Amanda Bynes Shows Off A Totally Unrecognizable New Look

Amanda Bynes is showing off a whole new look on Instagram, along with a brand-new handle: @matteblackonlinestore. In the photo, the former child star looks totally different than we're used to. Bynes is keeping it comfy in a flannel shirt and ripped jeans, while sporting black hair, glasses, and best of all, a shy smile!

E! News reported the actress returned to Instagram on Oct. 2, 2020 after she appeared to delete (or maybe deactivate) her account in July 2020. Fans of Bynes were thrilled at her return to the social media platform; she has over 500,000 followers two days after rejoining with the adjusted handle. Social media was full of encouragement for the beloved actress. 

Here are just a few of the many shoutouts from Twitter. Fan @prayformischa wrote, "BREAKING: Amanda Bynes just posted a beautiful selfie on her Instagram," and another apparent superfan @JazzyJayTheDJ tweeted, "amanda bynes changed her Instagram name and deleted all her posts except one new photo, sis is really living her dream and starting her own fashion line we love to see it!"

Read on to find out more about Bynes' new look and what she's been up to since we saw her last.

The year 2020 has already been challenging for many, including Amanda Bynes. After announcing her engagement in February 2020 to Paul Michael, the couple's wedding plans crashed quickly. Word spread that they'd split, but at the time of reporting, they apparently have gotten back together, as Michael posted a photo with Bynes captioned "lovers" in late September. E! News previously reported Bynes needed parental approval to get married under the conservatorship legally. Bynes' parents secured a conservatorship in October 2014. 

Then in May 2020, the actress shared that she was seeking treatment. According to Cosmopolitan, Bynes was "working on coping skills" related to her social anxiety. Her anxiety surrounding social situations is understandable — the actress achieved fame as a child and teen star and then experienced public meltdowns before receiving treatment for bipolar and manic depression. She's been in the spotlight and under intense scrutiny for years.

But if you study her new look, Bynes' current vibe is mellow, casual, and totally adorable. Instead of playing a role on-screen, it feels like she is getting comfortable in her own life. Us Weekly noted that Bynes plans to open an online store. She's getting her life on track after getting a bachelor's degree from FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. After years of starts and stops, it appears that the Nickelodeon star is finally coming into her own!