In online communities, the "in spite of herself" trope often refers to someone succeeding, looking good, or thriving specifically to prove detractors wrong.
The Unlikely Rise of Groobygirls
The "Spite" Glow-Up: Using negative energy from others as fuel for self-improvement (fitness, fashion, or career). groobygirls+spite+in+spite+of+herself+she+hot
When you decide to get hot for someone, you fail. You are chasing taste. When you get hot in spite of someone (or everyone), you stumble into authenticity. In online communities, the "in spite of herself"