No matter how out of control Olivia Pope's professional and personal lives get, this fixer's wardrobe is always handled. So, we were all surprised to see Miss Pope looking a little less like herself for the second half of Scandal's fifth season [1].
Where we used to find Olivia curled up in a chic white cardigan on her couch or visiting the Oval Office in a draped, cream-colored cape coat, this season's been full of change — and her bolder, brighter wardrobe might just be the most obvious indication of that shift. While a part of us is sad to see her signature style go [2], we're optimistic about the new direction, at least as far as fashion is concerned. See exactly how her style has evolved with primary colors and notice-me prints, then grab your favorite bottle of red and pour a glass in honor of the show's Thursday night season finale.
In plaid on the campaign circuit with Mellie Grant.
Making a statemet in a fiery red.
Brilliant in blue.
Looking a bit more like herself in a black blazer . . .
. . . And then, not so much — in a bold yellow peacoat.
A lot of things haven't changed, but florals for Olivia Pope actually are kind of groundbreaking.
A full gold skirt is a new formal look for Olivia, too.
We don't know what the argument's about — but Olivia's jacket certainly beats her dad's blazer.
What goes better with Olivia's bright top than brilliant red pumps?
Olivia did black with a pop of color for dinner.
Giving bright blue and florals a spin.
Olivia balanced a splashy top with a solid blazer.
We spied Olivia showing off a modern, graphic print.
Looking more like her old self, Olivia added charcoal blazer to a black top.
For a night in with Mellie, she punched up a black top with fuchsia.
Even Olivia's bag got a bright update.
We know chic white looks were her thing, but we're loving this citrus hue.
A fresh tangerine shift for a change.
We happen to think a bold color looks even better in the boardroom.
Why wear a basic trench when you could wear one like this?
The subtle floral detailing is a nice touch too.
Olivia said goodbye to the white hat right at the start of the season.
