Although a far cry from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, The Kennedy Compound (as it was formally referred to) at Hyannis Port became quickly established as the ‘Summer White House’ for JFK and Jackie.
The Original Kennedy Clan at Hyannis Port, 1948. Photo: John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, Boston
Rose and Joseph Kennedy obtained the lavish property in 1928, evolving into a central hub and hideaway for their family dynasty for both jubilant family occasions and the most challenging of circumstances.
The 6-acre property has witnessed weddings (such as Caroline Kennedy’s nuptials to Edwin Schlossberg) and, in sharp contrast, the mourning of lost loves (the extensive clan gathered there after Ethel Kennedy’s death last October). HP remains a Kennedy-held, secluded haven where America’s most famous family can escape the limelight to enjoy privacy and peace alongside each other on the shores of Cape Cod.
It also remains a focal point of enduring and simple style, where the Kennedy clan’s leading figures have donned summer staple pieces with an air of classic sophistication. It is at Hyannis Port that the most natural and tranquil photographed memories of Jackie and JFK have been captured, ranging from them as a newly engaged couple to married with young children, Caroline and JFK Jr. in tow. As we look forward to our own summer, let’s reminisce on the elegant attire of these icons from warmer months gone by… so, let’s dig in.
Jackie’s first visit to Hyannis Port in June 1953, shortly after their engagement. Photo: Hy Peskin, Getty Images.
HP Style: Jackie’s Edit
Jackie’s HP style was particularly iconic, debuting a more relaxed archetype of the First Lady, as she was often spotted barefoot with her family, reading, sailing, or watching the waves perched from a porch railing. Jacqueline at Hyannis, to me at least, seemed to perhaps offer a glimpse into her more carefree life prior to marrying JFK during her university years, time abroad in France or working days as a journalist.
Jackie Off- Duty. Hyannis Port, Summer 1960. Photo: Jacques Lowe.
My very favourite of Jacqueline’s HP wardrobe is this gorgeous yellow and white sleeveless gingham dress, as seen above, which the First Lady paired with a statement straw hat and large gold and pearl earrings. Yellow was a prominent shade in Jackie’s clothing palette, with memorable appearances in the color being her ruffled gown to the Metropolitan Opera House in 1973 and an Oleg Cassini linen suit on a visit to Mexico City in 1962. The simple ensemble below was perfect for humid summer days, retaining Jackie’s signature sense of femininity and modesty within her dressing while also offering combined comfort and relaxation.
Mother and Son. Photo: Estate of Stanley Tretick, Getty Images
Jackie reprises her love for yellow pieces at the Summer White House with another understated combination that transfers perfectly to our modern-day of casual wear. The young icon holds son John Jr. (clad adorably in white suspender shorts) as she kneels close to the waves, more off-duty than before in an unembellished, soft yellow t-shirt and a pair of white trousers. The picture above is said to have been taken following JFK’s assassination, marking Jackie’s retreat to the Cape and her close embrace of her young son as even more poignant as she grappled with the profound loss of her husband in the public eye and a new life aside from the White House.
HP Style: Jack’s Edit
It is no secret that Jackie was a superpower regarding the honing of JFK’s image, especially in his own closet choices. It appears that her masterful refinement of his personal presentation began even before they officially wed on September 12, 1953, in Newport, Rhode Island.
Jackie and JFK At Sea, June 1953. Photo: Hy Peskin, Getty Images
Photographer Hy Peskin expertly captured this in his coverage of the newly engaged couples’ weekend at HP, where he snapped them sailing side by side in corresponding outfits for the first of many LIFE Magazine features. Both Jackie and JFK wore collared shirts paired with simple shorts and went barefoot, looking out onto the waves as their hair ruffled in the breeze.
Their mirrored vacation looks are at the heart of the Kennedy summer style that this post revolves around, projecting a great air of togetherness and harmony while at leisure at HP. The collective sense of preppiness meets practicality cements why both legends and their respective styles remain prominent today. One has to wonder whether this consonant look was mere coincidence or a product of the subtle craft of Jackie, foreshadowing her future power behind the scenes.
JFK: Captain of the Ship at Hyannis Port, 1959. Photo: Mark Shaw.
It is only fitting that both examples of JFK’s mastery of summer casualwear show him on a boat, depicting the former president’s great love for the sea and his affinity for competitive sailing, which he participated in at Harvard. Once again at sail at Hyannis Port, JFK showcases the iconic loafer paired with a relaxed sweater and short trousers, reminiscent of Jackie’s similar ensemble while holding John Jr. from earlier. JFK retained his trademark sartorial splendor in the most casual of circumstances: a trick he may have learnt from his elegant wife or picked up himself during his Ivy League days.
JFK and Jackie may no longer be with us today but snapshots of them, both in the White House and the campaign trial or relaxing at Hyannis Port remain scattered across Instagram feeds and articles today. Their collective, urbane spin on casual classics while at sea culminate in a blueprint for our own summer style, straight from the Kennedy Compound. This blueprint is more relevant than ever today, in an age seeking a return to refinement and regality.
A final note- I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to contribute a piece of my writing to the fine outlet of Ivy Style. Instagram is MMTD’s primary platform and we also operate an emerging Substack, both of which I warmly invite you to join us on. Thank you for the love and interest for what MMTD has to say and share.
The young Massachusetts U.S. Senator Jack Kennedy preferred loose fitting 3-button suits, button downed oxfords, and striped ties. A favorite getup was sacramentally Naval: rumpled khakis, ribbed crewneck, G-1 leather jacket, and square-shaped aviator (B&L Ray Ban Caravan / Echelon) sunglasses.
The Jackie influence — that happened later, and, from a purely American Ivy perspective, more intentionally cosmopolitan. The French and Italian sensibilities, still an obsession of a portion of American elite(s), was noted and noticeable. And, I feel sure, ridiculed by the WASPy devotees of flannel’d-and-tweedy Brooks.
With the Kennedy Clan, when they were members of Mar A Lago pre Trump, no Minorities or Jews were allowed. Thats the word right from Peter Lawford JFK’s Brother in Law.
SE
I don’t think JFK ever wore a G-1 till he was president, with seal. He wouldn’t have been issued one as a PT boat officer. FYI almost every president while in office in my life time has worn a G-1 or G-2 with seal.
I’m in Canada. Please remember these words JFK shared with the Canadian people.
“But we share more than a common border. We share a common heritage, traced back to those early settlers who traveled from the beachheads of the Maritime Provinces and New England…
“…Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies…
“What unites us is far greater than what divides us.”
And to end on a lighter note, Jackie-O had no tattoo’s. Her and JFK epitomized understated, classic style.
I enjoy this little space on the internet. Regardless of what side of the border we’re on, at least we have this in common. Always appreciate the great writing here.
– Living it up authentically. With grace, style, and aplomb.
Chipp had the privilege and fun of clothing the Kennedy men with the exception of Teddy.
Everyone who made anything for Jackie received write ups and their bank accounts grew.
We were amused by the articles that said “so and so” was making JFK’s clothing.
We knew who was really doing it.
My father never let it be publicised.
Great pics. Love the gingham and pearls.
The center pic on the Instagram page, Jackie, wearing a summer dress with pearls. Better yet!
The young Massachusetts U.S. Senator Jack Kennedy preferred loose fitting 3-button suits, button downed oxfords, and striped ties. A favorite getup was sacramentally Naval: rumpled khakis, ribbed crewneck, G-1 leather jacket, and square-shaped aviator (B&L Ray Ban Caravan / Echelon) sunglasses.
The Jackie influence — that happened later, and, from a purely American Ivy perspective, more intentionally cosmopolitan. The French and Italian sensibilities, still an obsession of a portion of American elite(s), was noted and noticeable. And, I feel sure, ridiculed by the WASPy devotees of flannel’d-and-tweedy Brooks.
Wunderbar.
With the Kennedy Clan, when they were members of Mar A Lago pre Trump, no Minorities or Jews were allowed. Thats the word right from Peter Lawford JFK’s Brother in Law.
SE
I don’t think JFK ever wore a G-1 till he was president, with seal. He wouldn’t have been issued one as a PT boat officer. FYI almost every president while in office in my life time has worn a G-1 or G-2 with seal.
I’m in Canada. Please remember these words JFK shared with the Canadian people.
“But we share more than a common border. We share a common heritage, traced back to those early settlers who traveled from the beachheads of the Maritime Provinces and New England…
“…Geography has made us neighbors. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies…
“What unites us is far greater than what divides us.”
And to end on a lighter note, Jackie-O had no tattoo’s. Her and JFK epitomized understated, classic style.
I enjoy this little space on the internet. Regardless of what side of the border we’re on, at least we have this in common. Always appreciate the great writing here.
– Living it up authentically. With grace, style, and aplomb.
Chipp had the privilege and fun of clothing the Kennedy men with the exception of Teddy.
Everyone who made anything for Jackie received write ups and their bank accounts grew.
We were amused by the articles that said “so and so” was making JFK’s clothing.
We knew who was really doing it.
My father never let it be publicised.
Discretion. Wonderful. We would expect nothing less of the venerable Chipp.
What an incredible story, thank you for sharing!
Yes indeed — correct about the G-1.
And, best I recall, Bobby wore it later — following JFK’s death.