Woe is us! Kerry Washington’s pregnancy means that instead of launching in September, season 6 of Scandal won’t air till 2017. That means that we have to wait frickin’ months to catch up with Olivia, Jake and Fitz. Thankfully, there are five seasons to re-watch and indulge in our favourite pursuit: Ogling Olivia’s wardrobe.
Last season, Olivia evolved her style and her previous neutral palette gave way to colour and print. Scandal’s costume designer Lyn Paolo told US InStyle magazine: “Shonda Rhimes, in her brilliance, wrote a brand-new Olivia. This Olivia is stronger, more determined, and wears bright red, orange, and royal blue.”
What we really love is that while the palette has changed, the shapes and styles have stayed the same – classic, elegant pieces like wool coats and shift dresses from designers such as Max Mara and Oscar De La Renta. That means the transition was believable and gentle, giving unintimidating fashion inspiration for those of us who tend to stick to black-and-white neutrals ourselves.
Great coat
How many times have you put together a killer outfit and then ruined it by slinging on a parka? You need a proper wool winter coat that’ll last for years. Since you’re channelling the new Olivia, make it red – we’re coveting this Max Mara Umano Red Double Cloth piece ($1,560, at Max Mara).
Suits you
Suit jackets and blazers don’t feature in enough modern women’s wardrobes, but they should because they smarten up your look instantly. They can look boxy and masculine in typical cuts and dark colours, so instead, choose a one-button style in a vivid colour like cobalt blue. DEX Solid One Button Blazer, $69, at Hudson’s Bay and TheBay.com.
Flower power
Floral prints are sometimes sweet and girlie, which is not Olivia’s style. But when they’re given an abstract or graphic twist or blown up large, they’re pretty, but powerful. $135, The Barefoot Contessa.
Beauty style
Olivia’s transformation didn’t extend from her wardrobe to her face. Her style continues to be perfectly groomed, with minimal makeup. To get her flippy ’do, use a straightener such as Austin House Global Flat Iron ($44.99, at Holiday.ca), which has dual voltage so it works virtually anywhere in the world, pin curl your hair, then brush it through. A nude lip colour with a matte finish provides the finishing touch. Tarte Cosmetics Lippie Linger ($29, at Sephora) is hydrating and comes in eight shades to suit any skin tone.
