On January 26, 2026, actress Danielle Brooks announced a commitment to adopting a more daring and confident look in 2026, stating she no longer wants to hide behind her clothing. Known for her role in The Color Purple, Brooks, 36, explained that past struggles with body image once limited her fashion choices, but she now feels ready to express herself more freely through her wardrobe.
Overcoming Body Image to Embrace Self-Confidence
Brooks spoke candidly about the transformation in her relationship with fashion, emphasizing her determination to be intentional about how she presents herself.
“I don’t want to hide anymore in the sense of making myself small. I want to be bold. I want my clothes to feel bold,”
she shared with WWD. Previously, she said discomfort with her body or a mismatch between her style and personality prevented her from embracing bold looks.
She added,
“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.”
—Danielle Brooks, Actress
Expanding Creative Horizons Through Fashion Design
Beyond her personal style evolution, Brooks has also made strides as a designer. She collaborated with plus-size brand Universal Standard to create a three-piece capsule collection called Tria. Reflecting on this achievement, she told Teen Vogue Online that seeing women embrace her designs has been a deeply rewarding and unexpected experience.
The actress said,
“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.”
—Danielle Brooks, Actress
Creating Wearable Pieces Inspired by Everyday Life
The inspiration behind the Tria collection came from Brooks’ desire to design clothing she would genuinely want to wear. She focused on casual, versatile items that could transition from day to night effortlessly. This intentional approach helped her create pieces suitable for occasions like long flights to Los Angeles or early meetings, combining comfort with style.
She explained,
“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?”
—Danielle Brooks, Actress
Significance of Embracing Bold Style for 2026
Danielle Brooks’ decision to embrace a bold style this year highlights her ongoing journey toward self-acceptance and creative exploration. By stepping out of her comfort zone with confidence and collaborating on fashion projects, she sets an example of empowerment and authenticity. As she continues to blend her acting career with fashion design, fans can expect to see more unique looks that reflect her true personality and style ethos throughout 2026.
