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Why Tika Sumpter Wore a Jumpsuit to the NAACP Image Awards

We got ready with the star before the big event and found out all the details on her cozy-cool look.

Why Tika Sumpter Wore a Jumpsuit to the NAACP Image Awards
Tristan Kallas

Fact: if we were headed to an awards show, nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, we’d (at least try to) do it the Tika Sumpter way. Thanks to our friend Ali at TBOYaficionado who intro'd us to the actress, we spent the hours leading up to the NAACP Image Awards with her, and the star didn’t show a single sign of nerves, setting out snacks for her team, listening to music, and pulling on a layered jumpsuit rather than a bedazzled gown (better for eating, she revealed). The Southside With You star even had a plan for her hair: pulled back, manageable, in case there was rain. Overall, the setup was perfect for a fuss-free night with friends—and a return to the red carpet post-baby.

We captured Tika’s getting-ready process before the big night, then spoke with the actress for a full recap, including who makes that jumpsuit and if it’s as comfy as it looks.


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“I usually know what I want my hair to look like once I’m presented with ideas for the dress. I know I like going simple and sleek and something that’s not going to be all over the place, where I’m like, ‘Oh my god, my hair is falling all over the place.’ Whether it’s just a part down the middle or... I just wanted something pulled back because it was raining [laughs]. I didn’t want frizzies hanging out everywhere, you know.”

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