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
she pops in white.” – Lyn Paolo
“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
” 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
“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
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:
- Start with classic Armani
- Add traditional pieces from Dior and Valentino
- White trumps everything else
- Limit prints, solids are key
- Pair high necklines with long necklaces
- Focus on structures, sharp lines and soft draping
- 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:
What do you think of Olivia Pope’s style?

Kelly Ann says
Yay, another Gladiator!
Kelly Ann says
Yay, another Gladiator, I am so excited!
Kelly Ann says
Haha, that must be it! You really should get on board!
Kelly Ann says
Haha, glad I could help mix up your day!
Kelly Ann says
You absolutely should, she is phenomenal!
Kelly Ann says
Thanks Maria, glad you agree!
Maria - inredningsvis.se says
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 🙂
Grace says
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
Lix Hewett says
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.
Kelly Ann says
Me too, I wish they were all in my closet!
Amy Bishop says
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
Katie says
so classy! love all her jackets!
forlaurenandlauren.blogspot.com
alessia sica says
I love scandal!!! 😀
Baci
Alessia
The New Art of Fashion
Kelly Ann says
Thanks Vendy, glad you agree!
Kelly Ann says
I agree, she is simply amazing!
Kelly Ann says
I do too! That or steal her stylist!
Kelly Ann says
Me too, I can not wait to see what happens next!
Kelly Ann says
I am a die hard Gladiator, I can not wait for season three!
Kelly Ann says
I am so glad you agree, Josie!
Kelly Ann says
I agree, she is super woman!
Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird says
Seriously Olivia Pope can do no wrong, the woman is amazing.
Josie says
I loveeee Scandal! Olivia’s style is my inspiration!
Karly Kim says
I adore Scandal! Glad to see a fellow Gladiator 🙂
Misty {Handbags & Handguns} says
I caught up on this show right before the last season ended. Love it!
The Golden Girls says
Looove that white dress! Gorg! Hugs from Cali! xx The Golden Girls
Alyssa says
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!
Rekita says
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!
Nicole @ Treasure Tromp says
I’m so obsessed with Scandal, Olivia Pope, and her style. I dedicated a post to it as well. So flawless.
vendy says
love it
xoxo
happy day