Now Playing
Who What Wear
Subscribe to Newsletter
Who What Wear TV
Shop the Closet
About Who What Wear
Ask a Stylist
Monthly Archive
What Was She Wearing
Style Stalker

Style Stalker: Mary Kate Olsen

Mary Kate Olsen is known for her cutting-edge style and the highly personal spin she puts on breaking runway trends. While these daring (and occasionally unusual) looks are certainly enjoyable to observe, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that MK is equally adept at classic dressing—with a twist, of course!



Today’s Style Stalker breaks down one of the actress/designer’s casual outfits, though to attain maximum Mary Kateness, we suggest swapping in your own idiosyncratic touches. Olsen, seen above strolling in West Hollywood, chose some wonderfully universal pieces—thin, gray, sweatshirty-top, skinny jeans—as the foundation of her look. The simplicity of these non-blah basics, coupled with their excellent fit, ground her contrastive accessories.

Speaking of which, we relish the proverbial nose-thumbing Olsen gave to old-guard ideas of matching. By pairing her white, classic framed sunglasses with a wide brown belt and black, peep-toe pumps, she achieves that most sought-after of commodities—stylish ease. Olsen’s choice to incorporate an evening bag into her daytime garb only further cements the coolly non-conformist vibe of her outfit.

1. Ruby Cabochon Ring ($345)
Much like the rhyme, Olsen always has rings on her fingers. (We cannot attest to whether or not she has bells on her toes, but are looking into it.) She often selects sturdy, sizeable pieces, like the rectangular, ruby and 18K gold vermeil ring by Monica Vinader.

2. Nordstrom Square Resin Ring ($98)
Olsen usually wears multiple rings, so we also found this textured, gold foil piece from Nordstrom. The square shape is nicely congruent with the above ruby piece.

3. Tri-Blend Rib Lightweight Raglan Pullover ($34)
As we’ve mentioned before, both Mary Kate and Ashley wear American Apparel items, so we immediately hit up AA for a gray top. This pullover is deliciously soft, slightly stretchy, and cut in a sweatshirt-like style. Also, it’s constructed out of a thin fabric that drapes on the body in a flattering way.

4. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses in white-on-black ($129.99)
Wayfarers have been cool since Audrey Hepburn wore a pair in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and white sunglasses came back into style this summer, so it’s no surprise to see Olsen in these frames. The pair above have a slightly 80’s, op art zest, thanks to their contrasting, white-on-black coloration.

5. Earnest Sewn Esra Jean The strict lines of a slim-fit, narrow-leg, high-waist jean nicely contrast with the gentle folds of the gray top. Look for a rinse that’s slightly darker than classic denim, like the above pair, in Dover. The Esra Dover jean also has a bit of stretch, so you won’t get the dreaded baggy knees effect after wearing them for a few hours.

6. Steve Madden Lesson Heels ($99.95)
If you’ve ever admired Christian Louboutin’s Very Prive heels, you’ll be charmed by this Steve Madden variation. Featuring a covered platform and peep toe, these black fabric pumps are timeless.

7. Bedford Stu Flyer Belt in brown ($58.95)
The western-inspired details on this burnished brown leather make it seem like it could have been nicked from Dale Evans’s closet. It’s also a great, medium width (1.5 inches), meaning it will slip through most belt loops.

8. Gold Mesh Bag (from $38)
There are many gold mesh bags available right now, but the best are vintage Whiting & Davis evening purses from the 1970’s. Fortunately, they’re not difficult to source (try eBay or an antique mall like Ruby Lane), just be sure to find one with a long shoulder strap.

COMMENTS (28)

Maybe you can add some cheaper clothes instead of the expensive ones,like a dress for less section copying many stars outfits.

Posted by: V |  2009-08-07 20:16:59

hey guys! I was just wondering wether any of u new what jeans the olsen twins wear ( like the really skinny ones ) or the on mk has on this picture. please let me know. xxx

Posted by: sab |  2007-11-03 03:06:20

Love the belt! But when I ordered it from Zappo's they sent the wrong one and when I phoned (literally 5 minutes after opening the package, it was sold out in every size but Small....) So far as MK goes, she (and her sister) look like those troll dolls to me.....

Posted by: Cyd |  2007-10-20 06:40:41

I adore the authenticity and braveness that MK and Ashley have when it comes to fashion. Although, the garbage-queen fashion would not look good on me, I love how fearless MK could be. MK in Harper's Bazaar this month shows how she's really coming out of her shell. As for Ashley, I read her article in Marie Claire and whatever those two are selling, i'm prone to buying that's for sure. Ps: Check out Elizabeth & James... fierce and imposing whilst being elegant and refined at the same time.

Posted by: Liz |  2007-10-18 21:15:12

I love mk, but ashley has impeccable taste. while this outfit is accessible, it nothing compared to other looks of mary kate's

Posted by: aew |  2007-10-17 11:53:55

I didnt like her pics in Bazaar. Why did they put that pippy longstocking wig on her? Lauren Hutton is radiantm in the spread, however.

Posted by: Galruski |  2007-10-17 11:04:46

i loooove her and her style! i just love the way ray-bans look on celebs. :) cool outfit, i love it.

Posted by: punkroses |  2007-10-17 06:53:33

she's in this month's Harper's Bazaar and the photos are amazing. cool outfit.

Posted by: katie |  2007-10-17 01:15:49

i love this outfit! with the all the little accessories makes the outfit pop! ;)

Posted by: Lulu Costanzo |  2007-10-16 20:09:36

LOVE!!!!!

Posted by: Michelle |  2007-10-16 19:47:33

So I'm not too fond of the Olsen look...I think they're too crazy for my taste..but MK's look right here is lovely...simple yet very cute...and I loove the wayfarers...but I prefer them in black..white seems tacky to me

Posted by: s.chic |  2007-10-16 14:30:09

omg i love her clothes i am so jealous

Posted by: sweetapple |  2007-10-16 12:25:44

An evening purse during the day!! I have been wanting to try that for such a while now but haven't had the guts! She's inspired me to give it a go though. The Olsens are genius. I think what makes them stand out is that they don't take fashion too seriously and aren't affraid to try new things. She looks crazy amazing, I only wish all these pieces were available in Oz! tres tres chic mk! xo

Posted by: genn |  2007-10-16 11:41:17

aww, she can do no wrong, she looks absolutly adorable, sophisticated and scruffy all in the same time. Love it.

Posted by: esra |  2007-10-16 10:40:51

"white sunglasses came back into style this summer" What?!?!?! They came back into style a few summers ago!

Posted by:  |  2007-10-16 10:30:23

I dont know what it is about this girl, she is just so (approachable?). I really adore her and I am NOT into celebrity adoration. This outfit definitely represents my weekend garb and makes me think of my best friends. I'm in sweats or tanks and skinny jeans all the time but will spice up the outfit with the shoes. I'm the girl who goes dancing in that outfit! One thing though, MK if you're reading this, please get some conditioner in your hair....the knots makes you look dirty!!! And youre way too f**king fabulous to look grimey.

Posted by: Galruski |  2007-10-16 10:00:50

Love it. Love her. She has really surprised me with her role on Weeds too.

Posted by: JBinTokyo |  2007-10-16 09:24:50

Her shirt actually looks like Nation Ltd. www.nationltd.com They're the best!!

Posted by: Passerby_12 |  2007-10-16 09:09:12

I simply adore this look--and while I love MK's style gusto, it's rather pleasant to see her in an ensemble that isn't so...how shall I put this...challenging. I was just in Paris and this is very much how les femmes dress there-- as if it's put together based on random peices she feels good in, as oppossed to trying to acheive a 'look'. C'est tres chic, non?

Posted by: mo |  2007-10-16 08:57:40

I've seen Rachel Bilson and now MK in that sweatshirt -- must have! I love that the Olsen girls are constantly in heels, I am too.

Posted by: MEP |  2007-10-16 08:55:24

Is it just me or does she look like she spent the night out and now she is doing the walk of shame in some guy's T-shirt? I don't get why everyone suckles at her style. To me, she just looks like she grabbed 45 things and threw them on and didn't even bother to rake through her hair. Dita Von Teese, now that's someone who knows how to dress like a real woman.

Posted by: girl |  2007-10-16 08:35:40

Ahh The OLsens.. Pure inspiration, if it were up to me I would put a post of either one of these girls every week.. Man I wonder if they put much thought on their daily outfits.. I just love it, and everytime I think to myself, "man, how come I didn't think of that" Thanks WWWD!

Posted by: Jennifer |  2007-10-16 08:07:01

I love how modern-classic, this look is. Perfect MK style. I love it.

Posted by: Ash |  2007-10-16 07:49:40

off the wayfarer! everybody's using them and i think it's so last year... i hate when these things happen =/

Posted by: larissa |  2007-10-16 06:34:58

i hate the white wayfarers, but they seem to work. i reckon she looks rly good :)

Posted by: el |  2007-10-16 05:23:32

i adore it! a perfect mk outfit :) i pretty much want everything...

Posted by: rr |  2007-10-16 03:39:49

i love it! especially the rings. i would fill like a dork copying this entire outfit, but it is so tempting to do so.

Posted by: sy |  2007-10-16 02:41:30

I love MK's style, but not so much this look. It's too plain -- even with the heels and gold purse. That's just me though.

Posted by: eye |  2007-10-16 01:56:29

POST A COMMENT

You must be a subscriber to post a comment.
If you are not a subscriber and would like to post a comment please click here.

name:  email:   (this will not appear in the post)
 
comment: