Vanessa Hudgens, the actress familiar to many from her youthful roles in high-profile productions such as *High School Musical* and *Spring Breakers*, is embracing a new chapter in her life—both personally and fashionably. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she discussed her evolving sense of style, her experiences in motherhood, and her recent collaboration with Marshalls to refresh her autumn wardrobe.
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The actress, now 37, has recently re-evaluated her fashion choices following the arrival of her second child in 2025. “I hadn’t done a proper closet clean-out since my twenties,” she revealed. “At this point in my life, as a mother of two and in my late thirties, I realised there were numerous items that didn’t fit my new lifestyle and were just taking up space.” With two young children—a son born in 2024 and a daughter welcomed last year—Hudgens feels her style is now more reflective of her current phase: “My style has definitely shifted toward being more modest. The crop tops are a thing of the past.”
In her quest for a wardrobe transformation, Hudgens found a supportive partner in Marshalls. “They have a versatile collection of styles and name brands at accessible prices, making the process of refreshing my wardrobe enjoyable and stress-free,” she explained. Her goal has been to curate pieces that offer both comfort and elegance, essential as she navigates the complexities of motherhood.
Marshalls played a crucial role in Hudgens’ style revamp. She mentions specific finds, including cashmere button-downs and luxurious sweaters that resonate with her desire for versatility. “I want to wear pieces that are easy to throw together, yet chic,” she noted. This focus on comfort and simplicity allows Hudgens to maintain a put-together appearance, even when she may feel overwhelmed. “When I look in the mirror on difficult days, I want to see someone who looks good on the outside, even if I feel a little messier inside,” she added.
Despite her new responsibilities, Hudgens maintains an element of playful style. “I’m still a big kid at heart, and I plan to have fun with fashion. I might even style my hair in ways reminiscent of a 10-year-old!” she said, showcasing her desire to stay connected to her inner child amid the rigours of adult life.
As the autumn season unfurls, Hudgens also embraces seasonal beauty trends, gravitating towards warm, earthy tones. “Autumn is such an inspiring time for me; I love exploring different lip colours, especially in deeper, vampy shades,” she reflected. This return to her roots in beauty rituals complements her approach to fashion—seeking comfort without sacrificing style.
The actress is particularly passionate about creating a magical environment for her children during the fall season, cherishing family traditions that have been passed down through the years. “I’m a sucker for old-school Halloween traditions. We love pumpkin patches, carving pumpkins, and I always make mulled wine to fill the house with warm aromas,” she explained. As the season approaches, she looks forward to family activities, including decorating and enjoying festive films together.
When discussing Halloween costume plans, Hudgens acknowledged her shift in focus from extravagant outfits to coordinating family costumes. “I used to go all out with my costumes; now, it’s all about what we can do together as a family,” she shared. Balancing her roles as a mother and an individual has not come without its challenges, but Hudgens encourages other parents to prioritise self-care.
“Taking a moment for yourself can be transformative. Whether it’s a day out or revamping your wardrobe, putting in the effort to feel good about your appearance can significantly uplift your mood,” she advised. This simple yet effective approach to self-care has become essential for the actress as she navigates the joys and challenges that accompany motherhood.
Vanessa Hudgens is clearly positioning herself to make the most of her autumn, blending family traditions with personal expressions of style. As she embarks on this journey, it’s evident that her commitment to creating memorable experiences for her children remains as strong as her desire for a refreshed, versatile wardrobe. In doing so, she proves that it is possible to balance the demands of motherhood with personal identity and stylish living.