The Do's and Don'ts of Dressing Like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen at Home

As I enter into the second month of working from home, there’s no question I’m looking for fresh, new ways to elevate my stay-at-home style. After all, feeling like I’ve made a conscious effort on the sartorial front, helps keep my productivity and morale high. And who better to take inspiration from than the beacons of super elevated comfortable style: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. As I went down the rabbit hole of Olsen twin imagery on Instagram, I realized just how ideal their aesthetic is for mastering a comfortable yet refined aesthetic at home.

Below, I’m sharing some of the do’s and don’ts I’ve learned from studying their minimalist, off-duty style. From making all-black ensembles feel interesting to layering elevated basics effortlessly, read on to achieve their pared-back and polished looks for yourself.

Do: Opt for an all-black ensemble

Don't: Mix prints and patterns

Mary-Kate and Ashley know the power of an all-black ensemble. Their head-to-toe black outfits have become synonymous with their style—always chic, elegant and put together. This is an easy one to pull off at home—opt for sleek palazzo pants or leggings with an oversize knit sweater or poplin shirt.

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Do: Choose a loose or oversize fit 

Don't: Reach for body-con silhouettes

If you really want to nail Mary-Kate and Ashley’s signature aesthetic then opting for loose, languid, and oversize silhouettes is key. Keep your outfit from looking sloppy by choosing black, white, and neutral hues and pairing your pieces with minimalist accessories.

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Do: Try long, maxi length dresses, and skirts

Don't: Choose restrictive fabrics

The Olsens love maxi-lengths—especially when they’re loose and relaxed in non-restrictive fabrics. So in addition to your sweats, leggings, and wide-leg pants you’re wearing at home right now, try long, easy-to-wear skirts and dresses in comfortable and luxe-feeling textures.

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Do: Play with loose layering

Don't: Overcomplicate your color scheme

The Olsens keep their simplest basics interesting by layering in effortlessly chic ways. Steal this cool look for your next neighborhood walk by layering a neutral knit over an oversize button-down and comfy wide-leg pants. Finish the look with sleek white loafers and a long, chic scarf. Opt for a tonal color scheme so as to not overcomplicate the look.

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Do: Reach for an oversize button down 

Don't: Tuck it in

We’ve seen the Olsen twins rely on classic button-down shirts on countless occasions—pairing them with jeans and skirts alike. Choose an oversize fit in classic white or blue hues, and wear it untucked—hanging loose over your pants for an effortlessly chic vibe.

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Do: Wear comfortable and minimalist flats

Don't: Veer away from black

When it comes to footwear Mary-Kate and Ashley are all about minimalist and comfortable black flip-flops, Birkenstocks, and loafers—all of which are great options at home right now. Their sleek flip flops (from their label The Row) have unquestionably become part of their signature look. You can guarantee they’ll never venture too far from timeless black, white or beige hues—easy and versatile to wear with everything in your closet.

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Do: Invest in super-elevated neutral basics

Don't: Forfeit quality fabrics

If there’s one thing for certain—the Olsen’s do basics really well. To emulate their style, opt for elevated staples with unique details such as split-front leggings, and striking sweater silhouettes. Invest in quality, luxe fabrics that are made to last that you can rely on time and time again. The Olsens’ outfits always feel cool because they reimagine classics in an effortless way. 

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Up next, nine reliable basics that will never go out of style.