Scandal is one of the hottest shows on television right now, and if you’re not watching just know that you’re being excluded from passionate conversations and pertinent pop cultural information on a weekly basis. It happened to me and I had to catch up real quick to stay current. Every Thursday night, that is ALL my Twitter timeline is talking about. #Scandal #Scandal #Scandal.
The show’s popularity can directly be attributed to the jaw dropping, lip quivering beauty that is Kerry Washington (@KerryWashington), the razor sharp dialogue from Shondaland, and the sizzling intrigue bubbling between Olivia Pope and her competing powerful lovers.
Olivia Pope’s wardrobe might as well be listed as a breakout character on the show. Every week, viewers tune in to ooh and aah over Kerry Washington’s every outfit change. The show’s costume designer Lyn Paolo (@LynPaolo) deserves all kinds of awards for her work, in my opinion. She’s managed to create a style shift and a new fashion icon we can look to for inspiration. However, here’s the thing, though. Olivia Pope is pin thin. The clothes chosen for her are exquisitely tailored to her physique. She wears white and guzzles red wine without ever spilling on herself (I would be so happy to see just ONE scene with Olivia emerging from the laundromat with an armload of white outfits, just to know she’s human). The actual items she’s wearing can be found with regularity on Possessionista.com, but none of them come in plus sizes. What’s a full figured wannabe Olivia Pope to do?
I consulted the ultimate Scandal fan, Luvvie Ajayi (her recaps are everything) for tips on what one would need to create the ultimate Scandal wardrobe. She pointed out to me that Olivia Pope tends to wear white, neutrals, and structured pieces in grey – and in my experience, plus size designers tend to drift away from this palette. It took some looking, but I found items that will work for myself and all plus sized Gladiators. You’re welcome!
Olivia Pope fashion essentials for plus sizes
1. Tan or white trench.
Olivia Pope is known for striding confidently in a tan or white trench, most often while barking orders into her cell phone. Plus ladies, you can get your stride on in this tan collarless trench by Simply Be. This Asos Curve double breasted trench looks super official, no? This tan military textured jacket from Roaman’s via One Stop Plus could also be a fit for this need. Also this super expensive grey Cinzia Rocca coat from Nordstrom is very Olivia IMO, price point and all.
2. Wide-leg pants. Also tan.
Another tall order for larger sizes. I don’t happen to love myself in wide leg pants, or tan pants. But Liv Pope wears both of those things. The trick to making this work for plus sizes – cut and tailoring. I found these Lauren Ralph Lauren silk/linen blend pants at Macy’s, and also these Lands End Plus Size Linen Cotton pants fit the bill.
3. Gray blazer w/ interesting detail.
Olivia Pope tends to live, love and lounge in a blazer or cardigan and it’s never something boring – there’s usually a cool detail. Asymmetrical buttons, distinctive pockets, a lapel that says look at me – something. I think plus size Olivia would rock this grey Eileen Fisher cardigan at home, and this Simply Be Project D Marleybone blazer, Monif C “Nadine” houndstooth blazer, or on an understated day, this Calvin Klein one button blazer to the office.
4. Long white dress for formal occasions.
When it comes to formal events, Olivia Pope is known to show up and out in a long white dress, or dress with white details. If she was my size she may consider this ivory Tadashi Shoji number from Bloomingdales, or this champagne Adrianna Papell gown from Nordstrom.
Also VERY Olivia Pope? Monif C’s “Grace” peplum tuxedo blazer, Monif C’s “Coby” ponte button dress, and this here DKNY belted plaid tweed coat, similar to this, no?
For more on Scandal fashion, enjoy this awesome Buzzfeed post on Lyn Paolo and Olivia Pope’s style.
Check out Garner Style’s post on Scandal-esque coats
Alissa of StylishCurves put together some Olivia Pope inspired workwear looks
FashionBombDaily created 5 Scandal inspired looks
Curvy CEO created a board of Olivia Pope inspired plus looks here.
What pieces do you see yourself rocking, bellas?
Looking fabulous. Maybe you and Luvvie can have a “Scandal” dress event and post it?
Dude, am I dreaming or was I just linked by one of my blogging idols?
*faints*
Thanks for the link love!
I’ve never heard of Scandal. I think what you’re doing here is great – but it’s always good to dress for your size! Like, I have to make sure I don’t wear any clothes made for girls with bigger-than-A-sized-boobs.
Hey !!!
I love reading your site so much !!!
I always get inspired for my own like page
It’s on online shopping
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Like-to-Share-Your-Online-Shopping/242322219263854
Love your site. I get my Olivia Pope wardrobe from the high end designer label Bella Rene’ they had a coat like she had on last night you should mention them their quality is unmatched!
LOVE LOVE LOVE THE PANTS SUIT! Sorry for the all caps, but it is an absolutely stunning design! Monif C. is a bit out of this girl’s price range, but I will be looking for a similar suit online!
Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A thjeme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine.
Please let me know where you got your design. Cheers
Yaaaaaaaassssss this is still relevant. I needed this!