How to Dress Like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

By: Olivia Marrone

The Olsen twins have long been fashion’s chicest sisters, but what exactly makes their style so coveted? Mary-Kate and Ashley somehow manage to make oversized pieces (be it clothing or accessories) look practical for daily life and perfect for every occasion. If you, like myself, have ever wanted to “get the Olsen look,” keep reading for five easy ways to dress like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

Oversized clothing

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have become masters at looking chic wearing oversized clothing. The secret behind their ability to look so effortlessly cool lies in the silhouettes of the garments. A lot of the pieces they wear are oversized, but there’s usually some structure to the clothing. Be it button-down shirts, wide-legged pants, or winter coats; the pieces they wear are always tactfully oversized. Looking for oversized pieces where the silhouette works for your frame is the key to achieving Mary-Kate and Ashley’s relaxed, chic vibe without feeling like you’re swimming in your clothes.

Big sunglasses

This item is an absolute staple in Mary-Kate and Ashley’s accessorizing, and it’s an easy way to emulate their style at any price point. Mostly wearing round and square-framed sunglasses, Mary-Kate and Ashley will rock this accessory whether they’re indoors or outdoors, rain or shine. Adding a pair of these style sunglasses to your wardrobe will instantly give any outfit you wear an Olsen twin vibe. In addition to square and round-framed sunglasses, you can never go wrong with a pair of aviators to achieve their effortlessly chic aesthetic.

Neutral outfits with pops of color

Most of Mary-Kate and Ashley’s outfits are in neutral colors, all black being a go-to look, but they do occasionally wear pops of color. Whether it’s Mary-Kate’s maroon-colored wide-rimmed hat or Ashley’s collection of scarves with vibrant colors, the Olsen twins usually add some brighter colors to their wardrobe in the accessories they wear. Along with these accessories, outerwear (such as Mary-Kate’s red tailored coat and sweatshirt), bags (such as Ashley’s blue Chanel bag), and their covetable collection of jewelry also come in vibrant and jewel-toned colors.

Lots of jewelry

This accessory is just as significant as an oversized pair of sunglasses to achieve the ‘Olsen look.’ Rarely seen without layered necklaces, stacked bangles, or statement rings on their fingers, Mary-Kate and Ashley have an eclectic collection of jewelry to style. To get the ‘Olsen look,’ opt for pieces that have an artistic edge to them (i.e. pieces that appear handmade, like hammered metal). Statement pendant necklaces with thin chains, different-sized bangles, and a mix of simple and statement rings in varying ring sizes are all different types of jewelry the Olsen twins would be sure to wear daily. 

Choose your basics wisely

Mary-Kate and Ashley’s mission behind their luxury brand, The Row, is to create quality pieces (many of them wardrobe basics) that the wearer will have in their closet for years. This is a philosophy that the twins seem to live by themselves with the pieces they wear, and it’s a good one to incorporate into your shopping habits. When shopping for wardrobe basics, look for pieces you know you’ll wear over and over again, and analyze each piece’s construction and fabrication. Certain materials will last longer than others, and this knowledge, as well as the way you care for your clothes, will make even pieces such as a button-down shirt from H&M last for a long time in your wardrobe.

The Olsen twins have long been considered style icons, and these five tips are simple ways that you can incorporate their effortlessly chic style into your wardrobe. Follow these tips, add in a large latte, and you’re well on your way to becoming an honorary Olsen twin.