While everyone looks to the runway to pick out the most wearable autumn/winter fashion trends for 2025, we’re looking to those sitting front row for inspiration when it comes to our autumn outfit ideas – and Oprah Winfrey’s monochrome outfit is a standout.
Stepping out at the Ralph Lauren New York Fashion Week show on the 10th September, she took the outfit formula of a white shirt and black trousers to a whole new level by playing around with texture, shape and layering.
But it wasn't just her bold outfit that caught our eye. Oprah's chic handbag was by US designer Ralph Lauren. The Ralph Calfskin Tote by Ralph Lauren was a spring 2025 season handbag, but its design already feels timeless enough to live on for years to come.
Shop Oprah's Sleek Style
This bag debuted on the Spring 2025 runway and has been stuck in our minds ever since. Wooden top handles and a removable calfskin shoulder strap make it easy to carry, while a belt detail adds contrast to the buttery calfskin leather.
If you don't already have a white button-up in your collection, this Mango shirt makes for a versatile and affordable investment. Wear alone for a timeless look, or make the most of its pared-back design and play around with layering.
Emulating the baggier fit of Oprah's leather trousers, this pair from &Other Stories have a relaxed fit and gently tapered leg to create volume at the waist and thigh. Oh, and they're in the sale too.
Oprah has left us so inspired with her lace layering top, which looks so chic styled underneath her button-up. This sheer long sleeve with a high neck is ideal for recreating her look.
![black leather trousers]](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MktyNMLpn4fPKx8oA5huHa-1920-80.jpg.webp)
These leather trousers have a less voluminous shape than Oprah's but still emulate her fashionably casual style with their elasticated waist and wide, flared leg.
This Demellier New York bag is one of our favourite affordable handbags, and its shape is uncannily similar to Oprah's Ralph Calfskin Tote. While it's missing the buckle detail and wood handle, it has a similar silhouette overall.
The brilliance of Oprah’s outfit is how it uses autumn capsule wardrobe staples to build a show-stopping look.
Going for leather trousers in place of simple black tailored ones is the real styling secret here, with the luxurious texture and gently ballooning shape at the leg adding a fashion-forward flair. Taking that playfulness through to the rest of her outfit, Oprah continued to play with texture and shape on the top by elevating her simple button-up with a layered lace turtleneck worn underneath – so simple yet so effective.
A stark reminder that black and white pieces, while simple in their monochromatic colour palette, can be creative and directional when we hone in on silhouette and texture.
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