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Steal Olivia Pope’s Closet: Affordable Dupes for Her Iconic Scandal Looks

Let’s be honest — if you ever watched Scandal, you probably didn’t just tune in for the political drama. You watched for Olivia Pope’s wardrobe. I mean, who wouldn’t want to look that powerful while sipping red wine and saving Washington’s elite from total ruin?

Olivia’s outfits said, “I’m the boss, don’t question me.” But let’s also be real — most of us don’t have the kind of budget that screams “White House chic.” So, how do you channel her polished, elegant vibe without dropping half your rent on a single coat?

Buckle up, because we’re about to steal Olivia Pope’s closet — but the affordable way.

1. The Iconic White Coat — The Power Move Every Woman Needs

If you know Scandal, you know the coat. That ivory, structured, “don’t-talk-to-me-unless-you-have-a-crisis” coat. It was practically Olivia’s superhero cape.

Here’s the deal — a white coat instantly screams sophistication. But you don’t need Burberry money to pull it off.

Affordable dupes to try:

  • Mango Double-Breasted Wool Coat: Classic, clean lines, and that subtle drama Olivia would approve of.

  • Zara Belted Coat in Ecru: The cinched waist gives major “command the room” energy.

  • ASOS Design Maxi Coat: Perfect for those dramatic power walks.

Style Tip: Keep the rest of your outfit neutral. Think beige trousers or cream turtlenecks. The goal? Effortless luxury.

And yes, I know — white coats and coffee don’t mix, but Olivia made it work, so we will too.

2. The Power Suit — When You Mean Business (Literally)

Olivia Pope didn’t wear suits. She owned them. Her tailoring? Flawless. Her confidence? Unmatched.

A power suit doesn’t just make you look like you’ve got your life together — it tricks your brain into believing you actually do (and that’s half the battle, IMO).

Get the look for less:

  • H&M Premium Tailored Blazer & Pants: Sharp lines, quality fabric, and affordable enough to get both the beige and the gray.

  • Express Editor Suit: Classic cut, soft fabric, and gives that Olivia-would-approve energy.

  • PrettyLittleThing Oversized Suit Set: For that slightly relaxed but still powerful vibe.

Style it like Liv:
Pair with a silk blouse, pointed heels, and a structured bag. Oh, and don’t forget your “I just solved a crisis” face.

3. The Silk Blouse — Because Power Can Be Soft Too

Let’s talk about Olivia’s soft side (fashion-wise). When she wasn’t strutting around in coats, she leaned into silk blousesin neutral tones — ivory, blush, champagne.

They’re the secret sauce behind that understated elegance.

 

Affordable dupes:

Everlane Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt: Sustainable, timeless, and smooth like butter.

  • Uniqlo Satin Blouse: A wallet-friendly option that looks way more expensive than it is.

  • H&M Conscious Collection Blouse: Flowy, feminine, and totally Olivia-approved.

Style Hack: Tuck it into high-waisted trousers and add a delicate pendant necklace. Bonus points if you wear it while holding a glass of red wine like you own the place

4. The Pencil Skirt — Olivia’s Secret Weapon

If there’s one item that deserves a standing ovation in Olivia’s wardrobe, it’s the pencil skirt. It’s sleek, it’s strong, and it says “I’m not here to play.”

Find your dupe:

  • Zara Fitted Midi Skirt: Clean lines, high waist, pure perfection.

  • Banana Republic Factory Stretch Skirt: A classic that hugs just right.

  • Amazon Essentials Pencil Skirt: Don’t sleep on Amazon — this one’s a hidden gem.

Styling Tip: Match it with a neutral blouse or turtleneck, then throw on your best “I fix problems” energy.

5. The Wide-Leg Trousers — Confidence from the Ground Up

Olivia Pope didn’t just walk into rooms; she glided. Wide-leg trousers gave her that effortless, floaty silhouette that made every scene feel cinematic.

Dupes worth snagging:

  • Abercrombie Sloane Tailored Pants: Chic, high-waisted, and super flattering.

  • Zara Flowing Palazzo Pants: They literally move like a dream.

  • H&M Crease-Resistant Pants: For when you want the power look without the ironing drama.

Quick Style Hack: Pair them with a fitted blouse or structured blazer for contrast. Balance is everything — wide on the bottom, sleek on top.

6. The Neutral Palette — Minimal, Not Boring

Let’s face it: Olivia Pope’s color palette rarely strayed beyond white, gray, beige, black, and the occasional blush. And somehow, it never got dull.

Ever wondered why that works so well? It’s because neutral tones = timeless power.

Affordable wardrobe base:

  • Uniqlo Smart Pants in Taupe

  • H&M Ribbed Cream Turtleneck

  • Zara Camel Blazer

  • ASOS Stone Midi Skirt

Style Trick: Mix different shades of the same color. Beige on beige? Totally works if you play with textures like silk, wool, and cotton.

7. The Statement Bag — Olivia’s Quiet Luxury Moment

Olivia’s handbags were basically characters on the show. She loved structured, high-end pieces that whispered “I’m expensive” without screaming it.

Budget-friendly dupes:

  • Charles & Keith Structured Top Handle: The perfect dupe for her Prada or YSL moments.

  • ALDO Croc Embossed Bag: Adds just enough texture for that luxe feel.

  • Teddy Blake Bella Bag: Designer quality without the designer price tag.

Pro Tip: Go for neutral shades like beige, gray, or cream. They instantly look more elevated than loud colors.

8. The Heels — Because Power Needs Height

Let’s talk footwear. Olivia’s heels were always sleek, pointed, and seriously intimidating (in the best way).

Affordable alternatives:

  • Nine West Flax Pump: Classic, comfy, and versatile.

  • Steve Madden Vala Pump: Has that designer silhouette at a fraction of the cost.

  • Sam Edelman Hazel Heel: Chic with just enough toe cleavage (yes, that’s a thing).

Style Hack: Choose nude or taupe shades — they make your legs look endless, just like Liv’s.

9. The Loungewear — “Crisis Mode at Home” Chic

Remember those Scandal scenes where Olivia sipped wine in silky pajamas while fixing Washington from her couch? Iconic.

You can absolutely recreate that luxurious-at-home vibe — minus the political stress.

Affordable picks:

  • SKIMS Soft Lounge Set: Soft, elegant, and totally “Pope-approved.”

  • H&M Satin Pajama Set: For that elevated bedtime drama.

  • Target Stars Above Collection: Budget-friendly comfort that still looks classy.

Style Hack: Add a silk robe and fluffy slippers. Then light a candle, pour that wine, and call it your “damage control” moment.

10. The Olivia Pope Energy — The Real Secret Ingredient

Here’s the truth — you could wear head-to-toe Zara and still channel Olivia Pope energy. Because her real power didn’t come from her clothes (gasp, I know). It came from how she wore them.

Her secret?

  • Confidence. She walked like she owned every room.

  • Composure. Even when everything was falling apart.

  • Elegance. She understood that subtle always beats flashy.

So, if you take anything from this, make it this:

“It’s not just the outfit. It’s the attitude.”

And yes, you can totally steal that too — free of charge.

Bonus: Olivia Pope Closet Starter Pack (Under $300)

If you want to build your “Pope-core” wardrobe without draining your savings, here’s a quick cheat sheet:

  1. White Coat – Zara Belted Ecru Coat ($99)

  2. Tailored Blazer – H&M Premium Blazer ($70)

  3. Silk Blouse – Uniqlo Satin Shirt ($35)

  4. Wide-Leg Pants – Abercrombie Sloane Pants ($60)

  5. Pointed Nude Heels – Steve Madden Vala ($40)

That’s five core pieces under $300, and you’ll still look like you charge $1,000 an hour for fixing political scandals.

Final Thoughts — You Don’t Need Washington to Wear Power

Here’s the thing: Olivia Pope’s style was never about money. It was about message. Every outfit said, “I’m in control,” even when her life was absolute chaos.

You can do that too.
You don’t need designer price tags — you just need intention, good tailoring, and a dash of attitude.

So, go on. Pour yourself a glass of red wine, slip into that white coat, and handle it — because in 2025, power dressing is all about owning your narrative.

Now go slay, Gladiator.

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