InStyle [1] talked to Kerry Washington [2], who dishes on what striking style changeup we can expect from Scandal's Olivia Pope this season.

Get ready gladiators, Scandal [3] is back! Kerry Washington [4] celebrated the release of The Limited Collection Inspired by Scandal [5] in New York City, and she had plenty to say about sneakers, keeping secrets, and what we can expect her character Olivia Pope to wear in season four of the hit series.

While Olivia Pope typically sticks to chic business attire, Washington has a more casual approach to fashion. "On my days off, I'm a big jeans and sneakers girl," she tells InStyle. "I'm obsessed with being able to design your own sneakers on Nike [6], and I'm really thinking about getting those new Chanel [7] sneakers. I love a good sneaker!" While the actress loves her character's sense of style, it differs greatly from her own. Case in point: she wore a graphic-print Giles [8] dress, sparkling Roger Vivier [9] clutch and bow-adorned shoes, and a Movado [10] watch (above) to the event. "I think I like to have a little bit more fun with fashion than Olivia does," says Washington. "She has fun wearing gorgeous clothes, but I like to play a little bit more with color and patterns as well as different shapes and silhouettes."

After our Twitter chat with the star this week [11], we were dying to know more about what we can expect to see Washington wear on Scandal this season. What's one style surprise we can expect that's a changeup from her previous looks [12]? Pope may be ditching her signature Prada [13] accessories. "We made a choice about the handbag for the first episode that real fans of the show will appreciate," Washington shares. "They will really love it and get it." The star also had some sound advice to share about how to stay mum on your personal and work life à la Olivia Pope. "The secret to keeping a secret is staying sober," Washington states.

Where on earth is Olivia Pope? Be sure to tune in and find out when Scandal airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

More from InStyle:

Kerry Washington's Best Looks Ever [14]
Chloë Grace Moretz's Flawless Street Style [15]
Crossbody Bags We Covet [16]