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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 bought that crown at a vintage store or something. I got it so long ago I can’t remember, but I just remember thinking, every girl is a queen and we should all have a crown at our house to remind us how amazing we are. I think Beyoncé did that for the Grammys—we’re all queens and these beautiful goddesses and deities. We should all love one another and we should respect one another. I think it’s a beautiful thing.”

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