Year after year, Gayle King’s star power keeps widening beyond her reporting work and branching into the fashion world.
The host of “CBS Mornings” has become a recognizable presence at the industry’s biggest events, from the Met Gala to Paris Fashion Week, often alongside her longtime friend Oprah Winfrey.
Her newfound prominence on the fashion scene has drawn in new admirers while also attracting some unnecessary naysayers.
On Tuesday, July 21, King lashed out at a publication that had added her to their “worst dressed” list for attendees at the FIFA World Cup Final 2026.
She began, “Earlier this week, a publication included me on the ‘Worst Dressed of the World Cup’ roster. Not only was I placed there, they claimed I led the list, describing my look as a “frumpy white outfit.”
The publication went on to criticize her “tight white tank top” and her “wrinkled white sweatpants.”
King added a subtle rebuke by noting that her top came from a high-end fashion label, Boston Proper, while her pants were a design by Alice and Olivia.
Continuing to quote the article, King stated, “My outfit overall was ‘boring and dowdy.’”
The 71-year-old explained that the piece highlighted Kylie Jenner’s “underwhelming” dress, Blake Lively’s “too much” look, and Winnie Harlow’s “overboard” ensemble as some of fashion’s most notable misses.
“I believe all these women look fantastic, and since they’ve previously earned Best Dressed honors, I’m in very good company,” King clarified.
She chose not to name the publication. Yet she offered a pointed reply when co-host Norah O’Donnell teased, “And weren’t you headed to a soccer match?”
King answered, “Well that’s the thing. I didn’t realize, Norah, that the World Cup had become such a fashion show.”
View this post on Instagram
Danielle Brooks
I am a staff writer at New York Beacon, where I focus on culture, entrepreneurship, and the emerging voices redefining Black America. My work highlights innovators, artists, and founders whose stories often unfold beyond mainstream headlines but shape communities in meaningful ways. Through precise reporting and thoughtful storytelling, I aim to document progress, challenge narratives, and contribute to a stronger Black press tradition.