Jackie Kennedy wore a pink wool suit on Inauguration Day. The suit had been designed by American designer James Galanos, who was a friend of Jackie’s. The suit was made in a light pink wool with a high waist and long sleeves. It also had a straight skirt that ended at the knee. The day John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States, his wife Jackie Kennedy wore a simple dress made by designer Halston. The dress was designed by Halston himself, who was a close friend of the Kennedys and one of their favorite designers. Jackie Kennedy wore a similar dress to her husband’s inauguration in 1961, but that day she paired it with a black overcoat. It was a cold day in Washington DC, so she kept warm by wearing a wool coat.

What Did Jackie Kennedy Wear On Inauguration Day

On January 20th, 1961 Jackie Kennedy wore a black wool coat and matching pillbox hat. She requested the wool coat because she was nervous of the cold weather and wanted to be warm.

Jackie Kennedy wore a French-hemmed coatdress of ivory linen and a pillbox hat. She carried a bouquet of white roses. Her gloves were the color of pearl, and she wore a diamond choker with matching earrings.

Remember when Jackie Kennedy attended her husband’s presidential inauguration with a perfect egg-shaped pillbox hat perched atop her head?

That’s because it was meant to be unmissable.

Everything that happened on January 20, 1961, was stage-managed to tell America that a new age was dawning. John F. Kennedy was set to become the first US leader born in the 20th century, the first Catholic commander-in-chief and the first president whose inaugural speech was beamed across crackly television screens in color.

“Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country,” he implored a nation in need of reassurance and leadership at the height of the Cold War.

President Kennedy with First Lady Jackie at his inauguration.

Not everything worked out as planned. Eight inches of snow fell on Washington overnight, winds lashed and, among all this, one accident would end up infiltrating American wardrobes.

Jackie’s orb-like hat had been made to match a coat and fawn dress already created for her by her personal courtier Oleg Cassini. But it was also designed to look different: A cloth pillbox was exactly what everyone else would not be wearing.

In the freezing cold, many of the women sported stolid mink caps — except Jackie, who stood out as the beacon of a new generation, characterized by clean lines and elegance. She appeared on the steps of the Capitol like “the gorgeous petal in a dowdy bouquet of fur,” according to Thurston Clarke, author of “Ask Not,” a book about the 1961 inauguration.

Jackie’s distinctive headpiece was designed by Halston (real name Roy Halston Frowick). Later known as the creator of the free-flowing, slinky fashion of the 1970s disco era, Halston was then an up-and-coming New York milliner. He apparently spent hours sandwiched between two mirrors, shaping Jackie’s hat into a perfect, simple dome.

Except, of course, it didn’t end up like that.

Meet America’s first superstar fashion designer

That morning, as she reached up to clasp the hat in high winds, Kennedy accidentally gave it a dimple — a shallow indent, unnoticed but broadcast around the world. America swooned nonetheless. Kennedy’s deification as the ultimate first lady of fashion had begun with a misshapen hat, its influence stretching to imitators from high society to the rural Midwest. Halston later laughed that “everybody who copied it put a dent in it.”

Jackie’s ensemble that day — which she completed with a sable circlet and muff — has become one of the most celebrated of presidential inauguration looks. But there’s one thing we may have all been getting wrong: the color.

While most Americans will remember the first lady in duck-egg blue, complementing JFK’s steel blue waistcoat and tie, color film footage from “Halston,” a CNN Films documentary about the legendary designer, shows her inauguration outfit appearing pinkish. And researchers at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, where the outfit is stored, told CNN that the dress and hat were basically colorless — a neutral, fawnish beige and not even slightly blue.

The origin of the mistake seems to be a color photograph from Life Magazine. But the cover of the same issue featured a very different photograph: Jackie in far less vivid tones, closer to the off-white captured by the handful of other press photographers present (early color film often struggled to match real hues).

So when, in 2017, Melania Trump wore a powder blue Ralph Lauren inauguration suit likened to Kennedy’s, was it a tribute to an outfit that never existed?

was Melania Trump paying tribute to a dress that wasn’t really blue? Credit: Pool/Getty Images North America/Getty Images

Regardless of color, dimpled or not, the pillbox hat would become synonymous with Jackie’s style as first lady. She wore one the day JFK was shot, twinned with a raspberry pink suit. The blood-covered suit is locked away in the National Archives, with instructions that it should hidden from public view until at least 2103. The pink hat hasn’t been seen since the fateful day she last wore it.

However, eulogizing the first lady’s “looks” risks reducing her to the role of a mere mannequin, despite the fact that she directed much of the new administration’s aesthetic – and not just in terms of fashion.

She may have spent fewer than three years in the White House, but during that time she brought in designers, including Stéphane Boudin, to modernize its interior. She also worked with legendary industrial designer Raymond Loewy, the man behind the Lucky Strike cigarette packet and classic Studebaker cars, to choose the enduring powder blue of the US presidential plane, Air Force One.

JFK’s inauguration marked the beginning of a new era of media-savvy presidents, and he had his wife to thank for much of it.

  • Jackie Kennedy was one of the most influential fashion icons of her era. 
  • She popularized some of the most recognizable trends of the ’60s and ’70s, including pillbox hats, tailored coats, and strapless gowns.
  • Hamish Bowles, the European editor-at-large for Vogue, said that she set the standard for how “an entire generation” of American women strove to dress.

A lifelong champion of the arts and outspoken preservationist, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was also one of the most influential fashion icons of her era.

Known for her chic yet simple style, the former first lady was the subject of much media attention throughout her storied life. During her time in the White House — and in the years after — she popularized some of the most recognizable trends of the ’60s and ’70s, including pillbox hats, tailored coats, and strapless gowns, to name a few.

As European editor-at-large of Vogue, Hamish Bowles, told The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2000, Onassis set the standard for how “an entire generation” of American women strove to “look, dress, and behave.”

Take a closer look at some of her most memorable outfits below.

Onassis Married John F. Kennedy in a Stylish Ballgown with a Boat Neck.

was Melania Trump paying tribute to a dress that wasn't really blue?

Her wedding dress featured a full skirt, one of the biggest trends in bridal fashion in the ’50s.

Onassis was a Greek shipping tycoon, who married John F. Kennedy in a stylish ballgown with a boat neck.

Onassis was born in Greece in 1906, and was the daughter of a Greek ship owner. She married John F. Kennedy in 1953, when he was a senator for Massachusetts. They had four children together, but divorced in 1968 after Kennedy’s assassination.

In addition to her marriage to Kennedy, Onassis is also famous for her successful career as an actress and singer in France and Greece during the 1930s and 1940s.

She Made a Splash in the Fashion World at Several Celebratory Galas for JFK’s Presidential Inauguration.

According to The Cut, Onassis asked fashion designer Oleg Cassini — who was known at the time for dressing Hollywood stars like Shirley Temple and Grace Kelly — to create custom outfits for her in 1961.

Dubbed the first lady’s “Secretary of Style,” Cassini went on to design some of Onassis’ most iconic ensembles, including an ivory silk satin evening dress that she wore to a gala the night before JFK’s inauguration. In 2009, the Design Museum in London named Cassini’s gown one of 50 dresses that changed the world.

She wore one of her signature looks at JFK’s inauguration ceremony.

jackie kennedy inauguration day ceremony outfit
Onassis at JFK’s inauguration on January 20, 1961. 

When JFK was sworn in as the 35th president of the US, Onassis looked elegant in a beige coat dress, Halston pillbox hat, and elbow-length gloves — all of which would go on to become huge trends in the ’60s.

Designed by Cassini, the simple wool coat featured touches of Paris couture in its A-line silhouette and stand-away collar, according to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The jacket also channeled Hollywood glamour through its oversized pockets and buttons.

Elbow-Length Gloves Were an Early Staple in the First Lady’s Wardrobe.

After JFK was sworn in as president, Onassis changed into an off-white silk chiffon evening gown for an inaugural ball in Washington, DC. The first lady wore a regal cape (as seen above) over the dress, which was designed by Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf Custom Salon, based on sketches and suggestions from Onassis herself.

According to The National Museum of American History, The Washington Post ran a description of the first lady’s ensemble and said her “career as a major fashion influence was beginning impressively.”

Onassis often Wore Sleek shift Dresses, Which Exemplified Her Chic Yet Simple Style.

Over the years, the style icon was photographed wearing dozens of different shift dresses in bright pastel shades and playful patterns.

Onassis often wore sleek shift dresses, which exemplified her chic yet simple style.

Onassis was known for her elegant style, but she also had a signature look: the shift dress. The shift dress is a form-fitting dress that falls just below the knee, with a tapered silhouette and a high neckline. It’s often made from a sheer fabric, like silk or chiffon.

Onassis loved this style because it kept her looking chic without taking too much time to put together—it’s easy to throw on and run out of the house! But it also gave her an elegant look that fit with her reputation for elegance in public life.

During a Trip Abroad, She Impressed Parisians in a Sophisticated Dress with a Scalloped hem.

In late May 1961, the first lady and JFK embarked on an official visit to Paris. On their first night there, the couple attended a dinner hosted by then-President Charles de Gaulle and his wife Yvonne at the Elysée Palace. 

For the occasion, Cassini dressed Onassis in a pink and white raffia lace dress and matching stole.

Parisian women are known for their impeccable fashion sense and sophisticated style. So when the First Lady of the United States traveled to Paris, she knew she had to make a statement—and she did just that, while also staying true to herself.

She wore a gown with a scalloped hem, which is typically reserved for more formal occasions. This choice was especially bold considering that she was attending an event with French President Emmanuel Macron. The dress was designed by Ralph Lauren and featured a high collar, which can be seen as more conservative than other necklines.

However, this choice is also reflective of her desire to blend in with French culture while still making her own statement by wearing something unexpected.

Onassis Wore one of Her Most Iconic Looks While Hosting a Televised Tour of the White House.

From 1961 to 1963, the first lady spearheaded several projects to restore, renovate, and preserve all the public rooms in the White House.

Onassis’ historic restoration work catapulted her to a new level of fame after CBS aired a televised tour of the refurbished White House on Valentine’s Day in 1962. The special earned both the network and the first lady a special Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Trustees Award at the Emmys later that year.

Often seen in Bright, Bold Colors, the First Lady Seemed Particularly Fond of Pink.

During a daytime cruise on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, India, on March 17, 1962, Onassis wore an apricot-colored, knee-length silk dress by Cassini (pictured above). She accessorized the glamorous number with white gloves and her famous triple-strand necklace.

As a fashion icon, Melania Trump is known for her keen sense of style and ability to mix high and low-end pieces with ease. Her wardrobe has evolved over time, but she often favors bold colors, like pink, in all of her outfits. While she is often seen wearing dark shades of the color, she has been known to wear shocking pinks as well.

While her wardrobe may change from year to year, one thing that will always stay consistent is her love for this vibrant hue. She wore a bright pink dress on election night and has worn it many times since then. In fact, she even wore a bright pink coat while visiting Florida after Hurricane Irma hit this past fall!

It seems that this color is one that Melania Trump can’t get enough of when it comes to fashion.

She channeled royalty in a pink Christian Dior gown during a dinner honoring André Malraux, then France’s Minister of Cultural Affairs.

The first lady wore long white gloves, a sparkling hair pin, a small gold clutch, and long earrings with her strapless designer dress.

Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States, channeled royalty in a pink Christian Dior gown during a dinner honoring André Malraux, then France’s Minister of Cultural Affairs.

The event was held at the White House on April 6th, 1961. Jacqueline Kennedy wore the dress to honor her husband’s French heritage and to show off her own personal style. She paired it with diamond jewelry and matching shoes by Roger Vivier.

The dress was made of silk satin with a pleated bodice and full skirt that fell just below the knee. It featured tiny bows at each shoulder that drew attention up to her neckline where there was an inverted bow that fastened at the back with a diamond clasp from Van Cleef & Arpels.

Onassis Gave a Famous Speech in Mexico While Wearing a Pink Suit.

During a state visit to Mexico City on June 30, 1962, Onassis addressed attendees of a luncheon honoring then-President of Mexico, Adolfo López Mateos, in Spanish. 

In addition to Spanish, the first lady was also famously fluent in French, having studied the language during her undergraduate career, both in the US and abroad in France.

During JFK’s Senate re-election campaign in 1958 and presidential campaign in 1960, Onassis even taped short speeches in French, Spanish, and Italian encouraging voters to support her husband.

She Continued to be an Influential Fashion Icon Long After Her Days as a First Lady.

Following JFK’s tragic assassination in November 1963, Onassis moved to New York to focus on raising her two children, Caroline and JFK Jr. She remarried five years later to Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis.

Around this time, the former first lady became increasingly targeted by the paparazzi, who photographed her nearly everywhere she went. While she dressed less formally after leaving the White House, Onassis held onto classy trends like tailored coats and her staple long gloves.

Onassis Proved that Shift Dresses are Timeless.

With her days in the White House behind her, the style icon started sporting bolder and more casual ensembles.

Shift dresses are timeless, and we’ve got the proof.

Onassis was a Greek shipping magnate, who proved that shift dresses are timeless with his famous shift dress, “The Dress.”

When Onassis first bought the dress, he thought it was ugly. But then he realized that it could be worn in any season and any situation—from formal events to casual parties. And so he began wearing it everywhere! He even wore it when sailing on his yacht!

After seeing Onassis’s success with the dress, other celebrities started wearing them too: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana… all of them were rocking the look. Nowadays you can find shift dresses in almost every store—from high-end fashion houses all the way down to Forever 21 (which is pretty much everyone).

And She Stayed a Lifelong fan of Suit Dresses.

Onasiss wore a chic pollka-dot suit to meet Nelson Mandela at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1990. 

In the 1950s, Jackie Kennedy was a style icon. She was known for her love of suits, and she had a knack for mixing high-end pieces with everyday looks.

But what many people don’t know is that she didn’t just love suits—she loved suit dresses, too. And not just any suit dress: she loved them so much that she bought one in almost every color!

In fact, when she was First Lady, Jackie Kennedy wore a different suit dress every day of her husband’s presidency. She even wore them on vacation! And she stayed a lifelong fan of suit dresses.

What Wear for Inauguration

When you’re in a dress code, you have to think about what you wear. Will it be appropriate for the occasion? Will it fit the setting? Will it be comfortable?

As we enter a new era in American politics, we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to dress up for inauguration day. Whether you’re going to a protest or simply looking for a way to celebrate this momentous occasion, we’ve got some ideas for how you can dress up without breaking the bank or breaking any rules.

For the Inauguration of President Donald Trump, I would suggest wearing a business suit.

I believe that this is the best choice because it will be cold outside and you need to be comfortable, warm and professional at the same time. It is also a great way to show respect for our country’s new leader.

Inauguration Day is a special occasion, and you want to look your best. But how do you know what to wear?

First, check the weather. It’s cold outside, but it’s supposed to be sunny. Make sure your outfit isn’t too heavy—you don’t want to be uncomfortable all day.

Second, consider what event you’re attending. If there’s an official swearing-in ceremony that requires formalwear, then you’ll want something more formal than jeans and a t-shirt. But if you’re going to one of the many protests happening around Washington DC today, a nice coat or sweater and some comfortable shoes will do just fine!

Inauguration is a time of celebration, but it’s also a time to remember the importance of fashion. As you head out to celebrate, we recommend wearing a dress that is both comfortable and appropriate for the occasion.

We recommend a dress that has an A-line skirt, because this will make you feel more comfortable on your feet. The A-line skirt also gives you some extra room if you’re going dancing later in the night!

The best part about wearing an A-line dress is that it looks great from all angles, so whether you’re standing or sitting down, you’ll still look fantastic!

Keep in mind that some people will be making political statements with their clothing choices during this week’s events—so if you want to stay safe and avoid any controversy at all costs, we recommend sticking with classic black attire.

Inauguration Day is a day of celebration and reflection, but it can also be a day of uncertainty for many people. How do you dress for this occasion?

Your clothing should reflect your political beliefs and the current state of affairs in America. If you’re a Trump supporter, wear something that shows your allegiance to him—and if you’re not, wear something that demonstrates your opposition to him.

You’ve got your outfit picked out, but what should you wear?

We know you’re going to be in some of the most important and exciting moments in history. We also know that’s pretty intimidating—but we’re here to help!

First off, let’s talk about what not to wear:

-Your granny’s housecoat. It might have served her well for years, but she wasn’t sworn in as President. You can leave it at home.

-Your favorite pair of jeans and t-shirt combo—even if they are super comfy, those clothes don’t belong at an inauguration event! This is a time for celebration, so dress up and look great!

If you’re headed to the inauguration of our 45th president, then let us help you get ready!

The weather in Washington, D.C., is expected to be unseasonably warm for January 20th. The forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-50s (that’s 14°C) and sunny skies throughout the day. So don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!

As for what you should wear… well, that’s a tricky question. It’s not like there are any “uniforms” for inaugurations, but we’ve done our best to put together some styles that look great and can take whatever weather Mother Nature throws at them.

For women:

Dressy Casual: If you want to look classy but still casual enough to move around comfortably, this is your best bet. A dressy shirt with jeans or pants will do the trick nicely—and if it rains, just throw on an overcoat or rain jacket.

Coat & Jeans: Women who want a more formal look might want to consider wearing a coat with jeans or pants underneath—these two pieces of clothing tend to go together well because they both have an urban style about them. And if it rains?

What to Wear to the Inauguration

There’s nothing like a new presidency to get people excited about fashion. But with so many styles and brands out there, it can be hard to know what to wear! Here are some tips for what you should wear for the Inauguration:

If you’re attending an inauguration party, it’s best to stick with classic, timeless looks. You’ll want to avoid anything too flashy or obscure—you don’t want people talking about your outfit instead of the swearing in of our new president!

For men, a nice suit is always a good bet. Make sure it fits well and isn’t too shiny or wrinkled, though (you want to look presidential, not sleazy). Women can go for simple dresses or pantsuits; just make sure they aren’t too tight or revealing (again: you don’t want anyone thinking about your body at this momentous occasion).

For kids and babies: Well-fitting suits are perfect! Just make sure they’re appropriate for the weather and aren’t too tight or loose on their bodies so they don’t get cold or hot while sitting outside waiting for hours on end.

Whether you’re attending the inauguration in person or watching it from home, you want to look your best. Here are some tips for what to wear:

-Dress in layers. It’s going to be cold outside, but you don’t want to be too hot once you’re inside.

-Bring a scarf or pashmina if you have one. It’s going to be freezing out there!

-If you’re going with someone else, coordinate your outfits!

It’s no secret that the inauguration of our new president, Donald J. Trump, is a big deal. It’s also no secret that a lot of people are afraid.

So what do you wear to an event like this? How do you express your feelings about it, and stand up for yourself in the process?

First of all: don’t go overboard. You can be respectful while still being true to yourself. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of attending the inauguration at all, don’t go—you don’t have to be there if it doesn’t feel right for you. But if you want to be there, but aren’t sure how to dress or behave in order to make your presence known without being too obvious about it, here are some tips:

1) Don’t wear your political affiliation on your sleeve (literally). It’s OK if people know where you stand politically—that’s not exactly a secret now, is it? But don’t come dressed like someone who supports Donald Trump; instead, come dressed like someone who supports decency and equality for all people regardless of who they are or where they were born!

The Inauguration of the 45th President of the United States is an incredibly important event. It marks the beginning of a new era in our country’s history, and it’s one that will shape the future for all Americans.

Inaugurations are typically very formal events and it is important to dress accordingly. For women, this means wearing a dress or skirt suit, or a dress coat (if you work in an office environment). For men, suits are expected as well.

If you choose to wear a suit, make sure that it fits well and is pressed properly. If you have any doubts about how your suit fits or looks on you, get someone else’s opinion on whether it looks good before going out in public! You don’t want to end up looking like an idiot in front of millions of people!

If you’re unsure about what to wear for inauguration day, take a look at some photos from past inaugurations so that you can get an idea of what other people wore during previous inaugurations.

Inauguration day is a time to celebrate the peaceful transition of power, and it’s also a time to dress up. The day will be full of pomp and circumstance, so you’ll want to look your best.

The weather in Washington, DC on inauguration day is usually mild and sunny with temperatures in the mid-60s. You’ll want to wear layers so you can take them off if things get too hot or add more if it gets chilly.

A great option for inauguration day is a dress that has a wrap or cardigan style top so you can cover up when needed. Or try a coat with an open front that lets your outfit peek through for a more casual look.

You can wear whatever color you like for inaugurals—red, white, blue—but keep in mind that this isn’t just any other day of the year. We recommend wearing red or white because they’re the official colors of our country’s flag and have been associated with our nation since its inception over 200 years ago!

What to Wear for the Inauguration

You love America. You’ve seen all of the memes, and now you’re ready to take part in the fun. The inauguration is a great way to show your support for our new president and get involved in the political process. But what should you wear?

First, you need a look that says “I’m here to celebrate our new leader.” One option is an outfit inspired by one of Trump’s favorite colors: gold. Gold accessories are a great way to show your patriotism, but you can also wear a full-on gold suit or dress if you want to go all out!

For those who want something more subtle, try wearing red, white, and blue clothing or accessories such as jewelry or shoes. If you want something even more subtle than that, just wear jeans and a white T-shirt with “Make America Great Again” written on it in black marker!

Finally, if none of these options appeal to you—or if they’re not appropriate for where you’ll be celebrating—you can always go with full business attire like suits or dresses instead!

The inauguration of the 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump, will take place on January 20th, 2017. Inaugurations are always significant moments in American history, but this one is particularly important for our country—and for you.

It’s important to look your best at this event because you’ll be representing your company and yourself as an individual. If you’re planning on attending the inauguration, here are some tips to help you dress appropriately:

-You should wear business attire. This means suits or dresses with jackets and ties for men and skirts or pantsuits for women. You can also wear a tuxedo if you prefer something more formal.

-The color scheme of your outfit should conform to traditional inauguration colors: reds and blues are traditional choices, but if you want to go bolder than that, purple is becoming popular as well; just make sure it’s not too bright or flashy!

-The inauguration takes place at noon on January 20th. You should arrive with plenty of time before then so that you don’t miss any part of it!

Our advice: dress in layers. It’s important to be prepared for the cold, so make sure you have a good coat and scarf. You might also want to consider wearing gloves or mittens, as well as hats and scarves.

While some will be attending an event with a red carpet, you’ll likely be spending most of your time outdoors—and mix of indoor and outdoor events are common at inaugurations. So don’t forget to pack an extra pair of shoes (or two) if you’re planning on changing clothes multiple times during the day!

The inauguration is a time to celebrate the beginning of a new presidency, and it’s also a time to show your support for the candidate you voted for. To do that, you’ll want to wear something that represents your values and beliefs.

Here are some ideas:

Wear red if you’re a Republican or orange if you’re a Democrat. While this may seem like an obvious choice, it’s important to show solidarity with your party—especially during this election cycle.

If you want to express yourself more personally, try wearing green or blue as a nod to your candidate’s campaign colors. This can also be done in other ways—for example, by sporting a pin that shows support for their campaign!

You might also consider wearing an item from their campaign store or official website. There are many options available that will help you show off your political affiliation without being too over-the-top about it (and without spending too much money!).

Inauguration is a time to celebrate the peaceful transition of power. We look forward to welcoming the new president and first lady as they begin their time in office.

It’s important to remember that this is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation and respect for the office of the presidency. We must also be mindful of our own actions and how they may be perceived by others.

For example, it is not appropriate for men to wear kilts or kilted skirts, or women to wear pantsuits or pantsuits with skirts—unless those pantsuits or pantsuits with skirts are made from silk and have been hand-embroidered by monks at the Abbey of Saint Benedict in Monte Cassino, Italy.

Inauguration Day is about celebrating democracy through fashion, so we encourage you all to dress up in your best clothes!

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