Mary-Kate and Ashley

Shop Mary-Kate and Ashley

Known for years as simply the "Olsen twins," Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have lived their entire lives in the public eye. They were cast to share the role of Michelle Tanner in the sitcom Full House when they were just six months old, and the world watched them grow up on television. At age six, the two became part owners of Dualstar Entertainment (which would go on to produce most of their TV specials and movies), and by the time they were 12 years old, they had inked a deal to design an exclusive clothing line for Walmart.

Founded in 1998, the Mary-Kate and Ashley brand was one of the first celebrity clothing lines--and certainly a trailblazer because it was geared toward tweens. Despite their young ages, the twins were very involved in the design and creation of the brand's clothes. Mary-Kate and Ashley became a huge hit for Walmart and ushered in a new era for the mega-retailer's apparel division. By the mid-2000s, the Olsens had moved on from kids' clothes and started to mature their designs. They left Walmart behind and began creating their own labels, including The Row, Elizabeth and James, and Olsenboye.

Babies & Kids Merchandise

Products

Even though Mary-Kate and Ashley brand clothes are no longer sold at Walmart, the brand continues to be popular via resale. The Olsens were essentially untrained when they started their first brand, but they drew the attention of the fashion world with their unique bohemian styles. Peasant tops and stylish tanks are some of the shirts that set the brand apart from other tween options. You can also find graphic tees, henleys, blouses, croptops, patterned shirts, and tunics. Sweatshirts, vests, and cardigans are good for layering, while blazers and jackets are designed with fabrics like velour and velvet.

The brand's bottoms continue to show off its bohemian-chic flair. Jeans have unique adornments like sequins, patches, embroidery, fur cuffs, and colored stitching, and they are available in a few different cuts. Denim is also a popular fabric for Mary-Kate and Ashley skirts and shorts, though other options like velour are also available. Skirts, in particular, often feature multiple fabrics stitched together in a number of different patterns. Dresses are mostly casual and available in styles like sundresses and shifts. The brand's shoes include boots, sandals, and flats, and you can also find accessories including hats, scarves, and handbags.

Swap.com's Rating of Mary-Kate and Ashley

The Mary-Kate and Ashley brand is hard to categorize because it really set itself apart from any children's line seen before or since. The success of the brand took Walmart executives by surprise in the early 2000s, and it also helped make Dualstar Entertainment a multibillion-dollar company. Even though the Olsens have moved on from designing kids' clothes, the styles they introduced still hold up today because they are so unique that they are basically timeless. Since the line was affordably priced at Walmart, you can continue to find some great deals via consignment. We give Mary-Kate and Ashley 4 stars out of 5.