It’s rare to see Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen out and about, which is why it becomes a big fashion moment when the duo does show up for events. But in true Olsen fashion, less is always more, and that means a minimalist aesthetic and pared-down color palette.
The award-winning designers attended this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards as nominees for Womenswear Designer of the Year and Accessory Designer of the Year for their brand The Row. They stepped out on the blue carpet in their own effortlessly chic menswear-inspired designs. Their ensembles had all the trademark Olsen touches from the oversized silhouettes to the monochromatic scheme and minimal styling.
Mary-Kate wore a crisp white button-down shirt paired with black trousers at the star-studded event. Her oversized shirt featured long sleeves and exaggerated cuffs, while her pants had a wide-leg silhouette. Meanwhile, Ashley donned a black button-down dress with long sleeves, a V-shaped neckline and a floor-sweeping hem. Both ladies styled their outfits with a simple clutch — Ashley’s was a beautiful wine color and Mary-Kate picked a classic black. They finished off their looks with minimal makeup and their signature tousled waves.
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen at the 2017 CFDA Fashion Awards held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on June 5, 2017.
This isn’t the first time that Mary-Kate and Ashley have picked black-and-white ensembles for the prestigious fashion event. In fact, the previous CFDA winners donned almost similar looks at the awards ceremony 10 years ago. Ashley wore a black full-length coat, which she styled with a sleek center-parted updo, a white clutch and a bangle. Mary-Kate opted for a white floor-length dress styled with loose beach waves, an oversized red clutch, a gold bangle and an assortment of rings.
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen at the 2007 CFDA Fashion Awards held at the New York Public Library in New York City on June 4, 2007.
These looks are simple, effortless, and reflective of their admirable minimalist aesthetic — even from a decade ago. Mary-Kate and Ashley also dressed Gigi Hadid, who exuded understated elegance in true Olsen fashion at this year’s CFDA Fashion Awards.
Credit: WENN/Ivan Nikolov/Flashpoint