Mary-Kate Olsen’s Quiet-Luxury Moment at LAX: How Square-Toe Mules Define Her Timeless Minimalism

After marrying French banker Olivier Sarkozy in November 2015, Mary-Kate Olsen continued to refine the quietly luxurious aesthetic that she and twin sister Ashley had turned into a modern-day uniform.

Just months after the wedding, the fashion mogul was spotted at LAX in April 2016—her look a study in minimalist sophistication and footwear precision.

Mary-Kate Olsen shields her eyes behind Oliver Peoples × The Row 71st Street sunglasses while arriving at LAX on April 2, 2016, wearing an ivory textured coat and crisp white blouse

The Power of Square-Toe Mules in Olsen Twin Fashion

Wearing tailored black trousers, an ivory coat, and square-toed leather mules, she demonstrated how the Olsen twins helped usher in a revival of structured, architectural shoe silhouettes that still influence designers today.

Though Mary-Kate and Olivier ultimately split in 2020, finalizing their divorce in January 2021, her understated airport style from that period remains a timeless example of The Row’s pared-back elegance and the enduring power of square-toe shoes.

Mary-Kate arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport with her husband, heading straight to the car while trying to avoid the cameras. The Full House actress wore a white shirt and black pants underneath a chic-looking full-length coat.

The celebrity-turned-entrepreneur shielded her eyes behind Oliver Peoples × The Row sunglasses and finished her minimalist ensemble with black square-toe mules and a structured tote. This pairing perfectly reflected the Olsen twins’ quiet-luxury aesthetic.

Mary-Kate Olsen keeps it effortlessly chic at LAX on April 2, 2016, wearing a full-length ivory coat over black trousers, sleek black mules, and Oliver Peoples × The Row 71st Street sunglasses, finishing her look with The Row’s alligator backpack and a Cartier engagement ring (Credit: WENN)

How the Square-Toe Trend Evolved from the Olsens to the Runway

Square-toe mules have remained popular for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Their bold, structured shape offers a modern edge that stands out from classic rounded or pointed toes, a look championed by designers like Bottega Veneta and embraced by The Row’s architectural minimalism.

The style also taps into early-2000s nostalgia while feeling fresh and relevant, blending comfort and sophistication through its open-back design and wider toe box. From luxury labels such as Wandler and Rejina Pyo to accessible brands like Zara and Mango, square-toe mules continue to dominate both runway and street style — proof that Mary-Kate’s effortless 2016 look helped set the tone for a trend that’s still thriving today.

Explore More Square-Toe Shoe Trends

A closer look at Mary-Kate Olsen’s black square-toed leather mules, which she paired with tailored trousers for her minimalist travel look at LAX

While it was never publicly confirmed why Mary-Kate flew to Los Angeles, her visit likely coincided with preparations for the debut of Elizabeth and James’ first brick-and-mortar boutique — a milestone moment for the minimalist fashion label she co-founded with her twin sister, Ashley.

As this story comes full circle, it’s clear that Mary-Kate’s enduring influence extends far beyond her early Hollywood years. Together with Ashley, she’s helped redefine modern luxury through effortless silhouettes, timeless accessories, and quietly powerful shoe choices that continue to inspire minimalist dressing worldwide.

More Iconic Olsen Twins Fashion and Shoe Moments