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Here’s Why Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Are My Quarantine Fashion Icons

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Like many millennial women, I’ve been fully obsessed with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen ever since I saw them teetering around the Tanner household. And yes, that intrigue has usually been centered on their sense of style. Of course, some of their most fascinating wardrobe choices, like their avant garde bridesmaid dresses or their collection of cropped jackets or literally anything they’ve ever worn to the Met Gala, are not so easy to recreate (nor are they realistic for the average woman, in all honesty). However, when the designing duo isn’t all dolled up for a red carpet event, their style is actually very relatable, a fact we can confirm thanks to the paparazzi snapping them while out on smoke breaks.

The Olsens’ off-duty or everyday style is rich with oversize tunics, cozy knits, tailored trousers and dorky footwear, like flip-flops and loafers. Essentially, it’s exactly how I want to dress for any and all work video meetings—a careful balance between comfortable and work-appropriate. As such, the Olsen twins have become my ultimate quarantine style icons, demonstrating how to look put-together while wearing an outfit that’s just as easy and relaxed as my favorite PJ set—but with fewer wrinkles. Here are some of the easiest Olsen outfits to recreate while you’re working from home.

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mary kate olsen wearing all black and red shoes
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1. tunic Top + Straight-leg Trousers

The tunic top and straight trousers, as worn by Mary-Kate in 2015, is such an easy outfit recipe to repeat during the work week. To make like this Olsen, stick to more polished fabrics like cotton poplin, silk or linen crepe in place of jersey or polyester (we promise they’re every bit as comfy) and avoid any busy prints or super-bright colors. You can absolutely get away with trousers with stretch rather than a super-structured pant but for an extra dose of chic, choose a neutral hue, like black, white or camel brown, for the entire ensemble.

Shop similar styles: L.L.Bean tunic ($89; $70); Foxcroft tunic ($108); Zella pants ($69); Vince pants ($295)

mary kate olsen wearing a red cardigan
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2. two Oversize Cardigans + Maxi Skirt (or Dress)

You might be familiar with the joys of wearing one cozy cardi, but what about two, à la MK circa 2017? As you might have guessed, double the knitwear means double the fun. Choose two sweaters in contrasting solid hues, both with a V-neck (it’s the most flattering on the greatest number of body types). Layer them over a flowy maxi skirt or dress to avoid annoying waistbands altogether. And yes, you can use this as permission to show up to your next Zoom call with wet hair.

Shop similar styles: Madewell cardigan ($80; $32); Barefoot Dreams cardigan ($114); Banana Republic Factory cardigan ($50; $30); Tory Burch cardigan ($228); Karen Kane skirt ($79); Lulus dress ($45; $32)

ashley olsen wearing a navy cardigan and gray jeans
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3. cardigan + Silk Cami + Dark-wash Jeans + Slides

Another cardigan look, this time for fans of wearing jeans instead of skirts. Make like Ashley and layer a minimalist knit over a solid-colored silk cami (preferably one without lace or tiny bows) for a melding of luxury and leisure. We prefer boyfriend or straight-leg denim over skinnies—at least when it comes to comfort—and clean, dark washes like deep blue, black or gray to continue those luxe vibes.

Shop similar styles: Halogen cardigan ($69; $42); ATM Anthony Thomas Mello cardigan ($395; $158); ASOS cami ($32); Cami NYC cami ($198); Levi's jeans ($98); Madewell jeans ($128; $90); Sam Edelman sandals ($60); J.Crew sandals ($80)

the olsen twins wearing all black
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4. layered Necklaces + Easy Knit + Culottes Or Tunic Top + Leggings

Culottes and leggings are total opposites on the pants spectrum, but as seen above, the Olsen twins are fans of both. If wide-leg is your preferred silhouette (like Mary-Kate), try yours with a crewneck knit or a long-sleeve tee (a slimmer fit is better) and finish with two or three long, delicate necklaces to break up a voluminous monochrome ensemble. Leaning toward leggings instead? Slip on a structured tunic top like Ashley, preferably one with a nice stiff collar, and you’re good to go. But please, don’t start smoking; it’s not a chic habit.

Shop similar styles: BP sweater ($45; $18); Equipment sweater ($295); Ettika necklaces ($75 for set of three); Madewell necklaces ($48 for set of three); ASOS culottes ($40); Oak + Fort culottes ($78); Eloquii tunic ($60); Everlane tunic ($64); Everlane leggings ($58); Spanx leggings ($68)

5. crisp White Top + Black Pants

Stark black-and-white outfits are an Olsen favorite—surpassed only by all-black-everything from head-to-toe. To make this simple outfit as chic as possible, stick to a crisp white blouse with little to no adornment (buttons down the front are fine) layered over true-black trousers, all impeccably tailored. No slouching, digging or bunching to be found here.

Shop similar styles: Marine Layer T-shirt ($39); Chico's top ($90; $49); Eileen Fisher top ($178); Leith pants ($49; $20); Nic + Zoe pants ($134)

ashley olsen wearing a blue button down and jeans

6. button-up Shirt + Unfussy Jeans + Birkenstocks

Ina Garten would agree: Stick to minimalist staples for an easy, sophisticated outfit. In other words, avoid distressed denim or shirts with a lot of seaming or embroidery. We’d also suggest ironing your shirt or at least steaming it, no offense, Ash. A sleek low-bun and some classic accessories like a gold watch will add additional polish and just like that, you’re basically the third Olsen sister.

Shop similar styles: Treasure & Bond shirt ($69); Topshop shirt ($75); Wrangler jeans ($98; $46); KUT From the Kloth jeans ($89; $63); Birkenstock sandals ($100)



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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...