The Olsen Twins Are Quietly Setting the Standard for Fall Style

From oversized button-downs to practicing the wrong shoe theory, the Olsen twins are redefining what effortless fall style looks like

By Carolina Bergagnini

Graphic by Natalie Horvath

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have traded the spotlight for a quieter life. But as the forces behind luxury label The Row, their influence is impossible to miss—especially when a rare paparazzi photo turns their effortlessly understated outfits into the season’s next inspiration.

As temperatures cool and leaves change color, people are starting to look for inspiration for what's in this fall. Once again, the Olsen twins are proving that understated dressing can have the biggest impact on trends. Their recent paparazzi photos lean into oversized silhouettes, dark jewel tones, relaxed denim, and knit layering.

After a summer of accessory layering, the Olsen twins are quickly shifting to a more minimalist look. Rather than relying on bold statement pieces, they lean toward leather handbags, dark sunglasses, and subtle jewelry that adds without overwhelming the look. This shift delivers the same luxurious look with more intention.

The classic button-up shirt has been at the forefront of any Olsen twin outfit; however, the way they choose to style it is making it a fall staple. They are seen wearing it slightly oversized, with sleeves pushed up, collars unbuttoned, and hemlines loose. They pair these tops with loose jeans or trousers for a chic, put-together look.

The Olsen twins are also practicing the wrong-shoe theory this fall, pairing long trench coats with flip-flops and trousers with sneakers for a formal-meets-casual look. They're also embracing deeper colors with dark denim, black long sleeves, burgundy silhouettes, and even deep turquoise tops, setting the tone for this fall's color scheme.

Ashley Olsen just made a new outfit formula: an oversized V-neck sweater, dark jeans, and simple sandals—a look that is both basic and chic for everyday activities. This layering has also become a staple this fall for the Olsen twins, as they are photographed wearing knits over long shirts to showcase their layers in a chic way.

This basic lookbook sets the stage for this fall's fashion trends and inspires fashion lovers to make dressing basic the new chic, with an almost Carlyn Bassett-type, New York aesthetic. The Olsen twins continue to prove that understated dressing can make the biggest statement, turning oversized layers, dark jewel tones, and wrong-shoe theory into a formula worth copying all season long.