21 style lessons we learned from Jackie Onassis

Jackie Kennedy Onassis was a style goddess – and her go-to looks are as relevant today as they were decades ago..

The former First Lady could make anything look good, from her pillbox hats to the way she wore her pearls. Even a turtleneck.

She made every outfit she wore feel like a classic. And in her final year, aged 64, Jackie O was still showing the fashion world how it was done.

Although it has been 21 years since the former Mrs Kennedy tragically lost her battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, she’s still a fashion influencer.

On the 21st anniversary of her death, here are the 21 style lessons Jackie Kennedy Onassis taught us.

1. A pillbox hat can make anything look good:

Jacqueline Kennedy during her official visit to Paris 1961 (via Getty)

2. A bob is a chic haristyle at any age:

First official White House photograph of US First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy, Washington DC, 1961.(via Getty)

3. A cape can dress up jeans, a ballgown...basically anything. It's a must-have wardrobe staple:

Jackie Onassis at JFK airport during Jackie Onassis Arrives at JFK Airport (via Getty)

4. Large bowl sunglasses are classy.

Jacqueline Kennedy at the 'Feria de Sevilla' with Cayetano, son of the Duchess of Alba 1966, Sevilla Spain. (

5. This one isn't really a lesson. It's more of a 'look how beautiful they were':

Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917 - 1963), Democratic senator for Massachusetts, escorts his bride Jacqueline Lee Bouvier (1929 - 1994) down the church aisle shortly after their wedding ceremony at Newport, Rhode Island. (Via Getty)

6. Wearing a scarf on your hair (especially if it is Hermes) is a perfect weekend nautical look:

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy watches the first America's Cup Race September 15, 1962 in Newport, RI. (via Getty)

7. A suit will never go out of fashion:

Jackie Onassis shopping in Soho in London September 10th 1970. (via Getty)

8. And nor will pearls for that matter. They dress up anything:

First Lady Jackie Kennedy attends a White House ceremony April 20, 1962 in Washington, DC. (via Getty)

9. A skirt with a belt works....Yes, it does:

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on a New York sidewalk in 1970 (via Getty)

10: Trench coats are a must for all:

Jackie in London in the 70's (via Getty)

11. Bright colours can still be classic. Just look at this dress:

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis At Metropolitan Opera House in New York (via Getty)

12. If you've got collarbones and a strong neck, show them:

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (R) and Valentino attend the Valentino Fashion Show Benefit for the Special Olympics at the Pierre Hotel on June 7, 1976 (via Getty)

13. Cinched waist dresses are elegant (and you can make your own by adding a belt)

Jackie Onassis and husband Aristotle Onassis September 10, 1970 at Claridges Hotel in London (via Getty)

14. Black and white. Classic, chic - what more do you want?

Jackie Onassis At Lincoln Center (via Getty)

15. Collars, ties and scarves with a suit work:

Jackie Onassis (via Getty)

16. A staple white shirt - with anything - also works:

Jackie Onassis in New York on 10 April 1974

17. A shift dress is a great summer staple. And something that has never gone out of fashion:

Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy enjoys herself at a picnic circa the 1960s. (via Getty)

18. A hat with anything can dress up an outfit. Look at Jackie here:

Jacqueline Bouvier on vacation at the Kennedy compound in June 1953 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. (via Getty)

Beautiful.

19. Gloves are a classic accessory every lady should own:

Jacqueline Kennedy with her children Caroline and John at Shannon Airport, at the start of a family holiday in Ireland, 15th June 1967 (via Getty)

20. As is a turtleneck. It's a look that never gets old:

Jackie Onassis in 1969

21.The right coat makes an outfit.

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy enjoys the seaside circa the early-1960s. (via Getty)

What other style lessons do you think Jackie O taught the world?

Tags: amazing-women , entertainment

21 classic style lessons we learned from Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

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