Angelina Jolie's Post-Divorce Style Transformation Proves She Shines Without Brad Pitt

Nothing is as satisfying as seeing a woman's fabulous post-divorce style transformation, just like Nicole Kidman's post-divorce glow up. Divorce doesn't always have to be the end of one's world. You can mope around in bed and ask yourself "why me," or you can play that powerful divorce anthem and celebrate a new beginning in your life. Just look at Angelina Jolie as she nears the 10-year anniversary of filing for divorce from Brad Pitt, she's a completely different woman.

Angelina Jolie is more than well-known in Hollywood for iconic roles in films such as "Tomb Raider," "Maleficent," and "Salt," just to name a few. However, some might say one of her most impactful roles was none other than Jane Smith in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." Yes, the film where she met Brad Pitt before he got divorced from Jennifer Aniston, when Angelina and Brad got together and hoped to live happily ever after. Well, they did, for some time. They were together for almost 12 years and married for two before the divorce filing, which ultimately ended in a rough divorce battle finalized eight whole years later. Despite the ongoing legal battle in her life for all of these years, Angelina didn't let that stop her. So, let's take a look at her post-divorce style transformation to see how she thrived without a man by her side.

Some may prefer to go on hiatus post-divorce, but not Angelina Jolie. In January of 2017, only four months after filing for divorce from Brad Pitt, she was seen out and about in Paris spending quality time with all six of her children. The A-list actress was smiling from ear to ear as she was spotted walking to the Louvre dressed in an all-black ensemble. She styled a tailored black midi dress with suede black heels and layered the look with a cape-style black coat by Elie Saab. Her look was accessorized with a structured top-handle bag from Salvatore Ferragamo, a pair of stunning diamond stud earrings, and oversized sunglasses. Not only did she look fabulous, she seemed genuinely happy and free.

And don't think she spent 2017 just being a mom. She was practically superwoman that year; just some of the things she did includes taking her kids on a trip to Cambodia, making a speech at the United Nations office in Geneva, stopping by the United Kingdom to give a lecture at the London School of Economics, and even releasing her third directorial film, "First They Killed My Father."

In October 2019, Angelina Jolie's box office hit, "Maleficent," returned with a sequel, "Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil." She walked the red carpet at the London premiere of the film looking absolutely magical in a striking, beaded white dress with structured shoulder pads, gold details in the chest area, and an embroidered cape from Ralph & Russo Couture. The mother of six brought some of her children along to the premiere and it was obvious the kids were proud of their mom. While the film might not have met box office expectations like it's predecessor, fans still loved seeing Angelina Jolie do what she does best on the big screen. Some loved it so much they watched it twice.

It wasn't just Angelina's red carpet look that was magical in 2019. She also sprinkled some magic on the NAACP with a surprise donation of $200,000 on her birthday. Anyone surprised? By now, everyone should know the world-renowned actress is far from the kind of celebrity that throws lavish birthday parties to celebrate herself. She's more of the "what can I do to make an impact" kind of celebrity.

Although the actress is known for wearing a lot of black, she often takes us by surprise and wears some of the most liveliest colors that really bring out her features. In October 2021, Angelina Jolie made her Marvel film debut as the powerful, ancient being Thena in "Eternals." She chose to go with a mostly black ensemble for the London premiere of the film, but was spotted looking elegant in a green cape gown and beige blade pumps for the afterparty she attended with her daughter, Shiloh (who's had her own stunning style transformation), by her side. While looking quite casual yet chic, Angelina stunned in the green gown.

2021 was another busy year for the A-list actress with three major films being released. It was also the year she gave a rare candid interview and admitted to Entertainment Weekly that while she loves to direct films, she "had a change in my family situation that's not made it possible for me to direct for a few years." She explained further, saying, "I needed to just do shorter jobs and be home more, so I kind of went back to doing a few acting jobs. That's really the truth of it." At the time, not only was she tending to six children, but she was also in that on-going messy divorce battle with her ex.

A few years into the divorce battle between Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, news surfaced that Jolie made accusations that Pitt was abusive towards her, and two of their children, on a private jet trip the year she filed for divorce. After a police investigation, Pitt was ultimately not charged. He continued to deny the allegations, and was even awarded joint custody later on. While it may never be known what happened on that private jet, one thing was clear. Angelina was clearly affected by it.

The award-winning actress began to show her support for victims of domestic violence and was a spokesperson in urging the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2022. She visited the Capitol to give a heartfelt speech on why she felt it was crucial for the act to be reauthorized since its expiration in 2018. Jolie appeared in a monochrome black outfit and an elegant strand of pearls to give her speech. She called for U.S. senators to think of the victims and cast their most important vote for the year as she said (via Variety), "Standing here, at the center of our nation's power, I can think only of everyone who's been made to feel powerless by their abusers [and] by a system that fails to protect them. When there is silence from a Congress too busy to renew the Violence Against Women Act for a decade, it reinforces that sense of worthlessness."

For the 2025 Golden Globes, Angelina Jolie walked the red carpet in a stunning beaded Alexander McQueen gown. Jolie was nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama for her role as Maria Callas in "Maria." The actress didn't walk the red carpet alone, and her date was even in a matching look with hers: Angelina brought 19-year-old Zahara as her plus one, who was beautifully all grown-up in a coordinating gown. 

After a lengthy and strenuous eight-year legal battle, Angelina Jolie may have finally found her peace. The actress shows women that age is truly nothing but a number as she looks more stunning with each year that passes. It's also inspiring to see a woman endure so much public turmoil, remain strong and resilient, juggle being an attentive mom to six children, and continue to thrive in her career. But Angelina doesn't stop at this; with the time she's dedicated to making a positive change in the world, she is no longer just known as an actress, but also an influential humanitarian.