Nicole Kidman just dropped a New Year’s Eve photo that looks nothing like the polished, red-carpet version of her we usually see. Honestly? It’s kind of a relief.
In the shot, she’s standing by the water with her daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, watching fireworks to ring in 2026. No Balenciaga. No high-fashion "breakup bangs." Just her natural, tight blonde curls that haven't really had their day in the sun since the Days of Thunder era.
It’s a vibe.
We’ve spent the last few months tracking every single one of the recent Nicole Kidman photos to hit the wire, mostly because they’ve been documenting a massive transition in her life. Since her split from Keith Urban was finalized in a Nashville court on January 6, 2026, her aesthetic has pivoted from high-gloss movie star to something way more raw and, frankly, interesting.
The "Method Dressing" Era: From Babygirl to Business Power
If you looked at the photos from the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, you saw Nicole Kidman leaning hard into what stylists call "method dressing."
She showed up in a tailored, sandy-hued Saint Laurent suit. It wasn't just a fashion choice; it was a nod to her character Romy in the film Babygirl. This wasn't the ethereal, gown-wearing Nicole. It was a structured, masculine-meets-feminine power move. The suit featured an oversized blazer and a patterned tie, designed by Anthony Vaccarello. It felt like she was telling everyone she was the one in charge of her own narrative now.
Then things got even more experimental.
💡 You might also like: North West Outfit Choices: Why the 12-Year-Old’s Style Actually Matters for Fashion
Remember the Balenciaga "pantaboots" from her Vogue shoot? People on Reddit went wild over those. Some fans called it "gorgeousness redefined," while others were just confused by the logistics of a legging that is also a boot. But that’s the thing about recent Kidman photos—she isn't playing it safe anymore. She’s taking risks that a 58-year-old Oscar winner usually doesn’t take.
Why the Natural Curls are Viral Right Now
There is a specific reason why her most recent social media posts are getting more engagement than her professional campaigns for Clé de Peau Beauté.
It’s the hair.
For years, Nicole’s hair was straightened into oblivion or styled into those very specific "Old Hollywood" waves. But as 2026 kicked off, she started posting photos of her natural, strawberry-blonde curls.
- The New Year’s Post: A grainy, silhouette-style photo of her and her daughters.
- The Birthday Tribute: A candid shot from Faith’s 15th birthday in December where the curls were front and center.
- The "Revenge" Bangs: Her Paris Fashion Week look at the Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 show featured fresh, '70s-style fringe that her stylist Adir Abergel called "effortless."
People love the curls because they represent a return to her roots—literally. It’s a softer look that contrasts with the "icy" persona she’s often projected. It feels human. After 19 years of marriage ending, seeing her embrace her natural texture feels like a metaphor for starting over.
👉 See also: Why is Ariana Grande so thin? What she really said about her health
Behind the Scenes: The Practical Magic 2 Set Photos
We’re also starting to see the first glimpses of her back in character for Practical Magic 2.
Since the sequel is slated for a Fall 2026 release, leaked photos from the set have been surfacing. She’s back with Sandra Bullock, and the style is very "poet-core"—think long skirts, cozy knits, and a distinct lack of the modern high-fashion edge she’s been sporting in Paris.
This shift is tactical. She’s currently filming Scarpetta for Amazon Prime Video alongside Jamie Lee Curtis, where she plays a forensic pathologist. The photos from that production show a completely different Nicole: utilitarian, clinical, and stripped-down. She is oscillating between these two extremes—the magical sisterhood of the Owens family and the grim reality of a crime scene—and her style in these photos reflects that range.
What the 2026 "Look" Tells Us About Her Future
Honestly, the biggest takeaway from the recent Nicole Kidman photos isn’t just about the clothes. It’s about her daughters.
Sunday Rose, who is now 17, is becoming a fixture in these photos. She made her runway debut at Miu Miu and has been photographed side-by-side with Nicole at Chanel. Sunday’s own Instagram has been a source for some of the most "real" photos of Nicole we’ve seen—blurry film shots, peace signs, and trench coats.
✨ Don't miss: Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg: What Really Happened Between the Summers Sisters
Nicole has admitted she’s "nervous" about her girls entering the industry, but the photos show a tight-knit unit. The imagery is no longer about the "power couple" with Keith Urban. It’s about the Kidman women.
How to Channel the "New Nicole" Vibe
If you’re looking at these photos and wondering how to pull off that 2026 transition style, here’s what the "Kidman Playbook" looks like right now:
- Embrace the texture. If you have natural curls, stop the heat styling. The trend is moving toward "undone" and authentic.
- Invest in tailoring. That Saint Laurent suit wasn't just for the red carpet. A structured blazer over jeans is basically the 2026 uniform.
- The "Breakup Bangs" are real. If you’re going through a life change, a soft, '70s-inspired fringe is the move. It softens the face and adds a bit of mystery.
- Go for "Poet-core" comfort. For everyday wear, look for the aesthetic of Practical Magic—earthy tones, layered fabrics, and vintage silhouettes.
Nicole Kidman is basically proving that you can be 58, go through a massive public divorce, and still be the most interesting person in the room. You don't need a red carpet to "serve face." Sometimes, you just need a sunset, your kids, and your natural hair.
The focus for Nicole right now is clearly her work—with Scarpetta debuting in March and Practical Magic 2 in September—and her family. The photos we’re seeing are a bridge between her old life and whatever comes next.
If you want to keep up with her evolution, your best bet is to follow the candid shots coming from her daughters or her own Instagram stories. That's where the real Nicole Kidman is showing up these days. Keep an eye out for the first official trailer stills for Scarpetta; they’re expected to drop within the next month and will likely set the next major beauty trend for the year.