Men's Health February 27, 2026 0 Comments

Unlock the Timeless JFK Jr. Style Secret That’s Surprising Everyone in 2024—And How You Can Master It Today!

Remember when John F. Kennedy Jr. took the stage not as a politician, but as a style icon who could effortlessly make navy suits and straight-leg jeans look universally flattering? With Ryan Murphy’s latest Love Story bringing JFK Jr. back into the limelight, it’s clear that his approach to menswear—classic, clean, and seriously sharp without screaming for attention—still holds the key to timeless style. Ever wonder why JFK Jr.’s look feels so easy yet undeniably polished? Spoiler alert: it’s all about simplicity, fit, and the kind of effortless cool that doesn’t need a runway to work. Whether you’re a fashion novice or a style savant, diving into his wardrobe formula might just revolutionize how you dress for the office, a night out, or just kicking it on the weekend. Ready to break down the deceptively simple art of dressing like a Kennedy? Let’s get to it. LEARN MORE

2 min read

WITH RYAN MURPHY’S new Love Story—starring Paul Anthony Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr.—putting JFK Jr. back in the spotlight, it’s a good time to revisit why his style still works. The guy could really dress—and not in a runway, fashion-week way. His look was classic, relaxed, and looks flattering on pretty much any guy. Navy suits that fit. Straight-leg dark jeans. White tees. Trim sweaters. Blazers that made him look sharp without looking overdressed. Nothing loud. Nothing complicated.

It’s the same formula you’re seeing on guys like Jacob Elordi, whether he’s hitting the red carpet or just walking down the street. And it’s one of the easiest wardrobes to shop for right now. I wear some version of it to the office, out to dinner, and on weekends when I’m hanging with friends. If you don’t “get” fashion, even better. JFK Jr.’s whole thing was simplicity. Let’s break it down.

Lawrence Schwartzwald

The Tailoring: Clean, Not Flashy

When John F. Kennedy Jr. put on a suit, he didn’t overdo it. It was simple: navy, charcoal, maybe a deep midnight. The fit was tailored without being tight. Structured shoulders on the blazer, clean drape through the body, and trousers with a natural line. Add a crisp white or pale blue dress shirt and a simple silk tie. Black or dark brown cap-toe Oxfords.

Charles Tyrwhitt Natural Stretch Twill 2-Piece Suit – Indigo Blue

Quince Organic Cotton Oxford Non-Iron Dress Shirt

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Brooks Brothers Brooks Brothers Men’s Solid Rep Tie | Black | Size Regular

Beckett Simonon Bolton Chelsea Boots

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john kennedy jr., with his injured hand wrapped in a bandage, strolls in tribeca with wife, carolyn bessette kennedy after brunch at bubbys. october 18, 1997. (photo by lawrence schwartzwald/sygma via getty images)

Lawrence Schwartzwald

Office-Ready Without the Tie

JFK Jr. understood business casual before it was a corporate buzzword. A navy blazer over a minimal sweater. A soft Oxford cloth button-down tucked into tailored chinos. Loafers or simple derbies. The palette stays neutral—khaki, grey, navy, forest green—so everything mixes and matches. This is the formula I lean on during the week: sharp enough for meetings, easy enough that you don’t feel overdressed at happy hour.

Filson Mackinaw Wool Vest | Filson

J.Crew Western shirt in Indian madras plaid

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Banana Republic Straight Pleated Twill Dress Pant

Sperry Newton Boots

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The Jeans-and-Sweater Formula

JFK Jr. also knew how to dress things down. Think: Dark, straight-leg jeans, a white crewneck tee—maybe a navy cardigan or a trim cashmere sweater. Clean white sneakers or broken-in leather boots. Nothing was distressing, oversized, or splashed with logos across your chest. The vibe is simple and fresh.

Evan Agostini

Outerwear That Finishes the Look

Think timeless staples: a tailored topcoat, a suede bomber, a classic field jacket. Nothing overly technical like a puffer jacket. The outer layer should be sharp and elevate the rest of the outfit.

Buck Mason Parachute Poplin Jungle Jacket

Bonobos The Suede Bomber Jacket

Mango Lightweight Recycled Wool Coat

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Vince Double Breasted Coat

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As the Style and Commerce Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.

Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men’s Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.