Why the Olsen Twins Will Always Be My Style Icons
Image Courtesy: The STAKE
Raised on Passport to Paris, Holiday in the Sun, and New York Minute, I never stood a chance against striving to emanate the Olsen twins and their effortless, coordinated, comfy looks into my style as I grew up. Even outside of their filmography, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were able to successfully establish themselves as fashion moguls through their various clothing lines at Walmart and Kohl’s, eventually starting their luxury brand The Row in 2006 and their gender-neutral contemporary lifestyle brand Elizabeth and James (after their siblings) just a year later.
A page I took from Mary-Kate and Ashley’s book was the power of a quality basic. When starting The Row, the twins’ goal was to create the perfect white tee. It is quite literally the most neutral piece of clothing you can own, but they knew that where a foundation is strong, you can build, create, and experiment however you want. The story about the white tee first inspired me to evaluate my own closet and invest in more quality basics like jeans that fit me perfectly, sneakers I can take from day to night, and of course, the perfect white tee!
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
These girls are never without an accessory. And that’s not to say that they’re always wearing the flashiest jewelry, but rather their beat to death Birkin’s, lipstick-stained Starbucks cups, and a cigarette between their fingers. I blame them for my incessant need to carry around an iced coffee long after I’ve finished it and a purse that is so distinctly mine. What I love about their trademark accessories is that they are so mundane that even a college student in Tallahassee can channel their energy in some cat-eye sunnies, pretending to avoid TMZ on the way to class (and I do, every day).
Image Courtesy: Vogue
Finally, Mary-Kate and Ashley are the queens of comfort. While I enjoy getting dressed up for a special occasion or night out, I would say that the Olsen twins have helped me feel confident in my own preference of dressing in cozier pieces. They are often clad in Birkenstocks, oversized crewnecks, and wet, fresh out of the shower hair when photographed on the street. I’ve been able to draw inspiration from the way they style these pieces so that I can still sport a put-together look while also not needing much time to get ready for class or change in between work, the gym, and errands.
Image Courtesy: Savoir Flair
I’ve been a fan of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for a long time and for many reasons. It is their undeniable sense of style, which is the perfect mix of comfort, luxury, and looks you can take from your smoke break to a business meeting is something I will spend my whole life aspiring to. While their departure from the silver screen broke many hearts, I’d argue that the greater loss would be never having the perfect white tee – or knowing that you needed one.
Strike Out,
Writer: Addy Crosby
Editor: Karina McCarthy
Tallahassee