Style Icon of the Week: Jacqueline Kennedy

Who?: Ever since President Obama's election in November, America's new first lady Michelle Obama has been hailed as the 'new Jackie O', bringing style as well as substance to the White House, but despite her husband's iconic status, many say that no first lady can match up to Jacqueline Kennedy. Living under three different surnames, including Bouvier and Onassis, Jacqueline was best known as Jackie Kennedy, wife of John Kennedy and First Lady from 1961 - 1963. At 31, Jackie was one of America's youngest first ladies, and her young, fresh image brought her fame throughout the world, making her more than just 'the president's wife', but a cultural icon in her own right. After John Kennedy's assassination in 1963, Jackie re-married shipping tycoon, Aristotle Onassis in 1968, enhancing her status as a European, as well as American celebrity. Jackie died in 1994, and following her death was named one of the top twenty most widely admired people of the 20th Century.

Why?: John Kennedy was elected into office in 1961, a time of change in the world of fashion. While some still hung onto the prim and proper 'poodle skirts and sweaters' of the 50's, the rest of the fashion world was on the cusp of the 60's style revolution, and Jackie reflected this in her style. On the campaign trail and in the White House, Jackie shook up the traditional 'frumpy first lady' image, teaming pearl necklaces and gloves with stylish, crisp suits, known for their iconic large lapels, sleeveless dresses in bright colours, pill box hats and delicate clutches that matched her heels. As her husband's position as president became stronger, so did Jackie's style, and in the tragic final year of her husband's presidency, and the years following, Jackie embraced the new casual styles of 60's and 70's high society. Trading in skirts for wide leg jeans and slouchy trousers, pearls for hoop earrings and set hair for free flowing locks, Jackie created her own look, epitomised by her over sized sunglasses and patterned Hermes scarves; and looked stunning every time.
What can we learn from her style?: 'Jackie Kennedy' and 'fashion faux pas' are two phrases that have never been seen in the same sentence. Always immaculately groomed and elegantly turned out, no matter what the occasion or situation, Jackie is a true example of timeless style. Jackie knew how to dress for any situation, whether it was an inauguration ball or stroll down town, always staying within the the bounds of respectable convention but making every look her own. When creating a look, it is crucial that we can adapt it to every situation, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zone, but at the same time, feel free to bend the rules and go against convention. Jackie taught us that you can still be an individual, even if you occasionally have to compromise our style, and that just because you have a dress code to stick to doesn't mean you can't express yourself within it.

Also: After supporting him all through his presidential campaign from the other side of the Atlantic, I am in love with President Obama. He's facing some of the biggest challenges known to any President, and I'm sure it won't be an easy road ahead, but I'm certain that given time, he'll still be able to make the changes that America, and the rest of the world needs. I clapped with happiness, (I'm such a politics neek), when he closed Guantanamo Bay, and I now hope that he turns his attention to the Middle East, to help the poor people of Gaza and defend their rights, while peacefully challenging terrorists, whether they be individual groups or governments with the force of an army.