Jackie Kennedy ensembles for John F. Kennedy's inauguration ceremonies 19-20 January 1961
The event
On Thursday 8 November 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected 35th president of America, his wife Jackie Kennedy became the second youngest first lady in American History.
Although the Inauguration day was on 20 January 1961, the celebration started from the pre-inaugural gala the night before and ended on 21 January with the inaugural gala.
Jackie Kennedy wearing floor length gown, with her husband the President John F. Kennedy, at the Pre-Inauguration Gala, 19 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy wearing coat of knee length with three quarter length sleeves with her husband the President John F. Kennedy on the Inauguration day, 20 January 1961
The gown for Pre-Inauguration Gala on 19 January 1961
For the Pre-Inauguration Gala held at National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C. on 19 January 1961, Jackie Kennedy wore a silk floor length gown. It was made of ivory silk satin with a fully lined A-line skirt and elbow length sleeves, and a cockade on right waist, symbolizing her French heritage. The gown was designed by fashion designer of Russia Origin Oleg Cassini. who would become her official designer for the next three years.
Jackie Kennedy wore a silk floor length gown at Pre-Inauguration Gala held at National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C. on 19 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy wore a silk floor length gown at Pre-Inauguration Gala held at National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C. on 19 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy in a silk floor length gown, with her husband John F. Kennedy, at Pre-Inauguration Gala held at National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C. on 19 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy's silk floor length gown
The Ensembles for Inauguration ceremony on 20 January 1961
Day: Beige wool coat and day dress
For the Inauguration ceremony and parade, Jackie Kennedy wore a knee length beige wool coat of three quarter length sleeves, 2 side patch pockets and oversized buttons, which she accessorised with fur muff matching the collar trim of her coat.
Under the coat, Jackie wore a matching beige wool crepe two-piece day dress with round necked crop blouse.
Under the coat, Jackie wore a matching beige wool crepe two-piece day dress with round necked crop blouse.
Jackie Kennedy wearing beige coat with her husband the President John F. Kennedy on the Inauguration day, 20 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy wearing beige coat with her husband the President John F. Kennedy on the Inauguration day, 20 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy wearing beige coat with her husband the President John F. Kennedy on the Inauguration day, 20 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy Inauguration day beige coat, 20 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy Inauguration day beige day dress, 20 January 1961
Night: Silk chiffon ball gown with matching cape
That night, for the Inauguration Ball at White House Washington DC, Jackie Kennedy wore a silk sleeveless gown and a matching cape with toggle closure at neck.
The off-white sleeveless gown was made of silk chiffon over peau d’ange, featuring strapless inner bodice embellished by silver silk thread embroidery and seed pearl beading. It was designed and made by Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf Custom Salon based on Jackie’s own sketches and suggestions.
The off-white sleeveless gown was made of silk chiffon over peau d’ange, featuring strapless inner bodice embellished by silver silk thread embroidery and seed pearl beading. It was designed and made by Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf Custom Salon based on Jackie’s own sketches and suggestions.
Jackie Kennedy in a silk sleeveless gown and a matching cape, with her husband John F. Kennedy, at the Inauguration Ball at White House Washington DC, 20 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy in a silk sleeveless gown and a matching cape, with her husband John F. Kennedy, at the Inauguration Ball at White House Washington DC, 20 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy in a silk sleeveless gown and a matching cape, at the Inauguration Ball at White House Washington DC, 20 January 1961
Jackie Kennedy in a silk sleeveless gown, with Peter Lawford, at the Inauguration Ball at White House Washington DC, 20 January 1961
In two days, with just two simple elegant gowns, one coat and one cape, Jackie Kennedy not only became the best dressed first lady up until then, but would become a national fashion icon as well as an international one, for decades to come.