For Goldberg, fashion should never be dictated by age, but by personal comfort and happiness
Whoopi Goldberg has always been known for her bold personality, and her approach to fashion reflects just that. At 69, the actress and talk show host has a refreshingly simple outlook on her wardrobe, insisting that her fashion choices are more about comfort than deep meaning.
In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Goldberg shared her no-fuss philosophy on clothing: “I wish I could tell you it’s deep like that, but it’s not. If it fits and it’s comfortable, I put it on.” The Sister Act star explained that she doesn’t adhere to any complicated rules when it comes to fashion. For her, it’s about practicality, ensuring that whatever she wears feels right and suits her needs.
However, Goldberg’s fashion choices haven’t always been met with kindness. She revealed that her 1993 Academy Awards outfit caused her significant emotional distress. At the time, she faced ridicule for wearing a purple and green bedazzled jumpsuit, paired with a voluminous purple jacket that had bright green lining. The look, which was far from conventional, attracted mockery and criticism, leaving Goldberg feeling hurt and questioning her style decisions. In a 2023 interview with Page Six Style, Goldberg confessed that the backlash from the Oscars outfit affected her confidence in her style for years. “It kept me from dressing up for a very long time,” she admitted. “You have to remember, in those days, they would say things, and you’d think, ‘Do I really look that ridiculous?’”
Despite the criticism, Goldberg stood by her choice, explaining that the outfit was inspired by one of her comedy idols, Lucille Ball. She admired the iconic I Love Lucy star for her striking outfits on the set of the groundbreaking 1950s sitcom. “Lucy would always come out in these great ensembles, and I thought, I would like to wear that! And green is not a color I would normally wear; let me try it.”
When asked if she would wear the look again, Goldberg confidently replied, “Absolutely.” Goldberg, who has long been an advocate for body positivity and self-expression, has also used her platform to address issues of ageism in fashion. In a 2019 interview with InStyle magazine, she criticized the double standards women face when it comes to dressing according to their age. “People will always say to somebody young, ‘Oh, you’re dressing so old,’ and they will say to an older woman, ‘Oh, you’re dressing too young’,” she said.
For Goldberg, fashion should never be dictated by age, but by personal comfort and happiness. “The clothes that we made, you could be 21 and wear it, you could be 65 and wear it, you could be whatever age you are and look good in it. And feel good in it,” she continued. “You’re not too old to wear anything that makes you happy. That’s the key. The only important voice, ever, is your own.” In her own unique way, Goldberg is redefining what it means to dress confidently and comfortably, proving that style knows no age limits.
