Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 11, 1994 TAG: 9409120035
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By KATHLEEN WILSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
She's the woman who threw the most exquisite parties at the most chi-chi location, albeit some 30 years ago.
She's the woman who taught us that elegance meant simplicity.
She's the woman who never would have argued with being called a ``lady.'' She'd have pooh-poohed a more politically correct title.
Jackie wore it with pride.
And as for style ...
Can you remember ever having seen a picture of the former first lady in anything low-cut, sequined or bugle-beaded?
Her brand of impeccable chic will never go out of style.
When selecting something special to wear for a night on the town, the most important thing is to forget what's in.
Toss ``in'' right out your head.
Select something that flatters your figure. Something sophisticated. Something that makes the world notice the glow of your smile and confidence of your walk.
``Dress shabbily and they'll remember the dress. Dress impeccably and they'll remember the woman.''
No, Jackie didn't say that.
But Coco Chanel did.
This fall pantsuits for evening are making a strong statement. Particularly when paired with simple lace camisoles and jackets in understated colors.
Basic black will never be out of style, but this year, wear it long. Let it trail behind you as Gloria Swanson did in the `30s ... when a woman's style was determined to be simply stunning or sleazy, and separated the ``temptress'' from the ``tramp.''
If you're still hung up on what's in and must know:
Strapless is out; bare shoulders punctuated by a simple beaded or sequined choker neck is in.
Spaghetti straps have been replaced by wider straps, and cleavage has been replaced by class.
Long is far hotter than short.
Velvets and brocades and organzas in simple slim sheaths will promise you a nod of approval from other women at social functions.
You can trace these stylish roots back to the former first lady.
As Hubert de Givenchy, who dressed Mrs. Kennedy for years, recalled, ``She never wore anything extravagant, but her taste was always supreme.''
Impeccable chic
by CNB