5 Ways to Look like You’re Dressed in the Olsen Twins Clothing Label for a LOT Less
From playground attire to boardroom chic, we constantly look to MK + A for style advice. Whether they were sporting a color blocked dress in Our Lips Are Sealed or giant hobo bags during a Starbucks outing, we’ve followed loyally in their sartorial footsteps over the years. When they launched their line The Row back in 2006 (a bit of an upgrade from their Walmart collab of yore) we were pretty stoked. Some celebrity fashion labels have quickly turned into a major flop, but the Olsens have proven themselves to be serious contenders in the industry. And so it makes total sense that the sisters walked away from last night’s CFDAs with the Womenswear Designer of the Year Award to add to last year’s Accessories Designer of the Year title.
If you’ve yet to check out The Row, the pieces are all super classic designs with a modern edge (think: a skinny cropped pant made from leather). Everything looks like something you’re likely to wear your entire life and then probably pass on to your grandkids after that. And though we would gladly take one of everything, the price point advises us otherwise. True to designer prices, The Row is not necessarily the most affordable line out there. An alpaca-blend sweater comes in at $890 and a basic cami will set you back a whopping $350. But even if you can’t afford to actually snag something from the twin’s label, there are still a whole bunch of style lessons to be learned from the line. Here are five things to keep in mind on your next shopping spree if you’re looking to embrace The Row’s aesthetic without that epic price tag.
1. Oversized Silhouettes: All the pieces in The Row are constructed but still relatively relaxed. Take this knotted ensemble from their resort 2015 collection for example. There is an obvious shape in the design, but it still has a definite ease about it. Copy the style in something like this Belted Trench Coat ($181). (Photo via The Row)
2. Minimalist Styles: This takeaway is key. If there was one word we’d use to describe MK + A’s brand it would be minimal. The idea is to collect basic pieces that when layered together, look stunning. To emulate this look on a budget, head to Everlane, an online shop that embraces the same minimal mindset. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend snagging the silk camisole ($55) which looks almost identical to The Row’s matte-satin camisole ($350).
3. Luxe-Looking Leather Goods: When it comes to accessorizing, be sure to keep things simple and put an emphasis on quality. Unlike clothing that can easily go out of fashion, a good leather bag can last you forever. Replicate the vibe of this sleek $3,000 crossbody number with a similar style from Madewell ($138).
4. Glamorama Sunnies: If you’re going for an Olsen twin vibe, statement sunnies are a definite must. Stick to their trademark oversized style by rocking a pair similar to The Row’s $450 option. For a more affordable version (because, c’mon rarely does a pair of sunnies ever actually make it through an entire summer), we recommend the So Purrty Cat-Eye Shades ($20) from Nasty Gal.
5. Menswear-Inspired Styles: Similar to the oversized looks, be sure to add in a whole bunch of menswear inspiration. Think: tailored but slightly oversized coats, jackets and trousers. If you’re new to taking hints from the men’s department start with a blazer like The Row’s Double-Breasted Maguire Jacket ($1,549). Save your rent check and instead opt for this long structured blazer from Zara ($100).
Which designer’s style do you try to replicate in your daily looks? Share with us in the comments below.
(Photos via Dimitrios Kambouris/Michael Loccisano/Getty)
