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.
1
Actress Clara Bow, the first to ever be referred to as an “It girl,” poses on a sailboat in 1929.
Photo by Getty Images.
2
Marilyn Monroe refused to actually get in the water.
Photo by Getty Images.
3
Jackie and John Kennedy set sail in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts in 1955.
Photo by Getty Images.
4
‘70s icon Farrah Fawcett played tennis in style in Los Angeles.
Photo by Getty Images.
5
Debbie Harry lounged on Coney Island in 1976, back when the boardwalk was a destination.
Photo by Getty Images.
6
Christie Brinkley embodied the ‘80s.
Photo by Getty Images.
7
Diane Keaton poses poolside in 1996, but bikinis were definitely not her style.
Photo by Getty Images.
8
Chloe Sevigny strolled South Beach in a bright romper in the early 2000s.
Photo by Getty Images.
9
Lindsay Lohan soaked up the sun in Malibu in 2004.
Photo by Getty Images.
10
Paris and Nicky Hilton lounged on a California beach for Jessica Meisels’ birthday in 2004.
Photo by Getty Images.
