Channeling Jackie

Those of you that have taken a look at my Fashion Icons page know that I hold Jackie O. in the highest of fashion esteem.  Big studs, fitted sheath dresses, oversized glasses, boxy bags — tidy, Wasp-y perfection.

While poking around Neiman’s looking for a way to spend the $50 gift card they’d sent me in the mail (no idea why, but I’m not asking questions!), I stumbled into an Eileen Fisher runway show held on the top floor of the Chevy Chase store branch.  I didn’t last long — I’m not a huge Fisher enthusiast — but I did pay attention to the ladies in the audience, and — to my surprise — saw lots of Jackie O.-inspired looks.  Big shades, cropped coats, doctor bags.  I’m not sure whether Fisher just appeals to Women Of A Certain Age or maybe we’re seeing a Jackie O fashion resurgence (think, for example, of this month’s “Ladies Who Lunch,” Wasp-inspired fashion spread in Vogue), but it inspired me to re-think my work wardrobe for the next few weeks.

First, I’ll need to dig out my face-encompassing Dior shades (found them at a cool $70 at Off-Fifth a few years ago).  I’ve seen tons of Jackie-approved versions this season, including these Nina Riccis, appropriately dubbed “The Jackie” (65% off at The Outnet):

I’m also digging these tortoise-shell Chloe shades (find them at ShopZoe): or these (more affordable) House of Harlow 1960 shades, available at Kitson Boutique:

Love the gold accent on the frames.  (And love that they’re from Nicole Richie’s line of accessories — I have a huge fashion crush on her and am kind of getting into the whole airy-caftan look she’s crafted under her Winter Kate clothing label.)  Once you’ve got the shades down, you’re ready to look for a structured dress, preferably in a solid color — I am head over heels for this Erdem piece, available now in cool-white or peacock-blue at The Outnet:

Then you’d need some enorma-studs, like these cool green stones from Bounkit (vivre.com):

Or, depending on the formality of the event you’re attending, these amazing vintage Ylang23 stunners (surprisingly affordable at $170):

If you were going literal with the look, I’d suggest these patent leather Stuart Weitzman kitten heel pumps:

I bought these shoes two years ago and literally wore them  into the ground within 12 months (there was a hole in the sole that was beyond repair and I had to throw them away).  They looked Audrey Hepburn-chic, coordinated with my (then) predominantly black work wardrobe, and were ridiculously comfortable.  (Side note: though I wish I could feature a pair of classic Ferragamo bow-toe shoes here — I know Jackie must have had some — I just cannot support that low, chunky heel.  They look so orthopedic.  Sorry, mom.)  Despite the fact that I loved them, I don’t know that I would necessarily pair them with the Erdem dress above — too old-fashioned and emulative.  I would probably wear super high peep-toes, preferably with a bow on the toe, like these, which I featured in my Candy Striping post, by Valentino:

Or one of my many bold-print J. Crew peeptoes — maybe the Lyla (peach and white), which I found on eBay and am planning to wear with my white origami-pleated Trina Turk dress to my bridal shower:

Alternately, imagine working towards a super-chic nude/blush palette by throwing on these lovelies by the One and Only Mr. Louboutin:

(You can find them at Savannahs, but you’ll need to make an account and potentially pay substantial shipping fees, since it’s located in Sweden).  If you go that route, I’d insist you have a well-coordinated blush colored bag — maybe this dainty (lust-worthy) Mulberry bag (“The Bayswater”):

You’d also need to wear glossy white pearls to maintain the neutral palette — I daydream about Mikimotos (Grace Kelly’s jeweler of choice — see below):

Other options for work?  J. Crew’s structured Maryn jacket:

Which you could either pair with the matching cotton skirt or just throw over a sleeveless frilly blouse and some cigarette jeans.

While we’re on the subject of outerwear, check out the mother lode of all Jackie O-inspired fashions: a die-for-it winter white cocoon coat by Ports 1961:

Oh my God — I’d wear it every day.  Even in the summer.  (It’s currently on serious sale at 25park, but their eCheckout function is temporarily disabled, so you’ll need to call them directly.)  I’d be ecstatic wearing it with some pointy-toed pumps (either the Weitzmans above or my glossy Louboutins)  and a chain-handled bag, by like this Tory Burch (the Cynthia):

I’ve been working to collect some Chanel-inspired boxy, cropped jackets — I have a few finds from J. Crew, but I’d love to beef up the wardrobe with one of these big-ticket items (the first by Moschino, the second by Chloe):

For a slightly more casual look, I’m thinking this timeless DVF wrap dress in classic navy (from Chicago-based Perchance Boutique):

or this ruffle-necked number by Elizabeth McKay (comes in a variety of prints/patterns — I am kind of into the pinstripe):

Or this vacation-ready Milly dress, which I’ve been eying for The Honeymoon Trousseau for months (when will it go on sale?!)

I’d wear them with enorma-pearls and classic gold Jack Rogers (Jackie O was a huge fan; she popularized them back in the day):

Finally, I’ll share with you the dress I’ve been drooling over for years: the Roland Mouret “Aphrodite” in flawless white.  I mean.  It just doesn’t get classier than this.  Adore the Lanvin-esque pleating, the flattering shape, the adaptable style — you could wear it in your 20s just as easily as you could wear it in your 70s.  And, for a post devoted to one of the most enduring icons in American fashion history, I thought I should conclude with something as age-less and chic: