How Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen master the art of minimalism

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen first catapulted onto our TV screens during the late 1980s, swiftly cementing their untouchable child-star status by sharing the role of Michelle in Full House. As young teenagers, their coming-of-age movies delivered the kind of quintessential Nineties styling inspiration — think velvet scrunchies and halterneck tops — that continues to heavily influence the puff-sleeved Morgan De Toi blouses and flatforms found on Depop today.

It’s a far cry from The Row, the inimitably polished NYC brand the Olsens launched in 2006, which has since amassed a cult following on social media (we see you @mkastyle).

Since their foray into the fashion industry, the twins have made luxury flip flops, crimped hair and the highly prized ‘banana bag’ a thing (the latter is carried pretty much 24/7 by their younger sister, actress Elizabeth Olsen). The pair’s unabashed love for sporting head-to-toe black, enormous sunglasses and Birkenstocks, while standing aloof on the streets of New York, has spawned a legion of deftly chic memes and unwavering admiration from fashion editors everywhere.

Renowned for bringing crisp tailoring and serious attention detail to the pared-back, early Nineties aesthetic, The Row (named in honour of London’s Savile Row) continues to spark new life into workwear and raise the bar when it comes to separates. Thanks to their tried-and-tested seal of approval, nothing sends Instagram into overdrive quite like the twins’ endorsement of The Row’s latest ‘Bare’ sandal or slouchy ‘Bindle’ bag (and we’ve unashamedly fallen into an Olsen internet wormhole many times, too).

In anticipation of The Row’s AW20 NYFW show, here are four times Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen served a masterclass in minimalist dressing.

1. Pop of colour

While making an appearance at the CFDA Fashion Awards in June 2019, the duo further exhibited their long-standing commitment to all-black ensembles. An unexpected addition, however — in the form of a punchy, turquoise clutch — kept it looking modern.

2. Neutral details

Carbon-black threads and champagne accents make for a timeless combination. As the twins demonstrated in April 2017, the addition of barely-there makeup and loose hair gives an ethereal feel to an otherwise tailored look. Copy-and-paste that approach into your after-hours wardrobe.

3. Maximalist accessories

Making a serious case for accessories in June 2018, the Olsens are seen sporting both a wide-panel belt with gold detailing and their trademark ‘Bindle’ bag. The main takeaway here? Big accessories are capable of doing all the work.

4. Playful textures

Taking twinning to another level in July 2016, Mary-Kate holds the oxblood croc bag that matches Ashley’s pumps. With the addition of a faux-fur clutch, the Olsens show that a pick’n’mix of textures can easily elevate a look.