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Home • Fashion

Vanessa Williams: Style File

Hollywood bombshell Vanessa Williams's new CD, “The Real Thing,” hits stores today and the “Ugly Betty” star gets real about all things fashion. Flashback through Williams's most memorable red-carpet moments. By Qianna Smith
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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Viva Vanessa

Hollywood bombshell Vanessa Williams’s new CD, “The Real Thing,” hits stores today and the “Ugly Betty” star gets real about all things style. Flashback through Williams’s most memorable red-carpet moments of the past decade.

As Told to Qianna Smith

Find out more about Vanessa Williams’s beauty secrets in our exclusive interview »

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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02
Simply Beautiful

2000
We love Vanessa Williams’s gorgeous glow at the 72nd Annual Academy Awards. She defies all notions of aging with her flawless skin. To maintain a healthy radiance like Williams, exfoliate your skin weekly.

Find out more about Vanessa Williams’s beauty secrets in our exclusive interview »

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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03
Patriotic Style

2001
The all-American girl looks patriotic while singing “God Bless America” during Game 1 of the World Series.

Find out more about Vanessa Williams’s beauty secrets in our exclusive interview »

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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04
Front & Center

2002
A staple on the New York fashion scene, Williams is all smiles front row at the Baby Phat spring runway show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This glam girl loves to get all dolled up, but says her personal style is very relaxed and casual.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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05
Workin’ White

2003
“I don’t wake up every morning trying to be beautiful. I’m older and wiser, so I realize that I’m enough. Ultimately, I’m in charge of my happiness,” says Williams on what defines her inner beauty.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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06
Lady in Red

2004
Looking fierce and fabulous on the runway at the Heart of Truth collection, Williams is a red hot mama at 46. “Being at ease with yourself and your body is sexy. Every woman should accentuate their best assets and not be afraid to show them off,” dishes the mother of four.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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07
Inside Fashion

2005
Sharing a laugh with designer Carmen Marc Valvo at his fall runway show, Williams has fun with fashion. When asked where she likes to shop when looking for a bargain she shares: “I tend to find the best deals online or in catalogs. I always try and go to the Barney’s and Neiman’s sales too. They have amazing deals on designer clothes a few times a year. It’s a steal.”

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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08
Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing

2006
“Some ‘real’ things I do that most people probably don’t know about is cooking and baking. I absolutely love spending my spare time in the kitchen. I also drive myself to and from work. Some assume that I have a driver, but I don’t!” says “The Real Thing” singer.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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09
Ageless Beauty Secrets

2007
“Twice a year I receive BOTOX injections from a doctor whom I trust very much. I also have some favorite beauty products that I use on a daily basis—Perfekt’s Skin Perfection Gel and Mila Moursi’s moisturizing oil,” says Williams on how she maintains her flawless skin.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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10
Born to Be a Star

“I have so many favorite designers, but the last few pieces I purchased were from Derek Lam, Chloe, and I am obsessed with Vince T-Shirts. My favorite shoe designers are Sergio Rossi, Stewart Weitzman, Christian Louboutin and Modern Vintage. A girl can never have enough shoes!” shares Williams, who celebrated her 44th birthday by getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

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11
Red-Carpet Dream

“My most memorable red-carpet moment was in Los Angeles at the 2007 Emmy Awards. I wore a Kevan Hall mint dress decorated with mint feathers. It was a dream night; not only did I feel beautiful, but I was nominated for my first Emmy!" says Williams.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

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12
Must-Have List

2008
Wondering what the stars will be wearing this season? Vanessa Williams’s top picks for summer include “a great pair of white denim jeans, a black linen top and flat metallic sandals.”

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

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13
She’s No ‘Ugly Betty’

“Wilhelmina and I both love making statements with bold accessories. We also enjoy wearing clothing with monochromatic hues and a great high heel!” says the star on what stylish things she has in common with her character on the show.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

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14
Just Dance

This multitalented mother of four and former beauty queen continues to prove she is a Hollywood powerhouse both on the screen and stage. Williams works up a sweat while performing during the 6th annual TV Land Awards and keeps in shape by doing yoga and Pilates.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

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15
It’s Her Year

2009
Making a major music return today with the release of her thirteenth album, “The Real Thing,” Vanessa Williams is our favorite comeback queen and we admire her grace and style.

Check out the entire interview with style star Vanessa Williams here»

Vanessa Williams: Style File
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