John F. Kennedy wasn’t just the President of the United States. He was the style icon of his time. There was something about how he dressed that felt so effortless, like it wasn’t trying too hard but still made a huge impact.
His style wasn’t about flashy trends but about keeping things simple and sharp. He had that ability to make the basics look amazing.
And honestly? That’s something we can all take note of today.
The Foundation of JFK’s Wardrobe
If there’s one thing JFK nailed, it was fit.
It’s something so basic but so important. His suits were never too tight or too baggy, they just fit right. That’s the first thing to take away from his style: clothes that fit well always look better.
JFK’s wardrobe was built around a few key pieces.
These were actually simple items that could be mixed and matched to create an endless variety of looks. He didn’t go for outlandish colors or patterns; instead, he stuck to colors that worked well together. Navy, grey, black. These are colors that make you look confident without screaming for attention.
And guess what?
They never go out of style. When updating your wardrobe, focus on getting pieces that fit well in colors that will stand the test of time.
This doesn’t mean wearing the same thing every day. It’s about investing in versatile pieces that can be worn in different ways. A well-tailored navy blazer, a few crisp white shirts, and classic grey trousers. Plus accessories.
These are the building blocks.
The Power of a Well-Fitted Suit
When thinking about JFK, the first thing that comes to mind is that sharp, tailored suit. JFK knew a suit didn’t have to be loud to make an impact. It just had to fit perfectly. And it wasn’t about being uncomfortable, his suits were made from wool, lightweight but sharp.
You could tell that his clothes were made to move with him, not against him.
A navy suit fitted just right with a crisp white shirt and a slim tie.There’s no need for anything else. Simple elegance makes a statement without being too flashy. That’s the magic of a well-fitted suit: it’s like an invisible boost of confidence.
It's worth noting that during the early 1960s, when Kennedy was in office, the suit was still the standard business attire, reflecting a more formal societal expectation.
Tailors like Fenn-Feinstein of New York were known to craft his suits, often using lightweight wool that allowed for both a sharp appearance and comfort.
The Signature Accessories
While JFK’s wardrobe was simple, his accessories were where the magic happened. It’s the small things that made him stand out. Here are a few of those iconic accessories and how they can elevate your look.
The Tie
JFK’s tie game was always on point. He kept it simple with solid colors usually in black, navy, burgundy, or deep red. No crazy patterns or loud prints. That’s exactly what to go for if you want to channel Kennedy style.
A slim, well-tied tie shows attention to detail.
And let’s not forget the bow tie. He didn’t wear them often, but when he did, it was effortless. Take a look at this picture.
Perfectly tied, balanced, and paired with a sharp tux. It’s proof that a bow tie can look sophisticated without feeling old-fashioned.
We can see that the right tie can add a lot of personality to an outfit without drawing too much attention. It’s about subtlety. Too many prints or colors can detract from the clean, sharp look you’re going for.
Stick to solid or lightly patterned ties. Nothing too wild.
The Pocket Square
JFK knew how to make even the smallest details count, and his pocket square was no exception. Most of the time, he went with a simple white one, nothing flashy, just clean and sharp. He didn’t overdo it, either.
No fancy folds, just a straight, neatly tucked square that added a touch of class without trying too hard. It was the kind of thing that made his suits look even better without stealing the show.
The key to the pocket square is balance. It’s there to elevate your look, not distract from it. Choose a pocket square that complements the suit but doesn’t compete with the rest of the outfit.
The Cufflinks
JFK also had a soft spot for classic cufflinks. His cufflinks were simple yet elegant, often monogrammed and crafted in refined designs that added just the right touch of sophistication. These accessories were never the loudest part of his outfit, but they were always the most precise.
During his presidency, which spanned from 1961 to 1963, personal touches like monogrammed cufflinks were a subtle way for prominent figures to express individuality within the bounds of formal wear.
For example, a pair of gold knot cufflinks were reportedly a frequent accessory.
The beauty of classic cufflinks lies in their ability to elevate an outfit without dominating it.
The Sunglasses
JFK’s sunglasses were iconic.
He had a thing for aviators, and they suited him perfectly.
They’re still in style today, and they’re a perfect way to add some Kennedy cool to an outfit. A good pair of aviators isn’t just for summer. It’s a year-round accessory that adds a bit of mystery and class.
The popularity of aviator sunglasses surged inthe mid-20th century, partly due to their adoption by military pilots, and Kennedy's frequent wear further cemented their cool and classic status.
Brands like American Optical, which supplied sunglasses to the military, saw a rise in civilian popularity during this era.
Now, JFK’s aviators were part of his signature look, adding a laid-back yet sharp edge to his overall appearance. Pair aviators with a blazer and jeans for a modern take on Kennedy’s look.
The Watch
Lastly, on accessories, JFK was rarely seen without his Rolex. It was simple, elegant, and always the right choice. The key here is that it was understated. A flashy watch isn’t necessary to stand out. A classic watch with a leather strap, preferably in black or brown, works with almost anything.
Reportedly, one of Kennedy's notable watches was a Rolex Day-Date, a gift symbolizing his status and the era's appreciation for fine, understated timepieces.
Another significant timepiece was an Omega Ultra Thin watch, gifted to him, which sold at auction for $350,000, highlighting the historical and personal value attached to his accessories.
We can see that a good watch isn’t just for telling time. It’s an accessory that shows you care about quality and the finer details. JFK knew this.
The Kennedy Casual Look
When JFK wasn’t in a suit, he was still looking effortlessly cool. Whether it was a casual lunch by the seaside or a laid-back day at the office, his casual style was just as sharp as his formal look.
Here’s an example.
A navy blazer, grey trousers, and a white shirt. Simple. But effective. This is the perfect balance between looking polished without overthinking it. The key is focusing on quality basics, things like a well-fitted blazer, a good pair of chinos, and shoes that are neat and well-kept.
Even in casual settings, such as sailing off Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, Kennedy often sported well-fitting chinos and polo shirts, projecting an image of relaxed sophistication.
Photographs from these times often show him in simple, well-maintained Sperry Top-Sider boat shoes, which became increasingly popular due to his association with them.
This casual style is versatile. It’s an easy go-to look for almost any occasion, whether it’s a weekend brunch or a day at work. And it doesn’t require much effort to pull off.
JFK’s Haircut: A Timeless Style
Let’s not forget about JFK’s hair.
His hairstyle was as iconic as his wardrobe. His hair was always neatly styled, with just enough volume on top to make it look natural, not too stiff or overly done. It’s a timeless look, nothing too fancy, just clean and well-groomed.
Want to copy his style?
Go for a short, tapered cut on the sides with a little length on top. It’s a look that works for almost any face shape, and it’s easy to maintain. Add a bit of product to give the hair texture and control.
The key here is simplicity. JFK’s hair wasn’t overly styled, but it was always neat and presentable. A little effort goes a long way in maintaining a polished look.
Adapting Kennedy Style Today
JFK’s style was timeless for a reason. And it’s easy to adapt his style for today with a few simple adjustments.
Invest in Quality Pieces
A well-fitted suit, a good watch, and a couple of timeless accessories, that’s what made his wardrobe so strong. When shopping, think long-term. Don’t go for trends that fade in a year.
Look for pieces that stand the test of time.
Keep It Simple
JFK’s approach to style was simple, but it had a huge impact. He didn’t overcomplicate things. You don’t need to either. Stick to the basics. Classic colors, well-fitted clothes, and minimal accessories.
You’ll always look polished, without trying too hard.
Focus on Fit
Fit is everything. JFK’s clothes fit him perfectly, and that’s what made him look so sharp. Whether buying a suit or a pair of jeans, make sure they fit well. A well-fitted outfit will always make you look more put-together.
Conclusion
JFK’s style went beyond what he wore, it was how he wore it. His wardrobe was simple, but he knew how to make the basics stand out. That’s the beauty of his style. No need to go overboard, just pay attention to the details.
Next time you’re getting dressed, take a page from JFK’s book.
Keep it simple, focus on quality, and make the little things count. A sharp suit, a well-tied tie, and a crisp pocket square can go a long way.
For quality accessories, HawsonVIP has you covered. We offer premium cufflinks, tie clips, and pocket squares to complete your look. Explore our collection and add that perfect finishing touch.