The Row Proves Style and Practicality are Not Mutually Exclusive

The Row's Resort 2016 Collection Promises to Keep You Warm

Of all fashion houses, The Row conjures to mind the most exciting portrait of warmth in clothing. When thinking of winter weather, I think of the Olsen twins and their fashion house. I think of Mary–Kate and Ashley bundled up under Aram oversized cashmere ponchos, motto stretch–leggings, two pairs of black chucks, and, of course, John Lennon inspired aviators. The couture fashion label, named after Savile Row in London, is the brainchild of twin sisters, Mary–Kate and Ashley Olsen. Celebrities debuting a fashion line is by no means a new enterprise (think Jessica Simpson, Ivanka Trump, Britney Spears, etc.), but building a brand of critical acclaim and commercial prosperity is, indeed, novel. Invalidating any doubt as to the sisters' legitimacy as designers, Mary–Kate and Ashley accepted the CFDA’s (Council of Fashion Designers of America) 2015 Womenswear Designer award for the second time in three years this past June. 

Applauded for its luxurious approach to cut, color and fabric, The Row’s immaculate Resort 2016 collection perfected the season’s most sophisticated looks. From classic monochrome and tonal neutrals to cozy sweater dressing, the brand’s long silhouettes are best left layered, letting the clean balance between structure and fluid lines speak for themselves. "Well–balanced" is the term Mary Kate used to describe the new season, pointing out that the collection is very much customer–focused. The Resort pieces have a relaxed vibe that will pair perfectly with previous house collections, featuring sharper looks that display a well–insulated yet chic ensemble.

Compared to the house’s previous fall collection, Resort came across as slightly more utilitarian in the quartet of pockets adorning well–tailored jackets and the sturdy belts that cinched them. The collection is very much an evolution of what was seen in fall. And, although the Olsens clearly have an affinity for structured pieces, each item in the Resort collection was given a leisurely air, perhaps with the weather conscious Row client in mind.

NOTABLE NUMBERS from The Row's Resort 2016 Collection

Style Advice...

The first look of the collection is a classic, neutral cream coat with notched lapels, a belted waist, oversized front–flap pockets, and tailored long sleeves. Pair with an off–white cashmere turtleneck, soft emerald wide–leg pants, and closed–toe leather sandals.

Style Advice...

A stunning dark navy shearling hooded coat offers an oversized fit, panelled construction, a shawl collar, and side–on–seam pockets. Keep it simple with a loop neck –tshirt over slim cut nylon leggings and clean–profile booties.

Style Advice...

Midway into the collection, a soft, peach ribbed cashmere turtleneck sweater debuts with a latching leather belt and ultra–wide legged trousers. Think 70's fashion meets Grace Kelly. Make sure the color story is one of continuity, and pair kitten heels with the look in order to avoid drowning in the lux fabric.

Style Advice...

The most progressive of the collection, a dark navy suit with a quartet of pockets, appears under a mid–calf length coat of a lighter shade of navy. Wet hair and a tight ponytail make for a clean, minimalist look.