Anyone who wants to dress like Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen should start with their new collection for Elizabeth and James. While the contemporary label hasn’t always matched the duo’s distinctive, offhand style in the past, Resort captured their spirit in subtle and accessible ways. A lot of that was in the pants, from cropped flares to slouchy wide-legs and leather-front cigarette leggings. Sheer silk blouses with bell sleeves and scooped-out backs completed the covered-up-yet-sexy vibe they’re known for. Also in keeping with their personal aesthetic was the color palette, which was mostly black and white with the occasional pop of “pewter blue,” as in an extra-soft robe coat. There was also some great denim, but no actual jeans—instead, they showed a stretch-indigo blazer with matching ankle-length kick flares. The combo was office-appropriate with a ruffled blouse, but would be cool with wooden sandals and a T-shirt on the weekend.
Accessories added a lot to this collection, namely a new wire-frame bag with a braided strap and rope tassels. Slung across the body, it could be reversed to croc-embossed leather or a cool ethnic print, but it also collapsed into an oversize clutch. That unexpected piece introduced just a hint of eclecticism that won’t feel foreign to the Elizabeth and James customer.
