If there’s one thing Oprah’s going to be, it’s powerful. Whether it’s her iconic O, The Oprah Magazine covers over the decades, moving episodes of the Oprah Winfrey Show throughout the nineties and early aughts, or even creating the OWN channel, Winfrey knows a thing or two about leaving an audience inspired. This is, of course, inclusive of her beauty moments throughout her career, too. I mean, you couldn’t go an episode of her show without discussing her silky silk presses, big bouncy curls, or bouffant pixie cuts, and more, done by her former long-time stylist Andre Walker. And, we can’t forget when, in 2009, Chris Rock went on her show, while promoting the Good Hair documentary, and couldn’t believe her full head of healthy hair was real.
Most recently, at Paris Fashion Week, she’s continued to turn heads with elegant, yet bold statements. Her equestrian-chic ensembles at shows like Céline and Stella McCartney were balanced out with variations on one hairstyle, done by her trusted stylist Nicole Mangrum, in particular: the power pony.
And what is a power pony, you might ask? It’s that sleek, bold high ponytail that you can virtually never go wrong with. In a rush? Slick your hair back. On your way to something formal and can’t decide what to do with your hair? Pull it up. Want to draw attention to your facial features, outfit, and physique? You know the drill.
A ponytail, contrary to what some may believe, can give off a youthful vibe without coming off as childlike. Rather, it’s the perfect balance of playful and sophisticated. It’s a reliable style, no matter the occasion, and no matter the texture. It will leave you feeling empowered, confident, and ready to take on whatever is tossed your way. And Oprah, specifically, reminded us of this during her time in the city of love—that channeling bossy lady energy is just a slick back away. And that a ponytail doesn’t have to mean
Below for the different ways Oprah rocked her power pony throughout Paris Fashion Week. Trust, you’ll have endless inspiration for your next pony this spring—and beyond.
Soft Wavy Pony at Stella McCartney
Oprah started off her week in Paris front row at the Stella McCartney show, next to bestie Gayle King, of course. For her outfit, a salmon pink blazer topped off a white button down. Peeking out of the sleeves was a pearlescent mani, matching her silver, pearled hoops. The earrings drew our attention up to her sleek updo that cascaded elegantly into a soft, wavy ponytail.
The Bubble Pony at Chloé
Her saddle-ready look—specifically a tan suede cropped jacket, high wasted pants, and cut-out heels—paired perfectly with none other than a nostalgic bubble ponytail. The chestnut color added warmth to her gorgeous skin tone and fall-toned get-up. Overall, a reminder you can add a touch of fun and playfulness to an otherwise more mature look.
The Straight Pony at Zimmerman
This head-to-toe brown leather look has me obsessed! The bomber jacket with the cinched waste needs to be added to my closet immediately. The chestnut brown, pointed toe heels add elegance and flair to the edgier look, much like the golden dangly earrings do. Aviator shades and a patterned purse ground the fit in all things cool. And the hair, of course, is sleek and lengthy. Although straight, she’s not boring! Peep those blonde and chestnut highlights adding dimension and texture.
The Bouncy, Curly Pony at Chanel
How you say you love me? You ain’t put me in a bouncy, curly ponytail at Chanel… or whatever Tyla said! In any case, it’s clear that hair stylist, Mangrum, loves her some Oprah with the looks she’s helped her pull together over the years. And this ponytail certainly confirms this.
Once again, shining light on the versatility of the style, this final look for Oprah’s Paris Fashion Week FW26 run was every bit of chic! The all white trench coat, with black trim, and matching skirt and blouse was everything we needed to see. The Barbie-coded glam didn’t hurt either. See: coral lip stick, and, of course, the bouncy curled ponytail that was the cherry-on-top of a mod, sixties look.
