On January 26, 2026, Danielle Brooks announced she is adopting a bold new style this year, determined to stop hiding behind her clothes and fully embrace her presence. The acclaimed actress, known for her role in The Color Purple, is focusing on expressing herself more confidently through fashion as part of her personal growth in 2026.
From Struggles with Body Image to Fashion Confidence
At 36, Brooks revealed she once battled body image challenges that limited how she expressed herself through clothing. She now feels significantly more comfortable and is partnering with a stylist to create looks that truly match her personality. She explained,
“I’m at this point where especially in 2026 this year, I’ve set a goal to be intentional about everything that I do. And that’s even in clothes.”
She emphasized the desire to shed the tendency of making herself small through her wardrobe choices and instead embrace boldness.
Brooks acknowledged that for some time, she didn’t feel the clothes she wore reflected how she felt inside or matched her style, but that is changing thanks to the creative support she has:
There’s multiple reasons for that, but now I feel like having a stylist that I trust, who understands me and what I want to showcase, I feel comfortable. I feel like, yeah, I’m here.
Designing Fashion with Purpose and Personal Touch
Beyond acting, Danielle Brooks has explored clothing design through a collaboration with the plus-size brand Universal Standard. Together, they launched a three-piece capsule collection called Tria. For Brooks, this achievement felt unexpected yet deeply rewarding. She shared with Teen Vogue Online how seeing women adopt her designs brought her joy:
But getting to step into this world is something I hope to have a long future in as well. I’m so grateful that women are clinging to these three looks that I designed.
Her design process was grounded in practical and personal needs, aiming to fill her own closet with versatile, comfortable pieces. She described the inspiration:
“They really did come from things that I wanted to have in my closet. I really enjoy a casual look.”
Brooks highlighted the collection’s adaptability with a lifestyle-focused approach:
You can take it from night to day, so it was fun to create these pieces and really think about what I’d want to wear when I’m on a plane going to L.A. What would I want to wear if I woke up and had a meeting first thing that day? What could I throw on?
Why This Shift Matters for Danielle Brooks and Her Fans
Danielle Brooks’ commitment to a bold new style reflects more than a fashion change—it is a statement of self-acceptance and empowerment. Moving past insecurities linked to body image, she is setting an example of intentional living and confidence for her audience. Her collaboration with Universal Standard adds another dimension to her influence, showing that style and comfort can coexist for women of all sizes.
As Brooks continues her acting career alongside her ventures in fashion, this new chapter signals a profound personal evolution, encouraging others to embrace their truth without reservation. With trusted partners guiding her stylistic decisions, she is poised to inspire change and celebrate authenticity throughout 2026 and beyond.
