The Evolution of American It Girls
Once upon a time, before the Hamptons was taken over by @RichKidsofInstagram, America’s It girls spent their summers in places like Newport, Rhode Island and Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, or lounging on a cruise in a classy one-piece. Here, a history of how America’s leading ladies have spent their summers, from Jackie Kennedy all the way to Paris Hilton.
Actress Clara Bow, the first to ever be referred to as an “It girl,” poses on a sailboat in 1929.
Photo by Getty Images.
Marilyn Monroe refused to actually get in the water.
Photo by Getty Images.
Jackie and John Kennedy set sail in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts in 1955.
Photo by Getty Images.
‘70s icon Farrah Fawcett played tennis in style in Los Angeles.
Photo by Getty Images.
Debbie Harry lounged on Coney Island in 1976, back when the boardwalk was a destination.
Photo by Getty Images.
Christie Brinkley embodied the ‘80s.
Photo by Getty Images.
Diane Keaton poses poolside in 1996, but bikinis were definitely not her style.
Photo by Getty Images.
Chloe Sevigny strolled South Beach in a bright romper in the early 2000s.
Photo by Getty Images.
Lindsay Lohan soaked up the sun in Malibu in 2004.
Photo by Getty Images.
Paris and Nicky Hilton lounged on a California beach for Jessica Meisels’ birthday in 2004.
Photo by Getty Images.
