No mini-mes here! The nepo babies adopting VERY different looks to their famous parents – as a psychotherapist reveals why it’s not about ‘rebellion’
The daughters of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Heidi Klum, Salma Hayek, Courteney Cox, Angelina Jolie and Cindy Crawford have all raided the wardrobes of their famous mothers for glamorous ensembles.
Yet it’s unlikely Kim Kardashian – known to favour figure-hugging PVC gowns and leather jumpsuits – will ever find her oldest child, North West, 12, rushing to borrow one of her statement outfits.
The daughter of the reality TV star and rapper turned designer Kanye West is carving out her own space in the fashion world and it’s a far cry from the neutral, beige-heavy wardrobe that made her mother a global style sensation.
Proving she’s far from a carbon copy of her famous family, the 12-year-old has shunned her parents’ trademark monochrome aesthetic for a bold gothic-inspired look, featuring bright blue locks, piercing stickers and custom-made grillz.
North isn’t the only nepo baby who’s opted to look entirely different compared to their famous parents, with a psychotherapist explaining that the decision is often due to a need to ‘establish autonomy’.
Marygrace Anderson, founder of MG Hypnosis, told the Daily Mail: ‘We see similar patterns with other offspring of famous people, for example, the sons of Tom Hanks and Will Smith have both publicly embraced styles and identities quite distinct from their fathers’ Hollywood images.
‘This isn’t necessarily rebellion – it’s individuation. It’s a healthy psychological process where a young person separates their identity from their parents in order to establish autonomy.
‘When a parent has a strong public image, it is human nature for a child to want to forge their own identity.
Kim Kardashian, pictured left, attends the red carpet for the series ‘All’s Fair’ by Disney+ at Teatro Copacabana Palace on November 10, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pictured right, North West
‘So dressing differently, choosing a contrasting aesthetic or aligning with alternative styles can help carve out that psychological space and allow them to be seen as their own person.’
The expert added: ‘In fact, in families where a parent is famous, the psychological drive to differentiate can be even stronger. It reflects a young mind learning who they are, rather than simply rejecting where they come from.’
One nepo baby who’s certainly carved out their own space is Jaden Smith, 27, son of Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith, who has embraced a quirkier sense of style than his father, who often sports smart attire.
The young actor and rapper – who made history in September when he was appointed as Christian Louboutin’s first ever Creative Director for their men’s division – is no stranger to bizarre fashion choices.
He’s been photographed in metallic crop tops, oversized fluffy hats and a puff-sleeved tweed top with a cinched waist that closely resembled a $7,900 coat from Louis Vuitton’s 2025 spring womenswear line.
Jaden also loves to accessorise, often layering necklaces and carrying a bag when on the red carpet.
Tom Hanks, pictured left, arrives for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 14th Annual Governors Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles on January 9, 2024. Pictured right, Chet Hanks
Will Smith, pictured left. Pictured right, Jaden Smith attends the LVMH Prize as part of Paris Fashion Week at Avenue Montaigne on March 5, 2025, in Paris, France
Another nepo baby adopting a very different look to their famous parents is Tom Hanks’ son Chet, 35, who boasts 70 large tattoos on his chest, back, arms and legs.
Unlike Forrest Gump star Tom, who regularly looks dapper in a suit and tie, Chet, also an actor, prefers to showcase his inking in short-sleeved T-shirts.
Meanwhile, Reese Witherspoon’s daughter Ava Phillippe, 26, was often dubbed the actress’s mini-me. However, in 2024, she ditched the blonde locks she shared with her mother for a brunette look.
In more recent months, Ava, whose father is actor Ryan Phillippe, has since opted for a more natural look and once again shares a strong resemblance to her famous mother.
But that isn’t the case for American actress Leslie Mann, whose daughter Maude Apatow, 28, best known for her role in TV series Euphoria, dresses quite different to her mother’s sophisticated style.
Indeed, while Leslie regularly opts for elegant ensembles, Maude pushes the boundaries in daring, chic and attention-grabbing outfits.
Elsewhere, Nicole Richie’s teenage daughter Harlow Madden celebrated her 18th birthday at the start of this year with a new look and name.
The natural brunette dyed her hair a shade of jet black – and is now going by her middle name, Kate.
Reese Witherspoon, pictured left, on February 12, 2026, in West Hollywood, California. Pictured right, Ava Phillippe attends the Inside Lip Glow party by Dior Beauty on January 30, 2025, in London
Leslie Mann, pictured left, on day three of the 2025 Wimbledon Championships. Pictured right, Maude Apatow attending the Vogue World London 2023 event
Nicole Richie’s daughter Harlow (pictured) is now going by her middle name, Kate, and embracing a new hair color
Kate – pictured far left – is the daughter of Nicole and rocker Joel Madden; pictured with her brother Sparrow and mother in 2024
While it’s unclear how long Kate – whose full name is Harlow Winter Kate Madden – has been embracing her middle name, she has been rocking the dramatic new hairstyle for a few months.
The look and name were fully put in the spotlight as Nicole celebrated her daughter’s birthday on Instagram with a photo of the teenager.
In the photo, Kate – who was last seen on the red carpet with honey-hued hair – was now rocking jet-black tresses. The socialite tagged her daughter’s Instagram account, @katemaddennn.
‘My favorite person in the world is now 18. Happy birthday @katemaddennn. I (heart emoji) you,’ Nicole wrote in the photo.
