle and see if it’s a bag that fits into your life before buying. ERIKAVEURINK gets you a free first month.

And this one is under $400! I think the shape is so cool.

This little pink guy is ADORABLE and $500.

Crisp white button-down shirts

Often oversized, worn with wide-leg trousers or jeans, sleeves rolled, colleagues recall Jackie wearing white button downs (often men’s) to the office.

I’m guilty of not taking excellent care of the white button downs I own. But when I make a concerted effort, they always read way chicer. For me, this means dry cleaning and steaming before wearing.

For me, at the life stage I’m at, having Olivia make me a beautiful button down made to measure is the best version of this. If you’re unsure if a button down is for you, start secondhand or with one from AYR or Frank & Eileen.

Coordinating head scarf

Jackie’s Hermès scarf collection was legendary. She owned dozens, possibly hundreds. After marrying Aristotle Onassis in 1968, she spent significant time on his yacht Christina. Why board a yacht if not to sport a head scarf?

This look takes a little more bravery, but matching yours to your shirt is a way to cement your accessory as part of an outfit versus a last-minute addition.

This is actually a headband (genius) and aptly named the Jackie.

Super pretty $20 option on eBay.

Yes, this is a dress, but I can see it with a very sophisticated bandana.

How delicious is this Saint Laurent scarf? Dreaming. Here’s a vintage one for $25.

If you want to match exactly, try going the Hermès route. So many secondhand!

Thick belt + cropped pant

It’s all in the belt. This combo was usually paired with ballet flats or low boots, and often seen running errands in Manhattan.

And adding a belt always makes me stand up a little straighter/feel more put together. I’m quite bullish on large, ornamental belts making a comeback, so now’s the time to buy secondhand.

The styling options with these $50 vintage silk trousers are endless.

Can you tell I’m getting into a spring palette? This is preloved for $50.

One last thing—this vintage pair of Levi’s pants for $60!!

Or try this classic silhouette in a linen blend from Gap.

Honorable Mentions

Books I’ve loved recently! 200 Monas is insane in the best way and compulsive as hell. I just read The Ten Year Affair per Ruby's Recs and adored. Read this interview with the author afterward.

Processing: How Erin Somers Wrote The Ten Year Affair

My green floors obsession continues…

Going to make a habit of recommending more letters I love here. Kaitlin Phillips suggested reading Picnic Style and I’m hooked.

Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can order my romance novel, Exit Lane, on Amazon and Bookshop. Follow along on Instagram + Tiktok. Shop all my favs here. Get matched at EV Salon. If you’re interested in partnering, email evan@erikaveurink.com x