Phoebe Gates Outfits That Really Could've Used Some Extra Pizzazz

At only 23, Phoebe Gates, the youngest child of Melinda and Bill Gates, has already started making waves in the business world. At just 22, she and a friend launched Phia, an online and AI-powered app that's meant to help people shop better and wiser, because it helps the user find the best deals out there — something we can all use in this market. "Sophia [Kianni] and I are first-time founders, and learning as we go," Gates told People in November 2024 about the app. "With Phia's beta, we're building with our customers, so we can deliver a product that ultimately makes them the smartest shoppers in the room."

But while Gates has launched a fashion-focused app, she doesn't seem to be very daring in her personal approach to style. Granted, not everyone is a fearless fashionista, but that doesn't mean one should totally snub any attempt at a little pizzazz. However, that's exactly what Gates does more often than not.

While it's true that neither Melinda or Bill Gates have been cited for their style, it doesn't mean that their daughter, Phoebe, has to follow in their footsteps. After all, at 23 and with her last name, the world is her oyster. Gates just needs to stop fearing color and sparkles.

When Phoebe Gates arrived at the Karlie Kloss, Phoebe Gates And Culture House Media — "Freedom At Stake" premiere at SXSW in March 2026, her look really could've used some color. Although there are plenty of monochrome outfits to inspire one-tone looks, this dress isn't one of those. 

While there's a lot of options that Gates has here, even something as simple as a thin black or even red belt, could do wonders. If she doesn't want to disrupt the monochrome, then a bold-hued pair of heels would immediately elevate this entire outfit, giving it what it's missing: color. 

In May 2026, Phoebe Gates was photographed on the Upper East Side, and her ensemble leaves a lot of questions. For starters, why is she trying to wear cottagecore at night in one of the most glamorous cities in the world? And secondly, where is her basket bag to complete this cottagecore trend that she's trying to make happen? 

When it comes to dressing for early summer in the city, especially at night, you skip the florals and toss on your favorite LBD that perfectly fits your style along with accessories that shine and shimmer.

While based on this photo, Phoebe Gates doesn't need any tips on rocking pinstripes outside the office, she does require some help with her accessories. When Gates was photographed in Midtown in November 2024, she brought her A-game with this suit, but that's where the story ends. 

Although there's nothing wrong with her bag on its own, because she's essentially in head-to-toe black, a different color handbag would have been far more complementary — even if it was just a charcoal gray. The white is too white, making Gates — and her fabulous suit — disappear behind it.

As much as quiet luxury was a trend in 2023 and 2024, when this photo was taken of Phoebe Gates attending the October 21, 2024 premiere of her documentary, "In Bloom: Everybody's Fight for Reproductive Rights," she just looks woefully underdressed. 

Granted, she's not starring in the documentary, but as one of the producers, you'd think she'd at least tuck in her shirt. In addition to tucking in her long-sleeve tee, had she let her hair down and gone for a bold red lip, she could have easily gone from drab to fab. 

If you're wondering at this point if Phoebe Gates has a stylist, it's probably safe to assume that she doesn't. After all, she launched an app to help people shop, so she just might fancy herself an expert in this field. 

That being said, when Gates attended The Female Force hosted by Hearst Magazines in March 2026, the boxy blazer wasn't doing her any favors. Considering the simple elegance of her ankle-length dress, the blazer was her chance to take this look to another level, either by opting for one with shape or a few minimal embellishments.

Although head-to-toe black is a classic look, it doesn't mean there isn't an art to wearing that much of the same color. In December 2024, Phoebe Gates attended the Skims New York flagship store opening in Midtown and proved that too much black isn't always a good idea. 

While separately these pieces — the black knee-high boots, black slip dress, and black coat, work — it's another moment where a pop of color could've helped. Even something as small as an emerald or ruby ring would have made a difference.

In June 2024, Phoebe Gates attended the alice + olivia Pride Party at Terminal 5 and was dressed for the occasion. New York City is notoriously hot once the middle of June rolls around, so this two-piece outfit works. 

What doesn't work is that this is a Pride event, and that all but demands colors, sparkles, and something with personality — but there's no personality to be found in this photo at all. As we've seen, Gates doesn't seem to be too interested in color, but a shimmering body lotion or glitter could've brought fun to the equation.

Considering how many high-profile events Phoebe Gates has attended in the last few years, you'd think she would have nailed how to dress for all occasions, but that's not the case. 

In May 2025, Gates was photographed in New York City looking like she was either on her way to her job as a kindergarten teacher or to court for jury duty. Although the dress is cute, there's a juvenility about it that could've been prevented with a fitted, cropped jacket or dark-colored shoes.

In January 2023, Phoebe Gates hosted the Female Founder cocktail hour for her company, Phia, and the jewelry brand, Shiffon. While Gates' outfit is more glamorous and trendy compared to what she usually wears, there's still room for pizzazz. 

For example, she's wearing a fantastic blue dress which could have been complemented by an equally fantastic pair of colorful heels, but she opted for clear kicks instead. Also, because she's wearing her hair up for a change, this would've been a great opportunity to wear a bejeweled necklace.