Sydney Sweeney consistently commands attention, and her recent appearances signal a deliberate shift in her public image, defined by both a striking new hairstyle and a profound sense of self-acceptance. The 28-year-old actress was a standout at Variety‘s "Power of Women" event on October 29, arriving with a confident smile. She showcased a transparent silver dress, complemented by subtle jewelry and natural makeup, with her blonde hair styled in an elegant, side-parted bob.
This sophisticated new bob first debuted just days earlier, on October 25, at the AFI Fest premiere of her film Christy. The premiere look featured a pastel pink Miu Miu halter dress, with her platinum hair styled curly and center-parted, a style she maintained during her attendance at a World Series game in Los Angeles earlier that week. The transformation was no accident.
According to her colorist Jacob Schwartz, who spoke to Vogue, Sweeney had been "looking for a change." Schwartz explained that they aimed for "a big hair moment on the red carpet" to support her new film, calling it "the perfect time to do something bold." Her longtime stylist, Glen Coco, added that after Sweeney had "transformed herself" dramatically for the role of boxer Christy Martin, due to premiere on November 7, he "wanted to transform her into this updated version of herself in real life. Something new and fresh to close out the rest of the year.”
Indeed, Sweeney’s commitment to the Christy biopic required a significant physical metamorphosis. She gained 13 kilograms for the role, telling Vanity Fair in September that her "body was completely different" during filming. She recalled wearing size 27 jeans instead of her usual 23, noting that her breasts and butt had grown considerably. "It was crazy!" she exclaimed, expressing immense pride in the experience, calling it "incredible." She emphasized feeling "so strong, incredibly strong" in her transformed body.
This newfound physical strength appears to parallel a growing confidence in her public persona. While promoting Christy, Sweeney is actively embracing her image. In a recent interview with Variety, she addressed being perceived as a "sex symbol," explaining that she plays "a lot of very divisive characters," leading many to believe they know her when they don’t. She stated, "When they think, ‘Oh, she’s a sex symbol,’ or ‘She’s using that,’ I’m like, ‘No, I just feel good and I’m doing it for myself and I feel strong.’"
Sweeney hopes to inspire other women to embrace their own bodies without apology. "I hope I can inspire other women to be confident and show what they got, to feel good, because you shouldn’t have to apologize or hide or cover up anywhere," she articulated. This open self-acceptance marks a departure from earlier insecurities. In an interview with Glamour UK around 2023, Sweeney shared that in high school, she "used to feel uncomfortable about the size of her breasts" and had planned to undergo a reduction at 18.
However, her mother, Lisa Sweeney, convinced her otherwise. "My mom was like, ‘Don’t do it. You’ll regret it in college.’ And I’m so glad I didn’t," Sweeney recounted, adding affectionately, "I like them. They’re my best friends.” Today, Sweeney stands as an evolving figure, confidently stepping into her power both on and off screen.