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Style Icon: Scandal’s Olivia Pope

09/03/13 | celebrity, Dior, Fashion and Style, Netflix, Style Icons, television, Valentino

It is officially one month to until the Scandal season three premiere and I could not be more excited!  To give you a sense because of how many times I have watched the episodes of the past two seasons this summer, Netflix keeps suggesting other “Thrillers Featuring a Strong Female Lead,” even though all I want to watch are the Gladiators. Olivia is the no-nonsense boss of a crisis management-firm which the show Scandal is based around and I can not get enough of her. She is refined and modern in her business-casual clothes and these are a few of my favorite outfits from the past two seasons with quotes from Lyn Paolo, the costume designer. 

“When you have Kerry standing in a room with nine other people and they’re all in their tones,
she pops in white.” – Lyn Paolo

ABC Scandal Olivia Pope Kerry Washington Style Icon
“I looked at images of Lauren Hutton from the ’70s –she always wore pants…. I just
got a bunch of iconic images of really strong women through history and it was more
fashion-based then it was based on any previous [political] administration.”  – Lyn Paolo

ABC Scandal Olivia Pope Kerry Washington Style Icon
” Because Olivia Pope was a different kind of character than we’ve seen on TV before
–an exceptionally powerful woman–I drew my references from fashion.” – Lyn Paolo

ABC Scandal Olivia Pope Kerry Washington Style Icon
“We didn’t want her to dress like a man, but we also wanted her to wear the pants–
she wears pants. She wears structure but the fabrics always have an amazing drape to them,
which is why we used a lot of Armani in the beginning.” – Lyn Paolo
ABC Scandal Olivia Pope Kerry Washington Style Icon
Lyn Paolo has done an amazing job over the course of 29 episodes giving a Olivia Pope an extremely defined style. With over 200 outfits her clothes are almost as kick-butt as the witty remarks that come out of her mouth.  From watching every episode at least three times and reading countless interviews I have deduced seven steps necessary to dress Olivia Pope:  

  1. Start with classic Armani
  2. Add traditional pieces from Dior and Valentino
  3. White trumps everything else
  4. Limit prints, solids are key
  5. Pair high necklines with long necklaces
  6. Focus on structures, sharp lines and soft draping
  7. Finish all looks with a Movado watch

Gladiators, if you love the show as much as I do get ready because Scandal’s season 3 premiere is in one month, Thursday, October 3rd at 10pm on ABC.  And for everyone else, this gives you just enough time to watch the first two seasons before the third starts!

I could not complete this wrap-up, however, without highlighting my favorite part of Olivia Pope’s style – her structured, statement blazers. I feel as if they are accessible and could be added to almost any outfit for an air of sophistication and class:

ABC Scandal Olivia Pope Kerry Washington Style Icon

What do you think of Olivia Pope’s style?
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Comments

  1. Kelly Ann says

    September 8, 2013 at 1:56 am

    Yay, another Gladiator!

  2. Kelly Ann says

    September 8, 2013 at 1:56 am

    Yay, another Gladiator, I am so excited!

  3. Kelly Ann says

    September 8, 2013 at 1:55 am

    Haha, that must be it! You really should get on board!

  4. Kelly Ann says

    September 8, 2013 at 1:55 am

    Haha, glad I could help mix up your day!

  5. Kelly Ann says

    September 8, 2013 at 1:54 am

    You absolutely should, she is phenomenal!

  6. Kelly Ann says

    September 8, 2013 at 1:54 am

    Thanks Maria, glad you agree!

  7. Maria - inredningsvis.se says

    September 4, 2013 at 7:33 am

    LOVE this post:) and your blog Is so inspiring.

    Check out my new post…a lovely retro Swedish home:)

    have a great day beautiful

    LOVE Maria at inredningsvis – inredning it’s, Swedish for decor 🙂

  8. Grace says

    September 3, 2013 at 10:23 pm

    I don’t watch that show, but she really does have great style! I’m going to have to keep my eyes open for her!

    Have a great day!
    Grace
    A Southern Drawl

  9. Lix Hewett says

    September 3, 2013 at 10:19 pm

    Love it! Was so surprised to see this pop up on my Bloglovin feed! I’m super behind on all my TV but I do love Scandal.

  10. Kelly Ann says

    September 3, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    Me too, I wish they were all in my closet!

  11. Amy Bishop says

    September 3, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    My husband is obsessed with this show. Now I know why, look at Olivia’s style?! I’m sure he is watching for the fashion.:)
    xoAmy
    http://www.dreamingincashmere.com

  12. Katie says

    September 3, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    so classy! love all her jackets!
    forlaurenandlauren.blogspot.com

  13. alessia sica says

    September 3, 2013 at 6:06 pm

    I love scandal!!! 😀

    Baci

    Alessia

    The New Art of Fashion

  14. Kelly Ann says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    Thanks Vendy, glad you agree!

  15. Kelly Ann says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    I agree, she is simply amazing!

  16. Kelly Ann says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    I do too! That or steal her stylist!

  17. Kelly Ann says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:52 pm

    Me too, I can not wait to see what happens next!

  18. Kelly Ann says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    I am a die hard Gladiator, I can not wait for season three!

  19. Kelly Ann says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    I am so glad you agree, Josie!

  20. Kelly Ann says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:51 pm

    I agree, she is super woman!

  21. Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    Seriously Olivia Pope can do no wrong, the woman is amazing.

  22. Josie says

    September 3, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    I loveeee Scandal! Olivia’s style is my inspiration!

  23. Karly Kim says

    September 3, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    I adore Scandal! Glad to see a fellow Gladiator 🙂

  24. Misty {Handbags & Handguns} says

    September 3, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    I caught up on this show right before the last season ended. Love it!

  25. The Golden Girls says

    September 3, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Looove that white dress! Gorg! Hugs from Cali! xx The Golden Girls

  26. Alyssa says

    September 3, 2013 at 9:44 am

    I mean, it’s common knowledge that I’m OBSESSED with Scandal, and part of the reason is Olivia’s wardrobe. It’s just so chic!

  27. Rekita says

    September 3, 2013 at 9:20 am

    i have been watching the Season 2 on Netflix for the past 3 days, me and my husband are obsessed…and i am also obsessed with her style! I so want to raid her closet!

  28. Nicole @ Treasure Tromp says

    September 3, 2013 at 9:01 am

    I’m so obsessed with Scandal, Olivia Pope, and her style. I dedicated a post to it as well. So flawless.

  29. vendy says

    September 3, 2013 at 8:28 am

    love it
    xoxo
    happy day

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog.  I am a New York City girl at heart but I moved to London in the Spring of 2018!

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