Olivia Pope isn’t a big risk-taker when it comes to her clothes — she’s the queen of the designer power suit, structured coats and sophisticated capes. But off-screen, Kerry Washington isn’t afraid to mix things up, which is one of the reasons we love her style.
Courtesy InStyle
“Red-Carpet Kerry wears a lot more color and pattern than Olivia does,” the Scandal star tells the March issue of InStyle, stunning on the magazine’s cover. “She makes bold choices. When I was pregnant, I showed up a the SAG awards in a bare-midriff gown by Prada. I knew some people were going to hate it, but I thought it was super cute and really fun. Olivia, meanwhile, sticks to a more neutral palette in pastels by designers like Dior, Ferragamo, and Escada.”
But thanks to the brilliant work of the show’s costume designer Lyn Paolo, more women want to dress like a Olivia. (And now they can with the The Limited Scandal collection.)
“Olivia’s had a huge influence,” Washington shares. “After the first couple of episodes aired, people started posting on Twitter things like ‘I have a job interview today, and I’m trying to dress like Olivia Pope.’”
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The 38-year-old star welcomed a daughter last May, and has maintained a strict workout routine — including “pilates, Tracy Anderson pregnancy DVDs, hiking, the elliptical machine and yoga — to get back in shape. She also shares that it’s important to find a balance when you’re a working mom.
“Women use this ‘guilt’ word a lot, but I’m not sure how I feel about it,” she explains. “I know why it’s the word that keeps coming up, but I can’t co-sign on it yet. There has got to be a better way. You can’t be all things to all people all the time. You have to experience your humanity, you have to know you are a limited vessel, and you can only do so much.”
For more on Washington’s wardrobe and career, pick up the March issue of InStyle on stands everywhere Friday, Feb. 13. What do you think of the her red carpet style? Is she always one of your favorites? Are you excited for Scandal tonight? Sound off below.
–Brittany Talarico
