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Home • Red Carpet

Channeling Nostalgia With This Celebrity Look: Oprah Winfrey

Winfrey turned heads and prompted double takes with her look at the 1995 Academy Awards.
Channeling Nostalgia With This Celebrity Look: Oprah Winfrey
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc
By Mecca Pryor · Updated January 29, 2026
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Oprah Winfrey is a global media titan, philanthropist, and enduring style icon whose influence has shaped culture for decades. Born in rural Mississippi and raised in Milwaukee, Winfrey rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful voices in television history. Her groundbreaking talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, aired for 25 years and redefined daytime TV by centering empathy, vulnerability, and storytelling, ultimately reaching millions of viewers worldwide and cementing her status as a cultural force.

Beyond television, Oprah built an expansive media empire through Harpo Productions, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), and O, The Oprah Magazine. Her work has earned her countless accolades, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, an Academy Award nomination, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Whether championing literature through her influential book club or spotlighting changemakers, Oprah’s impact extends far beyond entertainment.

Her talents also translate seamlessly to film, with standout performances in The Color Purple, Beloved, and Selma, proving her versatility as both a producer and actress. On the red carpet, Oprah’s fashion presence mirrors her authority—defined by rich jewel tones, luxurious fabrics, and silhouettes that balance elegance with power. Designers such as Versace, Stella McCartney, and Dolce & Gabbana have frequently dressed her, reinforcing her reputation as a woman who understands the language of style.

One of her most unforgettable fashion moments came at the 1995 Academy Awards, where she wore a collared brown gown with a cinched waist and a voluminous skirt, finished with tulle cascading along the train. She completed the look with a striking diamond drop-link necklace and matching drop earrings.

This timeless, sophisticated aesthetic can be recreated by shopping the links below, allowing you to channel Oprah’s refined approach to style—where confidence, intention, and elegance lead. From media mogul to fashion icon, Oprah Winfrey’s legacy remains one worth emulating, season after season.

Channeling Nostalgia With This Celebrity Look: Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey during 1995 Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
01
01 Norma Kamali Satin Gown
This brown dress from Norma Kamali is an exact replica of the one Winfrey wore that evening in 1995. Available at Mytheresa
560 Shop Now
02
02 Veronica Beard Medina Silk Maxi Skirt
Instead of buying the full gown, opt for separates—style the maxi skirt with a complementary top for a more versatile look. Available at Veronica Beard
274 Shop Now
03
03 L’Academie by Marianna Elsie Shirt
Shop this button-up from Revolve to pair with silk. Available at Revolve
179 Shop Now
04
04 SOKO Delicate Dash Necklaace
Shop this gold selection inspired by Oprah’s diamond-encrusted, drop-shaped necklace. Available at WeLoveUs.Shop
168 Shop Now
05
05 Alexis Bittar Dream Rain Post Drop Earring
Available at Alexis Bittar
375 Shop Now
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on the links we provide, we may receive compensation.