Mindy Kaling’s True Feelings on Winning “Who Wore It Best”
Mindy Kaling, Nicki Minaj Amy Sussman;Larry Busacca/Getty Images(2)
Mindy Kaling offered a refreshingly relatable reaction after winning a recent round of “Who Wore It Best?”
In the December 2 edition of Us Weekly, Kaling, 45, triumphed over Nicki Minaj in an Instagram poll that invited followers to choose who styled the same black-and-white Versace dress more effectively.
Kaling garnered 61 percent of the votes for her stunning appearance in the archival 2012 creation at the Academy Museum Gala, where she was dressed by Jenna Anne Filingeri this past October. In contrast, Minaj, 42, had a bolder take at the 2011 Billboard Women in Music Awards, but it wasn’t enough to outshine Kaling.
Upon seeing the results, Kaling responded with her trademark humor in a visit to The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on December 10.
@colbertlateshow #MindyKaling loves and respects Queen @Nicki Minaj — even after @Us Weekly crowned her the winner of “who wore it best.” They are both icons to us! #Colbert
“This is the first time I’ve ever won!” she exclaimed to Colbert, visibly excited, but then adopted a more diplomatic approach. “As a feminist, I don’t believe in setting women against one another. However, as someone who’s a bit vain and competitive, I enjoy looking better than others. It’s a balance I strive for.”
Kaling went on to explain: “Before I became known, I’d read these polls. Once I became somewhat famous, I started getting pitted against people like Bella Hadid, asking, ‘Who wore it better: Mindy Kaling in a striped sweater or a supermodel in the same sweater?’ It always seems to favor the traditionally attractive one.”
She quickly reiterated her excitement: “But for the first time ever…” to which Colbert acknowledged, “You completely outperformed her.” Kaling remarked she’d feel more ecstatic if her victory weren’t against someone like Minaj. “I can’t even relish this moment because it’s against Nicki Minaj, whom I both fear and admire,” she said.
For clarity, Minaj has always advocated for women, including Kaling and herself, to express their opinions freely. “Don’t hold back your voice just because someone might label you as aggressive,” she stated in 2015. “Speak your truth.”
Kaling has been open about the effort it requires to maintain her chic appearance on the red carpet. “I’ve never understood the allure of ‘effortlessness,’” she explained to Nylon in 2017. “I believe that showing up for an event indicates you care. Hence, I put in a lot of effort,” she stated, while also praising Reese Witherspoon, whom she describes as another dedicated dresser. (“I’ve never seen Reese without perfectly styled hair and makeup.”)
This isn’t the first time Kaling has commented during a fashion rivalry, which has included an array of twinning moments with Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales.
L.K. Bennet floral dress. The caption read: “UHH, Miss Duchess Whoever, I WORE this dress last week! What’s next? Kate in my donut print pajamas? Seriously!”
In even less “scientific” contexts than Us Weekly’s “Who Wore It Best?” (as the comedian humorously referred to it), Kaling delights in seeing other celebrities who share her fashion sense.
Mindy Kaling is a talented writer, producer, and actress — and she’s also a fashion icon. The co-creator of Never Have I Ever frequently uses Instagram to showcase her striking outfits (complete with her clever and cheeky remarks, of course). Most of her fashion selections feature vibrant prints and cheerful colors, […]
In 2022, designer Tory Burch shared an Instagram post featuring Middleton, 52, in a floral dress from the brand while in Belize, prompting Kaling to comment: “I have this dress, and I squealed when I saw it on her.”
The following year, Kaling was listed as one of Us Weekly‘s breakout style stars for 2023. And it’s apparent to Us that this is not the last time she’ll come out on top in “Who Wore It Best?” either.
