Fictional Style Icon: Annalise Keating

Annalise Keating is one of the most complex characters I’ve ever encountered in television. But, surprising nobody, Viola Davis always gives 110% in her performance, so there’s a lot more to focus on than just what she’s wearing.

But, it’s still hard to miss.

When I think about modern, stylish, brilliant, powerful women in television, Annalise Keating and Olivia Pope are the first names that come to mind. So, it was no surprise to learn that these two fictional powerhouses are styled by the same person. The two characters seem to have more and more in common as I continue to watch. But, their senses of style are still distinct and completely them. 

In Annalise’s closet, you’ll find…

Designer sheaths

Annalise loves a good sheath dress. Sheaths are probably the style she’s most often shown in, which isn’t surprising considering how flattering they are on her. The silhouette is conservative enough to wear in the courtroom but still modern and stylish. Plus, she often experiments with colors rarely shown on TV lawyers of the past. The jewel-toned dress shown above is by Oscar de la Renta and I’m still not over how amazing she looks in it.

Bold accessories

Apparently, this recurring element in Annalise’s wardrobe exists solely because Viola really loves statement jewelry, which I love. While her dresses may be sleek and simple, her accessories are always chunky bracelets and necklaces and big earrings. Not many people can pull them off, but Annalise Keating does it effortlessly.

Her fashion, her armor

It’s no secret to any HTGAWM fan that Annalise’s personal life contrasts wildly with her work life. In fact, that minute-long scene of her wiping off her makeup, taking off her wig, and pulling off her lashes was just as intense and powerful as any other part of the show. I really loved what costume designer Linda Bass had to say about it in an interview with Fashionista, too:

“You know it’s so funny because I’ve always been quoted as saying her clothes are like her armor, but it’s the whole package. Annalise is a complicated and, as Viola says, ‘a messy woman.’ Her life is very complicated, but she is totally put together in hair and makeup and what she wears. So that when she walks out of the house, when she’s in the courtroom, she is very together. She’s an imposing force partly because she is so pulled together in what she looks like.”

Need some more fictional fashion in your life? Check out last week’s style icon, Jackie Burkhart.