Celebrity Style

The Style Evolution of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Published

4 hours ago

15 June 2026

Maette

Photo: Getty Images

The Olsen twins have been in the public eye since a very young age. They became popular after playing Michelle Tanner on Full House, from there, they moved into film and television with appearances including Double, Double, Toil and Trouble (1993), Passport to Paris (1999), and New York Minute (2004), which marked their final film appearances. They also ventured into a clothing line at Walmart that introduced them to fashion.

Photo: Getty Images
2004 New York fashion week

As they moved into their teenage years, where they began making red carpet appearances in the early 2000s, their style began to shift slightly. The twins were often seen in trend-driven outfits such as layered pieces, and early Y2K-inspired looks. At this stage, their outfits were still coordinated but also showed signs of individuality, with each twin beginning to explore different styling choices.

In 2005, they launched their own brand The Row, a luxury fashion label created with the intention of designing the perfect T-shirt. In a past interview with i-D magazine, Ashley Olsen said back then, they had just moved to New York. “We were 18 years old and I think what we did know was that we wanted to take that time to take a break from what we were previously doing and to explore things that interested us.”

Mary-Kate also noted that, for them, luxury means “something that makes your life easier. The idea that you could buy something off the rack, put it on your body, and it already feels like a part of your wardrobe, that’s luxury.” She also explained that the reason they do fashion “is to constantly try to fix our imperfections.”

Photo: Getty Images
2015 Met Gala

By the late 2000s, their fashion identity became more prominent and intentional. Attending events like the Met Gala and award ceremonies, they were sometimes seen dressed in oversized coats, monochrome outfits, and sunglasses, leaning into a minimal aesthetic. Some of their red carpet appearances explored long flowing gowns in muted-toned.

Their approach to dressing continued to evolve with the seasons and trends. They adapted to what was current without losing their own direction or personal style. What defines their style is its gradual evolution.

In regard to their 40th birthday on June 13, take a look back at their evolving style over the years.