Table of contents for December 2019 in InStyle

Thanks be. We made it to the end of 2019, dear readers! Before I go lie down, I’m delighted that our December issue celebrates not only the holiday season but also the bold and brilliant women who inspire us. Oh, man, how much have we missed the epic Renée Zellweger (p. 115)? After taking a six-year break from acting (she built a house, studied international law, went to Liberia, played piano), Renée picked up where she left off, and now, in her spectacular portrayal of Judy Garland in Judy, she’s bringing every part of herself back to the screen. It’s such a pleasure to see a woman at the top of her performative powers sharing that sensation with us. Welcome back, lady, and go win that Oscar. Otherwhere in the…

“Spending as much time as humanly possible with my kids and my shirtless husband.”CELESTE BARBER Comedian, “The Subversives,” p. 126 “Orgasms and spooning and cake.”JAMEELA JAMIL Actress, “The Subversives,” p. 126 “Spending time with family and friends.”MOLLY LAMBERT Writer, “Send Us the Bill,” p. 144 “Free childcare.”ALI WONG Comedian, “I Want to Be a Disco Ball,” p. 74 “Time. Time with my children, my parents, my friends. Time to travel, to learn new languages, to taste all the world has to offer.”ALEX BORSTEIN Actress, “Pluck It Up,” p. 76 “Nature.”SEBASTIAN FAENA Photographer, “A Star Is Reborn,” p. 115…

LADY THRILLERS Make a date with these pink showpieces.…

Velvet Jackets THE LUXE FABRIC MAKES A SIMPLE T-SHIRT AND SNEAKERS FEEL EXTRA SPECIAL. Sequined Skirts BALANCE THE SHINE WITH CLEAN WHITE BASICS, BUT ADD A FUN BAG. Hair Bows A FOOLPROOF PAIRING? TOMBOYISH PANTS—THE SLOUCHIER, THE BETTER.…

When you were growing up, who taught you about all things beauty? My grandma raised me with my mom. She was from Mobile, Ala., and she really honored her face. The only makeup she wore was lipstick and mascara, and that remains what I consider beautiful. It’s interesting because even though my daughter [Jaya, 15] and I have never discussed it, she loves lip balms and mascara too. So I realize that as a little girl, she was watching me get ready—just like I watched my grandma. How has your approach to skin care changed since being named a brand activist for True Botanicals? I’m not a purist, but I try to keep it clean and natural. I always thought I was very health-conscious about my beauty routine, keeping it…

RSVP YES Get your party face on with shimmery makeup that really lets you shine. SCENT of a WOMAN Iconic couturière Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was renowned for her rebellious streak and impeccable personal style. So it makes sense that the maison she founded over a century ago would recruit another independent woman, Margot Robbie (no slouch in the fashion department either), to be the face of its Gabrielle Chanel fragrances. The second iteration, Gabrielle Chanel Essence, is an opulent mix of lush tuberose, red berries, creamy musk, and sweet vanilla layered on top of a floral base. “It’s intensified and more sensual,” says Chanel house perfumer Olivier Polge of the new blend, which makes it the perfect choice for any romantic occasion. JUST A MINUTE Essie débuts its aptly named…

If model Julia van Os looks like a menswear pro in these pictures, it’s not just because she’s exceptionally good at her job. “I love suits and wear them often,” she says, “so this is my favorite kind of story to do.” Van Os, who turned 23 in October, has worked plenty of other memorable gigs as well. Since making her official début in fall 2015 (she walked in over 40 shows that season), the Hilversum, Netherlands, native has been a regular collaborator with big-name brands like Coach and Calvin Klein. “They gave me one of my first campaigns,” she says, referring to Calvin Klein. “It was shot by Mario Sorrenti, and he had the crew light up an entire New York City block in the middle of the night…

for the Design Nut Open the Amazon app, tap the camera icon, select “SmileCode,” and scan to shop. for the Do-Gooder Open the Amazon app, tap the camera icon, select “SmileCode,” and scan to shop. for the Eco Warrior Open the Amazon app, tap the camera icon, select “SmileCode,” and scan to shop. Under $50 Open the Amazon app, tap the camera icon, select “SmileCode,” and scan to shop.…

WHERE TO GO I’m originally from Colorado, and my husband, David, grew up visiting the state with his family, so it’s a special place for both of us. We visit a region in the southwest near Telluride because it’s where my in-laws, Ralph and Ricky Lauren, have their Double RL ranch. The dramatic view of the Rockies (1) is spectacular, especially for New Yorkers like us looking for a respite from life in the city. WHERE TO STAY & EAT Book a room at Dunton Hot Springs, Lumière with Inspirato (2), or The Peaks Resort & Spa (3), a spot with wonderful wellness treatments. The Butcher & the Baker café (4) is my personal favorite for a healthy and delicious lunch. And I recommend dinner at Rustico Ristorante or La…

One sure way to keep your week on track is to find some quiet time and be inspired. For me it’s my garden and of course @instylemagazine. —@HAPPYGIRLBLOG_ MAJOR LEAGUE BEAUTY @InStyle @laurabrown99 - I have [subscribed to] InStyle for as long as I can remember (maybe all 25 years!?!). Great beauty issue with Aniston, Watts, Chef Robbins, Adut Akech and more - but the two “goddesses” or s - Sue [Bird] and Megan [Rapinoe] made it particularly special. —@DBUCKSHNIS, via Twitter SURVIVOR STORY Thank you so much for introducing us to the inspirational cancer journey of Chef Missy Robbins. It is as if she were our sister, neighbor, or co-worker. She is so down-to-earth with what she’s been through—it is an inspiration for all of us. —KATHRYN MADIGAN, Chicago…

She may be getting rave reviews for her portrayal of Judy Garland in Judy, but Renée Zellweger has been dazzling us onscreen for decades. That’s why we decided to bring some of her most iconic characters back to life for our Beverly Hills shoot. She revisited Bridget Jones (wearing a silk Fendi jacket as pajamas) and Nurse Betty (in a white Mugler jacket), while a lacy Dior dress recalled her style in Cold Mountain and a crystal-embroidered ensemble nodded to Chicago (above). After our final photo, Zellweger changed into off-duty attire (“You can get a lot of miles on a good T, good jeans, and a good boot,” she says) and threw on her signature University of Texas at Austin baseball cap. It was time to say goodbye, but really,…

Who Won the Red Carpet? From an 18-karat gold bra to a dress that winks, these looks caught our attention this year—and held it. 1 GEMMA CHAN Chan hit a fashion peak at the Oscars in this voluminous Valentino Haute Couture number, complete with a ruffled collar, a sweeping train, and pockets that she revealed were stuffed with chocolate chip cookies. Now, that’s our kind of girl. 2 BRIE LARSON in Celine by Hedi Slimane We marveled at Larson’s parade of downright heroic looks this year, which featured everything from couture capes to custom jewelry. 3 ELLE FANNING It took 450 hours for Maria Grazia Chiuri’s team at Dior to perfect this modern take on the fashion house’s iconic New Look—and the payoff was très chic. “It’s my favorite thing I’ve ever…

Every onscreen performance that you see by a woman is the product of a breakdown. Not the kind of breakdown you might be thinking of (but not altogether different either). When a TV show or film is looking for an actress to fill a part, a “character breakdown” is sent out to casting agents. The breakdown describes the project, the character, and the type of actress that might fit the bill. Actresses rarely see the breakdowns themselves, as they are meant for talent and casting agents’ eyes only. They are written in a code that one slowly learns to decipher after a few years in the business. Some examples: JANE: a woman who doesn’t know how beautiful she is = young and hot but with natural tits ANIKA: a confident…

1 FLOATING EYELINER Tracing a thin stripe of eyeliner just above the crease of your lids creates the illusion of an upward sweep, says makeup artist Jo Baker. Not to mention it looks supercool, as shown here on Alexa Chung. 2 IGNITE A BRILLIANT STREAK A graphic flick of neon eyeliner is so striking, you can skip all other makeup and still be a knockout. At Helmut Lang, makeup artist Susie Sobol traced the wing shape first with white eye pencil and then brushed colored powder on top. 3 HIGHLIGHT WITH PINK “Dusting blush in a C shape from the top of the cheeks to your eyes creates a soft halo effect that adds dimension to your face.”—DANIEL MARTIN, makeup artist Make Up For Ever Artist Face Color Highlight, Sculpt,…

To say that Bill Hader is uncomfortable with the idea of being an “unlikely sex symbol” would be an understatement. His whole body instantly recoils at the notion, as if rejecting a demon. It’s partly the Midwestern humbleness of the Oklahoma-born-and-raised performer that keeps him from accepting that people might find him attractive. It’s also that he sometimes gets confused with author Stephen King, who is nearly twice his age, or unflatteringly compared with a not-so-handsome actor from a popular network sitcom. Comedians and actors are not generally known for their introversion or modesty, but Hader is not most comedic actors. A hyper-talented impressionist who can also fully inhabit characters, he says his comedy has always come from his anxiety. He developed his comedic side as a means of becoming…

If you’re really an art collector, one piece of art often leads you to another, or to collect another artist,” says Craig Robins, a Miami-based entrepreneur and real-estate developer. “Each purchase informs and inspires you.” Robins would know: He is a bona fide collector responsible for establishing Miami’s Design District and a founder of Design Miami, the fair that runs in tandem with Art Basel Miami every December. His home is filled with pieces by the late architect Zaha Hadid (one of his bathrooms was designed by her) and includes a work by Marcel Duchamp. “In the ’90s I was collecting a lot of younger artists, and I realized that many of them were students of John Baldessari. I thought that if I’m collecting the students, I should collect the…

Cover: Sebastian Faena/IMG Lens; styling: Julia von Boehm; hair: Chris McMillan/The Salon/Solo Artists; makeup: Kindra Mann/TMG-LA; manicure: Christina Aviles Aude/Star Touch Agency; set design: Gille Milles/The Magnet Agency p. 25: Sebastian Faena/IMG Lens p. 26: Clockwise from top left: Ungano + Agriodimas; Alexander Saladrigas/Cerutti and Co; courtesy Harry Josh p. 28: Clockwise from top left: Beau Grealy/Pippa Mockridge; Pamela Hanson/LGA Management; courtesy Nina; Getty; courtesy Sephora; courtesy CB2 p. 30: Clockwise from top left: courtesy Laura Brown; courtesy @csteien; Sebastian Faena/IMG Lens; Ungano + Agriodimas p. 32: Clockwise from top left: courtesy @happygirlblog_; Michael Thompson/Artists & Company; courtesy @csteien; courtesy @howheartthou; courtesy @sophieandlili; Beau Grealy/Pippa Mockridge p. 34: Clockwise from top left: courtesy Nanushka; Brian Henn (2); styling: Sabrina Grande; courtesy @pamela_par; Brian Henn (2); styling: Sabrina Grande; courtesy Coach;…

MIKAELA PABON, Brooklyn @mikaela.pabon INSPIRED BY Trend Report: “Brights Out” (September 2019) HOW SHE MAKES IT HER OWN Pabon combines coordinating neon separates to liven up a dreary winter day. PAMELA PAR, Baltimore @pamela_par INSPIRED BY Trend Report: “Tough Luxe” (September 2019) HOW SHE MAKES IT HER OWN In brick red pants straight from our pages, Par turns the grocery aisle into her own runway. A soft, billowy blouse takes the edge off structured faux leather. SUZANNE MAURO, Pittsburgh @suzz44 INSPIRED BY Trend Report: “Dark Romance” (September 2019) HOW SHE MAKES IT HER OWN Mauro plays with pattern, mixing animal prints and florals with plaid. SHOW US YOUR STYLE If one of our stories has inspired you to try a new fashion, beauty, or home idea, we want to know.…

HIGH BAR Give your holiday celebration the Tiffany & Co. treatment with the brand’s covetable new collections for men. The pieces you’ll want for yourself? Mad Men–worthy glassware and the perfect jewelry to toughen up a party dress. Shade Trade Brazilian sunglasses brand Lapima launches universally flattering and slightly oversize unisex styles. In other words, you can share them with the men in your life, but that doesn’t mean you’ll want to. CLOSET CLASSIC I Love Mr. Mittens With a focus on dramatic shapes and sumptuous textures, this sweater-centric line kicks the humble craft of knitting up a notch. Toast of the Town Cheers to the latest from Rebecca Taylor—a ruffle-filled range of cocktail-party dresses that reinterpret vintage silhouettes. Please Hold Hollywood stylist Micaela Erlanger (her clientele includes Lupita Nyong’o…

Why They’re Badass “When you lift up a girl, you lift up the family, the community, the nation, and it has a positive impact on overcoming poverty,” says CARE USA CEO Michelle Nunn of her organization’s strategy. “If a girl has the chance to do just one extra year of secondary school, that can mean her family’s income increases by 10 to 20 percent.” Since Nunn became head of CARE in 2015, she set a goal of aiding 200 million of the world’s most vulnerable people by 2020. And this year, as CARE’s first global advocate, Iman has joined Nunn’s cause. “Michelle is a badass because she combines gentle democracy with an iron will,” Iman says. “I’m all caps and fireworks—don’t get me started! But let’s not forget the quiet…

Seen & Herd The fashion crowd goes wild for jazzy zebra stripes. You Know You Want It Our takeaway from Cecilie Bahnsen’s dreamy spring show? Head-to-toe pink works best when you mix different shades. HEADS UP Reinvent your winter wardrobe with these outfit-transforming hats. The Score Cheap thrills to fast-track your style. SHIFT TO NEUTRAL SPICE IT UP 1 DRESS, 2 Ways This slinky LBD is the ultimate blank canvas for any holiday celebration, whether it’s formal or freewheeling. COCKTAIL CHIC AFTER-PARTY COOL my style BROTHER VELLIES DESIGNER AURORA JAMES SHARES A FEW OF HER FAVORITE THINGS…

“It was my first time working with Jodie, and I wanted to do something special because I am a huge fan. Her big eyes give me a Sharon Tate vibe, so there was a ’60s feel [to this look]. I did a center part and used Serge Normant Dream Big mousse throughout. Then I blow-dried and used Dream Big spray at the roots and crown to create lift. With my curling iron, I tucked the ends under and wrapped them around her face. I immediately brushed it all out and put my wave clips into her warm hair, which kept the curl flat and the shape round without being puffy.”—HARRY JOSH, HAIRSTYLIST…

for the Fashion Fiend for the Beauty Buff for the Cool Kid Open the Amazon app, tap the camera icon, select “SmileCode,” and scan to shop. SHOP INSTYLE WITH SMILECODES With Amazon’s innovative SmileCodes, you can shop select Gift Guide picks directly from our pages. 1. Download and open the Amazon app. 2. Tap the camera icon. 3. Select “SmileCode” scanner, and scan to shop instantly.…

Zac!” yells chef Daniela Soto-Innes, breaking into a broad smile when she sees designer Zac Posen waiting for her at the end of the bar at Cosme, the celebrated Mexican restaurant in New York City’s Flatiron District. “What are we doing? Are we cooking, are we playing, are we chatting?” Today, these kindred spirits are doing all three. The creatives became fast friends when they first met this summer, not over food but over fashion. Soto-Innes, who runs the kitchens at Cosme and its sister restaurant, Atla, was named World’s Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and needed a festive frock for the awards ceremony, so friends suggested Posen. After a rendezvous at his studio, Soto-Innes quickly realized that the designer was also a total foodie. Posen…

I can spend hours in a vintage store combing through all the treasures. I like to imagine the women who wore the pieces and what their lives were like. It’s like going into a museum but you get to touch everything. A couple of years ago, on a wintry day in New York, I decided to stop by one of my favorite vintage stores in SoHo. I was looking for that one special item that would make me feel something, and that day I came across this cashmere cardigan tucked away in a small drawer. It didn’t have a tag or anything inside, but from the style, it appeared to be from the ’50s. I fell in love with the details, from the incredible floral and leaf embroidery to the…