How to Accessorize Like a Kennedy Woman (Without Owning a Yacht… Yet 😉)
Alright, let’s be honest—who hasn’t dreamed of being part of the Kennedy dynasty at least once? Picture this: you’re strolling down the Cape Cod coast in oversized sunglasses, hair tied back with a silk scarf, your earrings perfectly matching your loafers, and you’re exuding that effortless “I summer in Hyannis Port” kind of energy. But here’s the thing: you don’t need old money or a family compound in Massachusetts to master the Kennedy woman look. You just need to know how to accessorize like one.
And that, my stylish friend, is exactly what we’re going to do today.
The Kennedy Woman Vibe: What Are We Even Channeling?
Let’s set the stage. When I say “Kennedy woman,” I’m not talking about trend-chasing or maximalist chaos. I’m talking iconic American elegance. Think Jackie O., Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, even a little Rory Gilmore in her Yale phase (yes, I said it). The Kennedy woman doesn’t shout with her accessories—she whispers sophistication.
So how do you get that look without accidentally slipping into costume territory? Let’s break it down.
1. Start With Signature Accessories
Kennedy women didn’t just wear accessories—they turned them into their personal brand. Here’s what you need in your arsenal:
Silk Scarves
These babies are non-negotiable.
Tie one around your ponytail or bun for instant polish.
Drape one around your neck, French-girl style.
Loop it through your handbag handle if you’re feeling lazy but still want to pretend you have your life together.
I started collecting vintage silk scarves from thrift stores. IMO, it’s the fastest (and cheapest) way to look like you just had brunch at The Colony Hotel.
Pearls (Duh)
This one feels obvious, but pearls are the holy grail of Kennedy elegance.
Single-strand necklace for daytime.
Pearl studs with everything.
Go baroque (literally) for a more modern take.
Ever wondered why pearls work so well? It’s because they say, “I’m delicate but I will absolutely not tolerate nonsense.”
Oversized Sunglasses
A.K.A. the “don’t talk to me unless you’re JFK” shield.
Go for square or rounded frames—not too trendy.
Black or tortoiseshell always wins.
Bonus: They hide dark circles like a dream. Ask me how I know. 😅
2. Master the Hair Game
Let’s be real. Hair is an accessory. And Kennedy women knew how to use it.
Hair Accessories to Steal
Black velvet headbands: Channel your inner Carolyn.
Low, sleek ponytail with a silk tie: Jackie vibes, but make it 2025.
Gold barrette or comb: Just enough shine to say “I read Vogue, but also The Atlantic.”
FYI, bobby pins aren’t just for keeping your hair in place—they’re for flexing taste subtly. I sometimes stack a few gold ones on one side. It’s giving “I work in publishing”, even though I’m at home in pajamas.
3. Understated Jewelry > Statement Pieces
Here’s where people mess up. Kennedy style is about refinement, not flash.
Keep These in Your Jewelry Box
Thin gold hoops or small diamond studs
Delicate gold chain bracelets
Minimalist watches (leather straps win here)
You won’t see a Kennedy woman wearing five mood rings and a neon choker. Unless it’s Halloween—and even then, maybe not.
Want to layer necklaces? Sure, just keep them dainty. Think “I own land,” not “I bought this at Coachella.”
4. The Power of a Great Bag (and Knowing When to Downsize)
Kennedy women didn’t lug around massive totes filled with chaos. They understood the power of a polished handbag.
Pick Your Bag Like a First Lady
Structured top-handle bag: Classic. Clean. Confident.
Mini shoulder bag: Sleek and practical.
Wicker bag for summers: Hello, Hyannis.
Also—just between us—ditch anything with huge logos. Subtle sophistication > screaming status symbols. Always.
5. Shoes That Speak Softly (But Say a Lot)
No, you don’t need red bottoms to look like American royalty.
Shoe Staples Kennedy Women Would Approve
Ballet flats (Audrey Hepburn is basically their cousin)
Low block heels (walkable, elegant, very Jackie)
Loafers or slingbacks for daytime errands—or lunch at a country club you were definitely not invited to
IMO, beige and black are your power colors here. And if you’re wearing sneakers, make them white and clean. Not gym-shoes-that-saw-war vibes.
6. Gloves, Brooches & Other Forgotten Luxuries
Let’s talk about the extra stuff. You know, the kind of accessories your grandma wore—and then you found them in her jewelry box and thought, “Wait, these slap.”
Bring Back the Forgotten Glamour
Brooches on blazers or coats? Instant Kennedy.
Evening gloves? Rare, but show-stopping.
Tortoiseshell hair clips? Subtle, classic, effortlessly rich-looking.
Not gonna lie—I wore a vintage brooch to a wedding once, and five strangers complimented me. Coincidence? I think not.
7. Colors, Textures & Fabrics Matter (A Lot)
It’s not just what you wear—it’s how it all plays together.
Go for These Kennedy-Worthy Combos:
Navy + White = Always preppy. Always clean.
Camel + Cream = Rich and warm, like New England in October.
Silk, wool, cashmere = Textures that whisper wealth.
Avoid anything that screams fast fashion, or feels too synthetic. If it squeaks when you move—run. Fast.
8. Confidence: The Ultimate Accessory
Okay, I know it’s cheesy—but no accessory works without confidence. Jackie O. didn’t just wear clothes. She ownedthem. Carolyn didn’t try to be chic—she just was.
So, if you’re rocking vintage clip-ons from Etsy and a thrifted scarf, own it. Hold your coffee cup like it’s a prop in a Vogue shoot. Stand tall. Chin up. That’s Kennedy energy, baby.
Here’s your no-nonsense Kennedy cheat sheet. Bookmark this, screenshot it, tattoo it (okay maybe not that):
Wardrobe Must-Haves:
Silk scarves
Pearl jewelry
Oversized sunglasses
Structured handbag
Minimalist shoes
Hair & Beauty Bits:
Velvet headbands
Gold barrettes
Classic blowout or low ponytail
Bonus Elegance Boosters:
Brooches
Leather gloves
Wicker summer bags
Color Palette:
Navy, cream, beige, camel, black
Golden Rule: Understated elegance > overdone everything.
Final Thoughts: Channeling the Kennedys, Your Way
You don’t need a trust fund or a seat in Congress to accessorize like a Kennedy woman. You just need a little taste, a lot of confidence, and the courage to embrace simplicity. The real secret? They made it look easy because they didn’t overthink it.
So next time you’re staring at your closet wondering what vibe to go for, just ask: What would Jackie do? (WWJD? 😂)
Now go forth and accessorize like American royalty. And hey—don’t forget your sunglasses. The sun and the paparazzi are out there. ✨
P.S. If you try out a Kennedy-inspired look, tag me or drop me a DM! I need to know if you also feel 10x classier with a pearl pin in your hair. Because same.