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):
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):
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’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:
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: