October 18, 2012
Style Suite: Channel ‘Scandal’s’ Olivia Pope for Undeniable Office Chic
Welcome to the Style Suite with Kéla Walker, your source for fashion and style trends for power plays in the workplace. Every Tuesday and Thursday, she’ll share tips and suggestions to help maximize your style on a budget. Whether you’re the style devil in Prada or the apprentice with limited apparel, you’ll find something in the Style Suite to suit your needs.
Practically everyone I know is tuned into ABC’s Scandal on Thursday nights. It’s must-see, appointment TV with Kerry Washington playing the ultimate black girl who rocks, Olivia Pope. Week after week she delivers quick wit crisis management to Washington D.C.’s elite— and does it in with style. From her private office to the Oval Office, Olivia’s looks speak volumes and command attention. It’s no nonsense and authoritative, yet inviting and welcoming.
Her wardrobe is a great example of how you can ditch the stuffy dark duds in the serious sectors like politics and finance for softer feminine pieces and still be taken seriously. (Shop the look here).
Here’s how to get the scandal look in the office minus the controversy:
Striking Outerwear: More times than not, Olivia has her one-on-one meetings with the president’s aide, Cyrus, outside in the open without prying ears, and more times than not, Olivia is wearing her beige cape/wrap neck coat. It’s a strong piece that announces her confidence and demeanor at first glance. Outerwear is the first thing people see when they meet you and speaks volumes to your presentation.
Savvy Separates: Olivia is a walking example that you don’t have to wear a matching suit in order to be taken serious. Tailored jackets and blazers are key parts to her overall polished look. The cut should be clean and structured, fitted but never tight.
She Wears the Pants: To complement those great separates, Olivia is almost always seen in a great pair of pants with an equally great fit. Straight leg or column pants with a flowing fit from hip to  thigh will pair well with structured jackets for an authoritative look that’s individual yet still uniform for the work place.
Feminine Touch: Episode after episode you learn something new about Olivia as her tough, no-nonsense exterior melts to reveal a softer feminine side. The same can be said for her wardrobe. Strip away the coats and blazers and the feminine flirty side of Olivia’s wardrobe is revealed: the blouse. While soft and lady like, they are never excessive or compromising of her professionalism.
Lengthy Luxe: Another signature of Oliva Pope is her long drop chain necklaces. Â She plays with the big boys but her necklace is another hint to her feminine side and are the perfect compliment to any of her strong suits.
Follow these tips for Olivia Pope’s signature style and you too can be the scandal of the office but for all good reason.
Find more fashion and style tips at KelasKloset.com and follow me on Twitter (@kelawalker).
Kéla Walker is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated producer and TV host, who has contributed lifestyle and entertainment content for outlets including NBC’s LXTV, Getty Images, YRB Magazine, Madame Noire, and RTL Germany. She also has a passion for fashion and offers the latest in fab fashion trends and consumer deals with KelasKloset.com. Her chic style and trendsetting blog has been lauded by sites including Essence.com and Huffington Post Black Voices.