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.
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
Now 75% Off
Brooks Brothers Brooks Brothers Men’s Solid Rep Tie | Black | Size Regular
Beckett Simonon Bolton Chelsea Boots
Now 22% Off
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
Now 25% Off
Banana Republic Straight Pleated Twill Dress Pant
Sperry Newton Boots
Now 30% Off
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.
Suitsupply Dark Grey Crewneck
Cos Cotton Crew-Neck T-Shirt
Buck Mason Full Saddle Jean
Madewell Cardigan in Heritage Merino Wool
Now 39% Off
Campus Inside Zip
Koio Capri
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
Now 22% Off
Vince Double Breasted Coat
Now 65% Off
Shop Our Other Favorite Men’s Styles
Best Sweaters for Men | Best Chinos for Men | Best Hoodies | Best Men’s Pajamas | Best Boots for Men | Best Corduroy Pants for Men | Winter Coats for Men | Best Crewneck Sweaters | Best Joggers | Best Sweatpants | Best Underwear | Best Travel Pants | Best T-Shirts | Best Long-Sleeve Polo Shirts | Best Knitted Polo Shirts | Best Golf Shirts | Best Cardigans for Men | Best Zip-up Hoodies
Shop All the Men’s Health Training Guides
Men’s Health Muscle After 40 At Home
This comprehensive, 192-page workout guide includes a 12-week strength training plan that’s designed to build and maintain muscle efficiently using only minimal equipment, with exercises tailored to your specific fitness level. Featuring home-friendly workouts and the best muscle-building moves for guys over 40, this plan will help you pack on muscle without taxing your joints or risking injury, all while saving money and cutting the gym commute.
Men’s Health 28 Day Belly Fat Burner Workout
Blast belly fat and chisel your abs at the same time with this ultimate plan! Developed by expert trainer David Otey, B.S., C.S.C.S., and the editors at Men’s Health, this guide will help you get rid of your gut, reveal epic abs, and reach your body goals in just under a month. This program uses a mix of medium to high-intensity compound exercises that work multiple body parts at once so you can force your body into fat-burning mode and boost muscle growth.
Men’s Health Weight Loss After 40
Ditch the diet and lose weight at 40+! This is the ultimate program to transform your body in just eight weeks. Designed for guys who don’t want to spend their lives in the gym, this next-level plan teaches fat-blasting habits to drop pounds, gain energy, and feel your best.
Men’s Health No Gym Required: Kettlebells
You can change your whole body with just one kettlebell! This 30-day workout plan is the ultimate program designed to help you burn fat, build muscle, and get seriously fit—without ever stepping foot inside a gym. Sculpt bigger arms, build stronger abs, and layer on muscle with no fancy equipment required.
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.
