I’ve never been very good at dressing for the summer. My denim shorts ride up. I can’t find the right pair of shoes to match my dresses. I refuse to wear a halter top to the office. My list of sartorial woes goes on. But lately, I’ve found a new style inspiration that’s helped me beat the heat: Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen.
It’s no secret that The Row founders are almost too stylish for words, but I’ve always considered them prime winterwear inspiration, thanks to their knack for layering. But with their penchant for oversized pieces, I realized they were also the key to unlocking my ideal summertime wardrobe.
Ashley Olsen, in particular, aligns most closely with my personal style—and what I have in my closet. So I decided to test out one of her go-to outfits: a white button-up over black trousers. I’m not exactly an avid The Row customer (if only) but I did look to the label’s spring 2025 collection for help. From my own wardrobe, I opted for an oversized white button-up from Abercrombie, a pair of black trousers from Banana Republic, and thin black Calvin Klein flip-flops. (I also added a pair of oversized Gucci sunglasses, for the full Olsen effect.)
Lo and behold, a miracle! The outsized clothes didn’t stick to my skin like denim and jersey usually do, and the lightweight cotton was breathable and easy to move in. When my colleague and I stepped out of the office for a midday stroll to the food court across the street, I was particularly pleased with how the wind caught in my billowing shirt, giving me some much-needed ventilation.
In the dog days of summer, simply waiting for the train will leave you in a puddle of your own sweat. So do yourself a favor—try out Olsen dressing the next time you dare leave the house.
