The concept of the "hot divorcee" has taken cultural centre stage this summer, embodying a carefree, high-glamour spirit that resonates with many. Australian divorce-fluencer Meghan McTavish captured this essence in a viral post: "Sorry babe I'm a divorced mum on a buffet of magnesium glycinate, ashwagandha, peptides, and sertraline, covering a mortgage alone during late stage capitalism, idgaf about your opinion anymore." This unvarnished devil-may-care attitude defines hot divorcee energy, distinct from last year's "brat" aesthetic. Comedian Tatty Macleod explains: "Brat was about looking dishevelled, while divorcee is high glam—wide-brimmed hats, full-length skirts, and a deliberate effort. Think Jennifer Coolidge or Goldie Hawn in Overboard."
The Post-Divorce Glow-Up
Central to the trend is the real post-divorce glow-up. Babs Hixies, 54, says: "Someone accused me of having a facelift. I said no, I'm just happy and use Korean skincare." Floella, 52, adds: "Divorce forces introspection. You rebuild yourself, and that's where the glow-up comes from." Jacqueline Fitzgerald, a divorce lawyer with 30 years of experience, notes: "Women get a release from drudgery that men don't. Men don't juggle laundry and appointments."
Embracing Autonomy and Joy
Kate Daly, co-founder of Amicable, observes that the social narrative around divorce has shifted: "34% of people feel relief and freedom after divorce." This isn't about not caring at all; it's about joyful indifference. As Macleod says: "Divorcee energy is channelling the Marquise de Merteuil: do it with as many men as you like, in as many ways as you like." Hixies adds: "Menopause doesn't mean the end of sex. You can have the hottest sex of your life."
Fashion and Interiors
The classic divorcee silhouette is the "lampshade": a big hat and a floor-length gown. Morwenna Ferrier, the Guardian's fashion editor, traces this to "widow chic" inspired by Dolce & Gabbana's black dresses. Susie Cave's new brand, Weddings & Funerals, features black lace, silk, and velvet. Hixies advises: "Wear the fucking outfit. Don't wait for the right moment." For interiors, Macleod recommends maximalism: "Lots of colour and texture, the opposite of a stifling marriage." Daly recalls: "Every paint colour, doorknob, and curtain was my choice."
Ultimately, the hot divorcee trend is about reclaiming power and joy, whether or not you've actually been divorced. As Macleod notes: "You don't have to be divorced to embody the energy. It's a vibe."
