Fashion

13 Times Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen Stepped Out on Their Own And Looked Amazing

Blame it on the fact that I grew up with two older brothers, but I've never really understood the whole sister thing, much less the whole twins thing. And especially when it comes to dressing alike and going practically nowhere without one another, much like twins, birthday girls, and former teen style icons Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have become famous for doing. But as heartwarming as it is to see the actresses-turned-designers always by one another's side (and looking ridiculously chic while doing so), the ladies have proven over the years that they can look good on their own, too. So to celebrate MK & A's 28th birthday, let's take a look at 13 times the twins looked stylish while flying solo (or at least while stepping away from her other half long enough to be photographed alone).

by Mary Avant

Ashley at the 2009 Met Gala

The ladies are always some of the biggest style stars at the annual fashion event, but Ashley’s all-white number from 2009 was an especially gorgeous look and one of the celeb’s most minimally chic ensembles to date.

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Mary-Kate at the 2009 Independent Spirit Awards

Black may be Mary-Kate’s go-to hue, but there’s a good reason behind it: She looks insanely chic in the sleek, moody hue, especially when she wears it in the form of an embellished and structured mini.

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Ashley at 'The Hangover' Los Angeles premiere

Showing off her delightfully simplistic side once again, Ashley absolutely wowed in this satin slip dress at the premiere of then-boyfriend Justin Bartha’s comedy The Hangover.

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Mary-Kate at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival

From the gorgeous draping and killer gold belt to the subtle embellishments and major case of bed head, MK nailed it in this glam ensemble.

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Ashley at the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards

This relaxed, beautifully beaded dress was all the more stylish thanks to Ashley’s sexy, undone hair and choice of delicate, barely-there accessories.

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Mary-Kate at the 2011 Met Gala

I, for one, was thrilled to see Mary-Kate copying Ashley’s stunning red hue with her 2011 Met Gala gown, which somehow didn’t look Christmas-y even with with its emerald collar and cuff detailing.

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Ashley at a 2010 Art of Elysium Gala

Giving off a major Victorian-era vibe, Ashley looked lovely and mysterious in her high-neck, sheer-overlay gown and vampy red lip.

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Mary-Kate at the 2012 Met Gala

Leave it to Mary-Kate to make a satin, all-covered-up ensemble look ridiculously high fashion and not one bit granny.

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Ashley at the 2013 Met Gala

How many other style stars could show up to fashion’s biggest event wearing a sheer orange (yet totally fabulous) caftan?

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Mary-Kate at the 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards

MK went dark from head to toe (hair included!) in this chic two-piece ensemble, whose relaxed fit and draped jewels looked nothing but classic and refined.

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Ashley at a Club Monaco Event in New York City

Looking like the quintessential New Yorker, Ashley showed off her sleek and structured side in this enviable cape coat, peplum skirt, and sling-back pumps.

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Mary-Kate at the 2013 Met Gala

You’ve got to give her this: Mary-Kate sure knows how to live up to the saying, “Go big or go home.”

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Ashley at the DVF Journey of a Dress Exhibition

Ashley proved once and for all that while she stuns in couture gowns and boho-chic creations, she absolutely rules in a classic LBD.

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