Nearly 84 percent of StyleWatch readers said they love Reese Witherspoon‘s new bangs, but there’s a somewhat dark reason behind the star’s new hairstyle. During an interview with Graham Norton, airing Saturday night on BBC America, Witherspoon reveals details about her recent car accident — and the scar it left behind.

“I was jogging and I got hit by a car,” she shares. “They said I am very hard-headed because I landed right on my head and I have a scar, hence my new hairdo. I don’t remember much about it but miraculously and thank God, I am fine.”

Though she didn’t press charges against the driver, an 85-year-old woman, there were legal repercussions. “They took away her license and gave her a bus pass,” the actress explains.

Moving into lighter territory, Witherspoon — who stars in the upcoming romantic action comedy This Means War — reflects on her stellar 2011, which included her wedding to Jim Toth and a meeting with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. “It was really fun,” the actress shares. “[Kate] was lovely and funny and she said some sweet girly things. I think she is handling herself so beautifully.”

–Kate Hogan

When a girl’s in Paris, she’s gotta have a trés chic haircut. Thankfully, Reese Witherspoon was up to the task Thursday, debuting wispy new bangs (and wearing a Theodora & Callum scarf) while arriving in the City of Light.

This isn’t the first time the actress — who turned up at the Golden Globes this month with sexy, voluminous hair — has cut bangs: shortly after splitting from husband Ryan Phillippe, she arrived at the 2007 Golden Globes with a hot new haircut (and that memorable Nina Ricci dress). “I felt like I looked different than I’ve ever looked,” she told ELLE of that red carpet moment. “I don’t know why. I just did.”

Though bangs are usually a small change, for Witherspoon, they’re kind of big news: the most major hair modification she’s made in recent months was a subtle post-wedding trim. Tell us: Do you like Witherspoon’s new bangs?

TRY ON THE BEST STAR HAIRSTYLES IN ‘INSTANT MAKEOVER’

October may be winding down, but finding a cure for breast cancer is always at the forefront of our minds. With this being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite pink products to share — and proceeds from all of them help support the cause.

Reba and Fergie Footwear
The company behind Reba McEntire’s boots and Fergie‘s sparkly pumps (bottom left; also available in black), the Brown Shoe Company, has pledged $20,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure with sales from the limited-edition “Collins” cowboy boots, $179 on dillards.com, and the pink pump, $79 on FergieShoes.com.

Old Navy
Celebs like Shenae Grimes and Maria Menounos support BCA month in their Old Navy Komen tees; five percent of the retail price of each shirt will go toward the organization. If you don’t want to purchase a shirt, make a cash donation at any Old Navy store, and the company will match, up to $100,000. $23-$25 at oldnavy.com.

ShoeDazzle’s Powerful Pink Collection
Throughout October, 10 percent of sales on the curated site will benefit Susan G. Komen — and the company guarantees a minimum donation of $10,000. The site is also stocked with pink products, including two shoes named for clients who are breast cancer survivors.

Dana Davis Shoes
Proceeds from the designer’s Allie heels (top left) and Kristen loafers benefit Bright Pink, a non-profit that provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. $295-$450 on danadavis.com.

Juicy Couture
The brand’s super-cute pink lace tee (right), which features a bold black bow, is an easy way to support the cause. And for every tee purchased, Juicy will donate $25 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $118 at juicycouture.com.

Ron White Shoes
For each pair of passion pink “Robin” peep-toe pumps sold, Ron White will donate $100 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $495 at ronwhiteshoes.com.

Avon
Avon always supports women’s causes, particularly breast cancer research, and this year is no different. The company created the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade denim jacket (center), which Reese Witherspoon wore recently to a brand event. One-hundred percent of the net profits — $27.07 per jacket — will benefit the crusade. $45 at avon.com.

Rarr! Some of our favorite stylistas have us seeing spots these days … but we’re totally okay with that. Reese Witherspoon, Kourtney Kardashian and Ashlee Simpson are just getting a jump on one of fall’s hottest trends: leopard print.

Witherspoon wore her printed dress to a recent benefit in Los Angeles, pairing the pretty frock with a classic black blazer and peep-toe booties — a subtle approach. Kardashian opted for a louder take, wearing wild tights with booties and a jumpsuit in New York. And Simpson, out in L.A., made her look optional: she could slip her faux fur Topshop coat off or keep it over her delicate white dress for added drama. Me-wow indeed! Tell us: Have you worn leopard print this season?

WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?

eBay is using its online auction powers for a good cause — a fashionable one, that is! The site is teaming up with various breast cancer organizations throughout October, featuring glam auction items from Fergie and other big stars during its eighth annual “Make it Pink” fundraiser.

Hosted by eBay Giving Works, eBay’s charitable arm, the event will allow shoppers to bid on different big-ticket items each week, such as the Christian Louboutin black suede lace-up boots and Marc Jacobs navy blue satin zipper dress worn by Fergie (above).

“Pink means something to many of us. You may have been touched by breast cancer,” the singer said in a statement. “I have, since both my mother and father are cancer survivors and I lost my grandmother to cancer three years ago. As a global ambassador for the Avon Foundation for Women, I am asking you to help make a difference for women, men and their families in the fight against breast cancer.”

Other items available in the high-profile auction include a New Year’s Eve VIP experience with Ryan Seacrest in N.Y.C. Not ready to open your wallet that wide? There are other ways to give, too: shop pink-branded goods on eBay now; donate any dollar amount using PayPal at checkout; or sell something on eBay and donate from one to 100 percent of the sale price to an organization.

Additionally, shoppers can visit eBay’s Facebook page throughout October to share a photo or short story explaining why breast cancer awareness is important to them. For every story shared, the auction site will donate one dollar (up to $20,000) to a nonprofit.

Breast cancer organizations benefiting from “Make it Pink” — which raised $242,000 last year — include the Avon Foundation for Women, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Bright Pink and the American Cancer Society. To shop for the cause, visit ebay.com/pink.

–Kim Peiffer

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She may view high fashion as an art form, but Reese Witherspoon is making casual look chic as the new face of Swedish clothing company Lindex. Witherspoon, the face of the brand’s fall 2011 “California Denim” campaign, shows off some pieces from the collection in the behind-the-scenes video above.

“I have always loved denim and knitted garments that can be mixed and matched,” she shares. “Lindex’s fashion suits my style perfectly and I am very pleased to be a model for the new collection.” And the newly married actress, a fashion pro, even shares a stylish tip. “The secret about fashion that I think every woman should know is … learn what looks good on you,” she says.

But just because she rocks the red carpet in flawless gowns doesn’t mean she’s defined by couture — in fact, the actress feels best in a simpler wardrobe. As she shares, “My personal style described in three words would probably be casual, simple and lots of color.”

–Kim Peiffer

VOTE ON STAR STYLE IN ‘LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?’

310Pix; Startraks

We’ve seen these stars working intricate designer dresses in recent weeks, but these days, they’re all keeping it cool and casual in denim! Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Lopez and Stella McCartney proved that the relaxed fabric can be cute, each sporting a different denim dress this week. Witherspoon looked country-chic in a comfy denim Imogene + Willie button down — accessorized with a temporary new shoe — while stepping out for lunch with friends at L.A.’s Brentwood Country Mart. Meanwhile, Lopez made her denim a little dressier, choosing a ruffled one-shoulder frock for American Idol on Wednesday night, embellishing it with big earrings and a perky ponytail. And across the pond in London, designer McCartney proved that simple can be sexy when she went out Tuesday in a 3/4-length-sleeve denim shirtdress complemented by brown sandals and a matching leather bag. We like the stars’ casual take on dresses, but we want to know: would you wear a dress made of denim? –Kim Peiffer 

WEIGH IN ON MORE STAR STYLE IN ‘WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?’

When Reese Witherspoon began preparing for her role as a Depression-era circus performer in Water for Elephants (which made a strong debut at the box office last weekend), she discovered she had a head start. “She has the perfect figure for 1930s clothes,” costume designer Jacqueline West tells PEOPLE. “She is built the way women were built then.” And prior to suiting up for the circus, Witherspoon did her homework. Says West, “She did a study of the way women carried themselves. The body language was different; posture was different. They moved in different ways.” West kept the costumes on Elephants authentic and era-appropriate, draping Witherspoon’s size 0 frame and size 6 1/2 feet in “glamorous” gowns, shoes and accessories. “She loved the vintage bracelets her character wears,” says West. “She never took them off — they became part of every scene.” For his part, costar Robert Pattinson sported genuine articles from the era, including World War I combat boots and yes, even authentic 1930s socks and underwear. “He loved that,” says West. Added Pattinson: “They help, if you wear them every day!” –Aili Nahas

SEE MORE ON-SET STYLE IN ‘LIGHTS! CAMERA! FASHION!’

Which of Hollywood’s style stars had readers buzzing this week? Don’t miss our top stories!

–Lauren Bush laughs about what her new name will be when she gets married: Lauren Lauren! READ IT

–Reese Witherspoon thinks comfort is key: she trades in her Jimmy Choo stillettos for comfy cowboy boots for her wedding reception. READ IT

–Mandy Moore gets back to her roots when she steps out on the town with her new copper-toned hair. READ IT

–Serena Williams explains the reason behind her buzzed-about hot pink bodysuit. READ IT

–Amy Smart flashes her sparkling new engagement ring. READ IT

As Reese Witherspoon walked down the aisle at her March 26 wedding, we know she sported some seriously pretty Jimmy Choo shoes. But when it came time to dance at the reception, the southern belle kicked off her heels — literally! “I changed into cowboy boots, from those awful, uncomfortable shoes,” she shares during an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, airing today. Sounds like the change was necessary: Witherspoon and her guests danced for hours to the music of a DJ and a bluegrass and rockabilly band. “I’m a big country music fan,” Witherspoon reveals, adding that she and husband Jim Toth didn’t have just one song they danced to that night, but instead, “tons and tons of country music.” Witherspoon, who says the wedding was small and included just family and close friends, admits that she was nervous on her big day, too. “I don’t like having birthday parties,” she shares. “I mean, I like going to parties. I just don’t like it when it’s about me. Which is so bizarre but … once I’m there, I’m having the best time.” For more on Witherspoon’s big day, check out The Ellen DeGeneres Show, airing today. –Kate Hogan

SEE MORE OF WITHERSPOON’S STYLE IN ‘REESE’S TOP FIVE PINK DRESSES’

Michelle Obama may have put him on the map, but it’s Reese Witherspoon who’s helping to keep designer Jason Wu‘s name in the news. The newlywed actress has apparently made the 28-year-old style star her go-to when she needs a party-perfect look: she’s worn his cocktail dresses more than five times since the beginning of 2010! At Sunday’s Water for Elephants premiere in New York City, Witherspoon stunned in a sleeveless white dress with black lace detail. In January, she brought a pop of color to the carpet, stepping out in a playful V-neck purple number at Avon’s 125th anniversary celebration. Months earlier, in October, she scored again in a strapless black-and-nude cocktail dress for an Avon event in the Big Apple. We loved her look in March 2010, too, as she arrived at the Global Leadership Awards in Washington, D.C., wearing a belted black-and-blue frock. And Wu’s whimsical take on the LBD looked perfect on Witherspoon when she appeared at a fund-raiser for the EIF Women’s Cancer Research Fund in January of 2010. He may not have had the plum job of designing her wedding dress, but it seems that Wu has a fashionable friend in Witherspoon. Tell us: Which of Witherspoon’s Wu dresses is your favorite?

WireImage; Startraks

SEE MORE OF WITHERSPOON’S STYLE IN ‘REESE’S TOP FIVE PINK DRESSES’

Which of Hollywood’s style stars had readers buzzing this week? Don’t miss our top stories!

–Reese Witherspoon forgoes traditional bridal white and walks down the aisle in a pretty pink wedding gown. READ IT

–Michael Bublé’s wife dons three (!) wedding dresses as the couple ties the knot. READ IT

–Twilight‘s Bella Swan gets married in Breaking Dawn — and we get a sneak peek at what the bride-to-be might look like on her wedding day. READ IT

–Carrie Underwood works three different dresses at the Academy of Country Music Awards. READ IT

–Zac Efron transitions from clean cut to scruffy as he continues to grow out his facial hair. READ IT

Before walking down the aisle in her pretty pink wedding dress, Reese Witherspoon got glammed up for an ELLE UK photo shoot in Los Angeles. The actress sported some seriously sexy looks while posing at Hollywood’s hip Chateau Marmont, a spot she loved. “It felt pretty cool to hang out in the lobby,” she says in the clip above, “even though it was a little embarrassing having your picture taken in front of everybody!” While chatting with photographers, Witherspoon said her take on fashion has evolved over the years. “As I’ve gotten older, I understand it more as an art form,” she explained. “It’s really lovely to get to see beautiful clothes, and to get to know people who make beautiful clothes. It really is a form of expression.” However, she thinks sometimes there’s too much focus on fashion — particularly at awards shows. “I feel for these women. The guys get dressed and it’s no big deal, and they’re there because they’ve given a great performance,” she said during a separate interview. “For every woman it’s, ‘What is she wearing?’ And, ‘But did she wear that to the last awards show?’ And, ‘What will she wear to the next awards show?’ And none of it is about her performance or how hard she worked — and those are women who did extraordinary work. How hard we are on people who are just doing their best.” For more on Witherspoon, visit elleuk.com or pick up the latest issue, on newsstands now. –Kate Hogan

Courtesy ELLE UK

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“I sort of made a conscious effort all my career not to end up in a bathing suit in a movie,” newlywed Reese Witherspoon told reporters Saturday at a Water for Elephants event in Los Angeles. “And here I was in this movie wearing a leotard [for] the majority of it.” But once she got into character as Marlena, a cruel circus trainer’s wife, she didn’t mind showing a little extra skin. “They were beautiful,” she said of the costumes. “It was a different time when women loved their curves and enjoyed being voluptuous.” Witherspoon shared that she trained “a lot” for her role by riding circus elephants and horses. And while she didn’t end up “dirty” like her on-screen love interest, Robert Pattinson, she did experience a change thanks to glam 1930s hair and makeup. “It was really transforming for me,” she shared. “I didn’t even recognize myself.” Water for Elephants hits theaters April 22. –Kim Peiffer, with reporting by Jennifer Garcia

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She worked long, glossy blonde locks at her March 26 wedding to fiancé Jim Toth, but it looks as though Reese Witherspoon made a trip to the hair salon just days after the star-studded affair. Saturday, the actress was spotted at a Water for Elephants press event in Los Angeles, her hair slightly shorter than usual. Then Sunday night, she debuted the new, shoulder-length do while presenting with Robert Pattinson at the Academy of Country Music Awards. It’s a subtle change — the actress hasn’t been known to switch up her hairstyle too often — but we love that she’s lightening up a bit for spring. Tell us: What do you think of Witherspoon’s new length? –Kim Peiffer

VOTE ON STAR STYLES IN ‘WHAT’S HER BEST HAIR?’

March 26 may have been a nice day for a white wedding, but radiant bride Reese Witherspoon was thinking pink! The actress walked down the aisle at her Ojai, Calif., estate in a custom-designed Monique Lhuillier blush-hued gown with a Chantilly lace corset bodice and full tulle A-line skirt before exchanging vows with agent Jim Toth. The gown — 11-year-old daughter Ava’s custom Lhuillier dress matched — also featured a double-face silk satin ribbon with cascading silk flowers. The actress, 35, “wowed,” says a guest. “She took your breath away.” Underneath her dress, Witherspoon sported Jimmy Choo’s classic “Macy” satin platform sandal, giving her a boost next to her tall beau. When it came time to party, the bride ditched her long look and changed into a second Lhuillier design, a white silk minidress with a festive party skirt. But the party’s not over yet: since her nuptials, Witherspoon has been seeing wearing a large pave diamond wedding band from the William Goldberg Diamond Corporation, which matches the sparkling 4-carat diamond engagement ring (by the same brand) Toth presented to her when he proposed in December 2010. For exclusive photos of Reese’s wedding — and all the details of her emotional, joyful ceremony — pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands today! Tell us: What do you think of Witherspoon’s wedding dress? –Reporting by Jennifer Garcia

READ MORE ON WITHERSPOON’S STYLE

Reese Witherspoon is definitely fond of Water for Elephants costar Robert Pattinson, but that’s not to say she didn’t find his on-set grooming habits, well, questionable. “It’s a boy thing, right? To have dirty fingernails and hair,” the newlywed actress asked in a chat with Entertainment Weekly. “And his clothes were dirty all the time.” However, she can’t quite blame the Twilight star — after all, the movie takes place in a circus, a far cry from the damp, overcast Pacific Northwest setting of the supernatural series. “It was a nice escape for him to be tan and in the sun all the time instead of the vampire gear,” Witherspoon explained. In the film, out April 22, the stars’ characters, Jacob and Marlena, become entwined in a tragic love triangle. But before they hit theaters, the costars will hit Vegas — they’re presenting together Sunday at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Tell us: Do you prefer Pattinson tanned and rugged as Jacob, or pale and clean cut as Edward? –Kim Peiffer

SEE MORE STARS ON SET IN ‘LIGHTS! CAMERA! FASHION!’

Reese Witherspoon tied the knot Saturday night in a dress that would make her style-conscious alter ego, Elle Woods, proud. The actress walked down the aisle at her Ojai, Calif., ranch estate in a custom Monique Lhuillier gown as she wed fiancé Jim Toth in front of a star-studded crowd that included Sean Penn, Scarlett Johansson and Robert Downey, Jr. There was quite a bit of speculation surrounding Witherspoon’s dress choice — a January trip to Paris, where she visited several designer boutiques, had fashionistas guessing — but ultimately, her decision was Lhuillier, a label she’s teamed up with in the past. (Other brides who’ve chosen the brand include Carrie Underwood, Ashlee Simpson and Jewel.) Underneath her gorgeous gown, Witherspoon wore Jimmy Choo’s “Macy” satin platform sandal, part of the line’s luxe bridal collection. And on her ring finger, to match her sparkling 4-carat diamond engagement ring from the William Goldberg Diamond Corporation, she now sports a band from the same brand. Read more about Witherspoon’s wedding here!

SEE MORE STAR WEDDING GOWNS AND RINGS!

Reese Witherspoon is a woman of many moods — at least, when it comes to her fragrance choices. The bride-to-be is expanding her partnership with Avon to introduce “Expressions,” a line of three perfumes designed to play up varying moods and emotions. The first scent, Love to the Fullest, will be released in April, and channels a sensual, sexy vibe with shimmering top notes of succulent black cherry, plush peony and amber and woods. Laugh Often, coming in May, is composed of citrus and floral notes to portray a more playful side. And Live Without Regrets, due in August, is a blend of lush petals and juicy fruit notes meant as “a celebration of joie de vivre,” according to a release. Witherspoon, who launched her first Avon scent in 2009, says the perfumes are an extension of her being. “Wearing fragrance is one way I express my personality,” she said in a statement. “No matter what my mood, ‘Expressions’ lets me convey my joy, confidence or sensuality — whatever I feel that day.” The actress, 35, is Avon’s first-ever global ambassador. Tell us: Would you buy one of Witherspoon’s new scents? –Kim Peiffer

SEE OTHER CELEB PERFUMERS IN ‘STARS’ SIGNATURE SCENTS!’

Reese Witherspoon is once again using her sense of style to help others. The newly-engaged actress is working to fight violence against women — in a fashion-friendly way — by launching the Avon Women’s Empowerment Bracelet in honor of the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day (today). The stretch bracelet features assorted faux-stone, glass and silvertone beads with an “infinity” charm, representing the unlimited opportunities for women when they live violence-free lives. “The Avon Empowerment Bracelet is a simple, but powerful, way to raise funds to reduce violence against women,” said the actress, who serves as the beauty brand’s global ambassador, in a statement. “As a woman and as a mother, I urge you to join me on this very special anniversary of International Women’s Day to end this epidemic by wearing and giving the bracelet to friends and family.” The new bauble, part of the Avon Women’s Empowerment product collection, can be purchased for $10 at avon.com with 100 percent of net profits benefiting Avon Foundation for Women programs. –Kim Peiffer

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