The Kennedy Women’s Most Memorable Summer Looks, From Jackie to Caroline
The impact of the Kennedy women extends far beyond their personal style—but whether it’s Jackie in Capri or Carolyn on the NYC streets, there’s still plenty of fashion inspiration to be mined from their wardrobes.
No other American family has seized and sustained public fascination quite like the Kennedys. Many argue they’re the closest thing our country has had to a royal family, both in terms of political dominance and cultural influence. The Kennedy women, specifically, continue to be the subjects of bestselling biographies, gripping film and television depictions (you know the one), and possess the ability to telegraph an aesthetic simply by uttering the word: “Kennedy.”
The impact of the Kennedy women extends leaps and bounds beyond their personal style, from philanthropy to global diplomacy. But—if we may indulge for just a moment—they have always had a wonderful command of their wardrobes. And because the family is essentially the blueprint for Northeastern prep, their summer style has long been on the moodboard once warm weather hits and sailboats are out.
Looking to female figures across the family tree and researching several decades of photographs, we curated a list of the Kennedy women’s most memorable looks. As expected, Jackie makes several appearances throughout the timeline, including her iconic Capri excursions and polished Hyannis Port vacation outfits. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s viral ’90s silhouettes also landed on our list, as did Caroline’s praiseworthy preppy ensembles. And keep your eyes peeled for a fashionable portrait of the family’s matriarch on her 92nd birthday, surrounded by pink summer blooms.
Below, 21 imitable style moments to inspire your summer wardrobe.
Caroline Kennedy playing tennis in Central Park.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis walking through a busy street in Capri, Italy in the early 1970s.
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy on her 92nd birthday at home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, July 22, 1982.
Jacqueline Bouvier and Eunice Kennedy at the Kennedy compound in June 1953.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis steps up the Acropolis in Athens.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in a floral dress in New York City.
Joan Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis during the RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament in New York City.
Ethel Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy sit outside.
Caroline Kennedy and Michael Kennedy's Harvard graduation.
Joan Kennedy and Ted Kennedy Jr. at the RFK Tennis Tournament in 1974.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in New York City.
Jackie Kennedy at the Pier of Amalfi, en route to Conca dei Marini beach via motorboat.
Joan and Ted Kennedy circa 1980 in New York City.
Caroline Kennedy at the Athens, Greece Airport in 1970.
Jacqueline Bouvier on vacation at the Kennedy compound in June 1953 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
Eunice Kennedy on the lawn of the Kennedy home.
Kerry Kennedy during the RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament in 1981.
Kathleen Kennedy and John F. Kennedy in Palm Beach, Florida.
Joan Bennett Kennedy en route to the Democratic Convention in 1964.
Caroline Kennedy layers necklaces over a printed dress in 1975.
John F Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy at the water's edge in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
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