Reese Witherspoon, 48, turned heads and sparked conversations online after flaunting her real body shape in a daring black swimsuit during her Italian getaway. The actress soaked up the sun in a $112 Malibu One Piece from the size-inclusive brand Andie.
The photos quickly went viral, sparking a storm of mixed reactions from netizens. While some fans praised Witherspoon’s confident display, calling it “incredible,” others were more critical.
One curious user questioned the style of Witherspoon’s swimsuit, asking, “what kind of BATHING SUIT IS THAT [sic].” One detractor remarked, “‘Incredible figure’? She doesn’t look terrible for her age, but she looks old and a little flabby. Are standards so low we call this ‘incredible’ [sic]?”
Others found her appearance less flattering and stated, “Absolutely hate 2 even say dis but 50% Witherspoon fotos she’s str8 fire & other 50% i wonder if i’m being catfished? [sic]” Another comment reflected on her newfound post-divorce freedom, suggesting it contributes to her confident appearance.
Some continued to praise Witherspoon, commenting, “She looks great!” Another emphasized that people should wear what they want without judgment, asserting, “the bathing suit of a lady who doesn’t want to mix more than she wants, that’s all.. Everyone dresses and puts on what they want, that’s no one’s problem [sic]!”
Witherspoon’s bold fashion choice aligns perfectly with her long-standing advocacy for body positivity and self-acceptance. In a 2018 interview, she discussed her collaboration with Eloquii to launch a plus-sized collection for her brand Draper James, which she founded in 2015.
“We don’t need to hide and diminish ourselves. Now there’s so much messaging in the world saying the opposite: Be proud of who you are. Unsubscribe from the notion that you’re not good enough,” she stated.
Witherspoon knows the emotional rollercoaster women go through when trying on clothes. “It’s so frustrating. Nobody thinks about the emotional process that women go through when they try on clothes,” she pointed out, highlighting her brand’s commitment to inclusivity and comfort.
At Draper James, Witherspoon explained, they try their pieces on every woman in the office during fittings. If a piece doesn’t make someone feel good, it’s considered “part of the problem,” not “part of the solution.” This careful attention to detail shows her commitment to helping women feel their best.
Reese Witherspoon speaks onstage during the 49th Annual AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Nicole Kidman in Hollywood, California, on April 27, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Witherspoon encourages women to feel confident and beautiful. She believes you can be strong, feminist, and hardworking while also enjoying and appreciating looking pretty. This empowering mindset defines her approach to fashion, life, and aging.
In a 2021 interview, Witherspoon, then 45, reflected on her journey of self-acceptance. She shared that aging has given her clarity on who she wants to spend time with, prioritizing more time with loved ones.
“And that is one of the great things about getting older — it just clears out so much space. I want to be with my mom, my kids, and the people who fill my tank. And everybody else, I wish them well,” she said.
Witherspoon’s fearless swimsuit outing is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a testament to her ongoing commitment to authenticity and self-love. Her journey continues to inspire many, proving that confidence and beauty have no age limit. This influence extends to her family as well.
She further demonstrated these values when she and her daughter, Ava Phillippe, stunned the public by twinning in outfits at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California. Their matching looks highlighted their close bond and shared sense of style.
Reese Witherspoon waves at the crowd beside Ava Elizabeth Phillippe as they attend the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica on January 14, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Reese Witherspoon’s Instagram photo that month featured her and her daughter, Ava, dressed in elegant black dresses, with their hair styled in similar sleek middle parts, as they prepared for a “mother-daughter date night.”
Ava’s tattoos were clearly visible, making her stand out next to her mother. The image immediately caught the attention of fans and celebrities alike due to the striking resemblance between the two.
Ava Elizabeth Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon attend the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica on January 14, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The similarity was so pronounced that it led to a flurry of comments from fans, with one asking, “Omg, who is the mother?” Many others echoed this sentiment, noting that they appeared more like sisters.
Ava Phillippe smiles as Reese Witherspoon walks behind her at the 29th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica on January 14, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Witherspoon addressed the resemblance in 2022, stating: “She and I don’t see it that way.” The actress also shared that being mistaken for her daughter is amusing, making her feel young.
Reese Witherspoon and Ava Phillippe at the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica on January 14, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, Witherspoon commented on Ava’s reaction to their resemblance, mentioning that her daughter might not always be thrilled about being mistaken for her mother. Witherspoon often suggests that Ava talks to Zoë Kravitz as she has similar experiences being mistaken for her mother, Lisa Bonet.
Reese Witherspoon, Rowan Blanchard, Ava Phillippe, and Zoe Kravitz attend the 2018 InStyle and Warner Bros. 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards Post-Party on January 7, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
While navigating these mother-daughter lookalike moments, Ava Phillippe has also bravely opened up about her sexuality. Inspired by her mom’s journey of self-love and acceptance, Ava shared a heartwarming message on Instagram on June 1, kicking off Pride Month while proudly holding a rainbow flag.
Her caption read, “Once upon a time, a gal on the internet said ‘gender is whatever’ about her own sexuality. Many misinterpreted her words, but she knew exactly what she meant. Anyway, here she is, posting for the first day of Pride Month 2024.”
Ava’s post ignited a flurry of mixed reactions from fans, who took to the comments section to share their diverse opinions. “Is she gay?” one person inquired, while another simply commented, “I’m confused.”
However, many others voiced their support for Ava. One fan encouraged her by saying, “It doesn’t matter, Ava. Be your true authentic self, ‘a human being’! Live a life of spreading good and having gratitude,” ending their comment with a heart emoji.