In a recent event held at the 92NY centre in New York, Gayle King, the co-anchor of CBS Mornings, firmly reiterated her longstanding aversion to buttons, a characteristic quirk that has garnered public interest over the years. During a discussion celebrating Ruthie Rogers’ latest book, *Table 4 at The River Café: Conversations about Food and Life*, the 71-year-old journalist candidly shared her feelings on the matter, much to the delight and amusement of her audience.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/gayle-king-stella-mccartney-paris-fashion-week-031926-4a9acd9762784ed0ae9e6b7df33072b4.jpg)
King was engaging in a lively conversation with restaurateur Ruthie Rogers and actress Sarah Jessica Parker when the topic of dislikes emerged. Without hesitation, King announced, “I do not like buttons.” Her tone was light-hearted, signalling her awareness of the unusual nature of her dislike. When Parker inquired whether she was referring specifically to clothing buttons, King replied, “Yes. They give me the creeps.” She elaborated further, stating, “I never wear things that have buttons.”
This aversion is not a new revelation for King. In a 2013 interview with *The Cut*, she remarked on her phobia, suggesting that everyone has peculiarities that may seem trivial to others but have a profound impact on them. She described her dislike for buttons as “stupid,” but confessed that they simply do not sit well with her. “I very, very seldom wear anything with buttons. And if I do, they have to be covered,” she stated at the time, expressing her discomfort with the way buttons feel against her skin.
Interestingly, King did clarify that her aversion is not entirely prohibitive. She mentioned that larger closures, such as the “big brass” buttons typically found on jeans, do not bother her in the same way. Her dislike appears to be specifically towards the traditional small buttons commonly used in various garments.
Visual evidence supports her claims; a look through a collection of her public appearances reveals that King often opts for clothing that avoids buttons altogether. In many of her stylish ensembles, she successfully navigates the fashion world without falling prey to this common clothing feature.
However, at the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards in December, she was spotted in a chic suit that featured elegant buttons, showing that she is occasionally willing to compromise. It indicates that while her aversion is strong, her fashion choices can adapt as necessary. This adaptability showcases her understanding of the importance of style, even if it means momentarily confronting her discomfort with buttons.
In the realm of fashion, personal preferences often spark interesting conversations, and King’s button aversion is no exception. Her candour about her peculiar dislike not only engages her audience but also highlights how individual quirks can influence wardrobe choices. As she continues to navigate her career in journalism and entertainment, it is evident that King remains unapologetically herself, button aversions and all.
Despite the humorous nature of her comments, King offers a reminder of the complexities of personal preferences and phobias. What may seem trivial to some can carry significant weight for others, emphasising the diverse spectrum of human behaviour. As she continues to share her experiences, both in her professional life and personal revelations, Gayle King remains a prominent figure in the media landscape, inspiring others to embrace their own unique preferences with confidence.