Yes, I’m a gridlocked Brooklynite whose nearest beach is a 50-minute drive away, but I plan to have my very best Euro girl summer this year. In spirit and style, I’m an Aperol Spritz-sipping socialite vacationing on the Amalfi Coast.
How will I exude ‘rich and just arrived in the Italian Riviera’ energy despite crossing Atlantic Avenue, not the Ocean? By copying the elegant beach outfits seen on European coasts tucked under orange-striped umbrellas and on yacht cruises, even though my destination will be my neighborhood bookstore and corner store.
I’ve also spent the last few weeks on an archival deep dive into Jackie Kennedy’s fashion, as today’s designers turned to the ladylike muse while curating summer 2025’s trends. As such, her refined-meets-relaxed vacation style from the ’70s is all over my seasonal moodboard—and today’s street style set is one step ahead, already drawing inspiration from the former First Lady by wearing elegant silk scarves and Pucci-printed bathing suit cover-ups.
A blend of the past and present, consider these easy summer outfits as your key to Jackie O’s signature sophistication while also embracing 2025’s top trends. Here’s how to capture a Euro summer vacation vibe while staying exactly where you are.
Mariner Stripes
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Breton-striped shirts are a staple in Jackie’s wardrobe and, in 2025, continue to embody effortless coastal style, especially thanks to fashion’s trending fisherman aesthetic. Layer the white and navy graphic top over a sleek one-piece swimsuit, add a pair of comfortable bottoms, and finish off with your favorite oversized, Jackie-approved sunglasses.
Free People
The Ruched Maillot One-Piece Swimsuit
J.Crew
Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck T-Shirt in Stripe
Splendid
Stella Linen Drawstring Pants
A Kerchief Cure-All
(Image credit: Getty Images)
When you’re unsure about what to wear but want to embody high-brow polish, a silk scarf is the hero piece to rely on. Take inspiration from this Paris Fashion Week street styler by knotting a vibrant foulard under your chin and pairing it with a no-fuss white shirt dress.
Zimmermann
Everley Flower Trim Halterneck Bikini Set
Prada
Printed Silk Twill 55CM Square Scarf
ZARA
Metallic Strappy Fisherman Sandals
Punchy Color Combos
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Throughout the ’70s, released from her role in the White House, Jackie’s style became more playful and reflective of the era’s trends, which included vibrant, mood-boosting colors. Embrace her lively spirit with an unexpected color combination—bright blue and butter yellow, for example—and balance the look with a quirky toe-ring sandal.
Gap
Mid Rise Ultrasoft Easy Horseshoe Jeans
Madwell
Smocked Boatneck Tank
Madwell
Organic Cotton Eyelet Bandana
Boho on the Beach
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Alternatively, you can move toward the unsaturated end of the color spectrum with an all-white outfit. For a neutral look that’s crisp and clean without being boring, start with a broderie-style bikini and a relaxed button-front shirt dress. An on-theme seashell necklace and sand-proof mesh flats will bring everything together.
Free People
Rhythm Brighton Eyelet Scrunched One-Piece Swimsuit
L’Academie
By Marianna Shay Top
Caslon®
Wide Leg Pull-On Linen Blend Pants
J.Crew
Andi Ballet Flats in Mesh
Prepared for a Picnic
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Admittedly, this photo is from a 1953 stay in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, but her sweet gingham blouse is too good to leave out of my summer ’25 mood board. Dôen’s picnic-printed blouse ties into today’s unexpected plaid trend and will pair perfectly with smart Bermuda shorts in a high-waisted, tailored silhouette.
MELISSA ODABASH
Sydney Strapless Ruched Swimsuit
Dôen
June Top Cerise Paris Gingham
Everlane
The Pleated Short in Stretch Linen
Woven-Design Bucket Hat | One Size
Cherry Red
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Red is not usually a color you want to see on yourself when you’re at the beach—it means your sunscreen application was less than stellar. But here’s how to wear bright cherry red the right way: a lightweight, gauzy sundress that coordinates with a swimsuit in the matching color. Jackie wasn’t afraid of color for bright and colorful beach days, and neither should you.
Free People
The Contour Crop Surf Top
Free People
The Contour High-Waist Surf Bottoms
Sam Edelman
Remi Flip Flop
Belt It—Even on the Beach
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Sticking to basic black is a reliable fashion guideline, even in a seaside town. Take a lesson from how Jackie used a coin and chain-link belt to add intrigue to ink-colored printed pants paired with a simple black T-shirt. A pair of flat strappy sandals will anchor the basic-with-a-twist look.
Open Edit
Matte Satin Tee
DOEN
Lula Crop Pant — Noir Marjorie Gingham
Lele Sadoughi
Multi Shell Chain Belt
ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS
Sfendoni Sandals
A Center-Stage Cover-Up
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
The advantage of beachwear is that a one-and-done, throw-on-and-go cover-up can handle most of the outfit’s heavy lifting. Start with a one-piece swimsuit as your base, but let a playfully printed caftan or maxi dress take center stage. When it comes to accessories, any of your favorite beach bags and flip-flops will suffice.
Free People
Free-Est Amber One-Piece Swimsuit
LEMLEM
Beritu Hooded Striped Cotton Coverup
Staud
Beige Moon Raffia Bag
Eugenia Kim
Gigi Headscarf
Neutrals on the Aft Deck
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Meaningful minimalism, a leading fashion trend for 2025, emphasizes doing less while embracing more. Jackie was an arbiter of allowing simple pieces to speak volumes, as demonstrated by the off-white linen pants and lightweight polo sweater she wore on a cruise around Capri, Italy.
J.Crew
Seashell Pendant Necklace With Crystals
Scoop
Scoop Women’s Linen Blend Wide Leg Pants, 32″ Inseam, Sizes Xs-4x
Lands’ End
Sunshine Slide Sandals
J.Crew
Gemma Bandeau One-Piece in Classic Sculpt™
Hat Trick
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Sometimes, that hat defines the look. This beach-ready attendee at Copenhagen Fashion Week illustrates my point perfectly: a sweet straw summer hat paired with black capri pants, a bandeau bikini, and flats creates a complete look.
J.Crew
Bandeau Bikini Top in Classic Sculpt™
Free People
Bette Super Slim Capri
Free People
City Cool Sun Hat
Madewell
Handwoven Leather Tote
