Gayle King Slams Critics Over ‘Frumpy’ World Cup Outfit, Defends Style Choices

Gayle King is not taking fashion criticism lying down.

The journalist faced backlash after a publication branded her one of the “worst-dressed” at the FIFA World Cup Final 2026.

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“My outfit overall was ‘boring and dowdy,’” King stated on “CBS Mornings,” recounting the harsh words from the unnamed publication.

She was singled out for leading the list, described as wearing a “frumpy white outfit,” specifically a “tight, white tank top … paired with some wrinkled, white sweatpants.”

King defended her ensemble, revealing it was a Boston Proper tank matched with Alice + Olivia cargo pants.

Despite claims of wrinkled pants, she noted that her “favorite son, Will, ironed the pants” for her.

“He said the pockets were a little dicey because [he] doesn’t know how to iron,” she joked.

King expressed surprise at the fashion scrutiny surrounding the World Cup, quipping, “I didn’t realize that the World Cup had become such a fashion show.”

She also mentioned other women on the worst-dressed list but defended their looks, stating they all “looked so great.”

“Joining me on the list are Kylie Jenner, who was wearing a black outfit. They called that ‘underwhelming.’ Blake Lively also made the list because she had way too much going on with her look. And model Winnie Harlow — I love this — she was deemed ‘overboard,’ but she also made the best-dressed list, too.”