How Style Icons Wore Prints

A Print Story

In the world of fashion history, few names evoke the same level of timeless elegance as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn. Renowned for their impeccable looks on formal occasions, these iconic women also garnered attention with their effortlessly chic looks in more relaxed settings, particularly when wearing prints. While they often opted for solids during formal events, their downtime wardrobes tell a different story, a print story, showcasing a delightful blend of sophistication and carefree charm.


Jackie Kennedy wearing a printed dress walking on sandy path in Hyannisport
Carefree Jackie Kennedy in a printed shift dress

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was a true example of grace and refinement. Her vacation style was a testament to her ability to blend comfort and glamour. During her escapes to Hyannisport, Jackie often opted for floral prints, seamlessly exemplifying the laid-back elegance of coastal living. She can also be seen visiting the Amalfi Coast and Greece in stylish dresses. 

Jacquie in printed dress in Greece


Grace Kelly enchanted the world with her ethereal beauty and impeccable fashion sense. While her formal wardrobe exuded royal elegance, Grace embraced a more charming and individual approach to fashion in her private life, where we see her wearing more prints. One of my favorites is this photo from the Monaco Palace's Instagram page showing Grace Kelly in a garden wearing the most lovely floral dress. It shows a laid-back yet still incredibly gracious side of the Princess. Instant ease. 

 

Grace Kelly in a printed dress in front of hydrangea

Audrey Hepburn was the epitome of timeless style. While she is often remembered for her iconic little black dresses, Audrey's informal style was equally noteworthy, often showcasing her love for playful prints and understated sophistication. A nod to her enduring elegance, it is almost difficult to tell which images of Audrey are truly her in an informal setting, or on a movie set. She was that good. When Audrey wore prints, it set the tone for fun, regardless of where she was. 

Audrey Hepburn casual image in printed dress

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn, with their iconic fashion styles, proved that the allure of prints could bring elegance and sophistication to even the most informal affairs. From Monaco to Rome, to Cape Cod these fashion icons were adept at using fashion and prints to convey so much without saying a word. 

These women inspire me to look at how print shows up in my life and my wardrobe. Up next, setting the tone at home. 

 

handwritten jenny sign-off

 

A closer look at how our favorite fashion icons wore prints to convey so much without saying a word.
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