Why You Won't See Jackie Kennedy's Pink Suit Until 2103
You'll have to wait a long time Jackie Kennedy's iconic pink suit.


Jacqueline Kennedy's wardrobe was chock full of enviable outfits, but perhaps none is more firmly engrained in our collective memory than the pink Chanel suit she wore the day her husband, the nation's president, was killed. She wore it all day, refusing to take off the blood-splattered suit at the hospital in Dallas or on the flight back to Washington where Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as president. "Let them see what they've done," she said.
It has since become a symbol of the tragic day. As New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn put it, "If there is a single item that captures both the shame and the violence that erupted that day, and the glamour and artifice that preceded it, it is Jackie Kennedy's bloodstained pink suit, a tantalizing window on fame and fashion, her allure and her steely resolve, the things we know about her and the things we never quite will."
Furthering the intrigue, is the fact that since the First Lady took off the famed suit, upon returning to the White House in the early morning hours, it has been seen by almost no one. Subject to Kennedy family restrictions that it not be seen for almost a century, the suit—an exact copy of a Chanel suit (made in America to avoid political criticism)—is stored in a climate-controlled area of the National Archives building in College Park, Maryland, where it will remain hidden from view until 2103. Only young children stand a chance of being alive to see it unveiled, which means for most of us, one of the most iconic pieces of clothing ever constructed will only ever exist in photographs.
With a bouquet of roses in her hand, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy (1929 - 1994) and, behind her, U.S. President John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963), greet the public at Love Field airport during a campaign tour in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. The President was assassinated later that day. (Photo by Art Rickerby/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)
President John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963) and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy ride with secret agents in an open car motorcade shortly before the president was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, November 22, 1963. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
In the aftermath of JFK's assasination, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson (1908 - 1973) takes the oath of office to become the 36th President of the United States on Air Force One. Kennedy's widow, Jacqueline stands beside him, wearing her bloodstained pink suit. (Photo by Universal History Archive/Getty Images)
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Kayla Webley Adler is the Deputy Editor of ELLE magazine. She edits cover stories, profiles, and narrative features on politics, culture, crime, and social trends. Previously, she worked as the Features Director at Marie Claire magazine and as a Staff Writer at TIME magazine.
-
Next-Gen Perfume Has One Purpose: To Stay on Your Skin
Solid fragrances take lasting power to a new level.
By Siena Gagliano Published
-
'Million Dollar Secret' Introduces a New, Lovable Reality TV Host—Here's What to Know About Peter Serafinowicz
It's safe to say we're now obsessed with the British comedian keeping The Stag in order.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Zoë Kravitz Gives Adidas Sneakers a Major Date Night Upgrade
The actor tapped The Row for dinner with her rumored fling.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Marie Claire Editors Are Obsessed With This Cult-Favorite Sale
SSENSE has everything a fashion enthusiast could ever want.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Spring 2025's Candy-Coated Shoe Color Trends Prove Neutrals Are Overrated
Bold pastels and sugar-sweet hues promise to overtake your boring shoe lineup.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Issa Rae Is Fueling Her Mogul Era With More Me Time
The key to her success lies in self-care.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
13 Hailey Bieber Outfit Formulas Defining Her Laidback Personal Style
Copy and paste to your closet.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
8 Women Over 60 Share Their Age-Defying Fashion Wisdom
These eight style icons prove that age-appropriate fashion is a myth.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Margaret Qualley's Backless Chanel 2025 Oscars Dress Secretly Nods to 'The Substance'
The backward necklace is the cherry on top.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Embrace 2025’s Cherry Red Color Trend With These Delectable Accessories
Try the tart shade with accessories like glossy handbags and sweet slingbacks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
I’m Copying These Street Style Outfits I Spotted at New York Fashion Week
They're low-effort and high-impact.
By Lauren Tappan Published