Jennifer Hudson‘s drastic weight loss may no longer be breaking news, but the fashion plate says she’s constantly surprised by her slimmer figure.

“I just love fashion now,” she told Stylelist at the New York celebration for her recent Good Housekeeping cover on Tuesday. “It’s so much more flexible, and there are so many more options out there now. I feel like my own little Barbie doll — I get to dress myself up.” And with the lighter footprint also comes fancier footwork: “I hated heels before, but that’s all I wear now.”

And though everything looks good on her (just check out the three outfits she wore over the course of two days, above), her style philosophy is rather complex. “Because it’s a new body, I’m trying to find out, how do I want to be perceived?” she laments. “Who is this new me? I knew how to be the big girl, but now I have to find out how to be this girl.”

–Justine Harman

WEIGH IN ON JENNIFER AND OTHER STARS’ FASHION FACEOFFS!

London is calling — and Jennifer Hudson is answering it in high style! The famously slimmed-down star has been spotted all over the English capital rocking everything from sporty shorts to sexy dresses. Since promoting her album I Remember Me at London’s ITV studios on April 18, wearing a curve-hugging blue minidress and killer snake-print booties, she hasn’t slowed down her style game at all. The star amped up her glam factor in a sexy embellished black dress and leather jacket, then hit The Ivy Club in flirty purple-and-black striped mini. For more relaxed appearances, Hudson showed off her casual side in leg-flaunting ensembles like skinny jeans and ankle-strap flats, denim cutoffs and major booties and a super-trendy shorts-and-tights ensemble, complete with $90 Chinese Laundry pumps. Throughout her whirlwind three-day fashion tour, Hudson made it clear that she doesn’t just save her high-notes for her ballads! Tell us: Which of Hudson’s looks was your favorite? –Alex Apatoff

XPosure; Fame; Splash News Online

CHECK OUT MORE STAR STYLES IN LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS

New Year’s Eve is just days away–and what better way to avoid party panic than with a little stylish inspiration courtesy of stars like Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Hudson and Emma Roberts? We’ve pulled together 18 of our favorite celeb-rocked looks that are perfect for feting 2011, whether you’d rather watch the ball drop in bow-tied elegance like Reese, fend off the winter chill like Jennifer, or go for the gold in full-on sparkle like Emma. Need a few more style ideas? Click here to check out 15 other New-Year’s-ready Hollywood looks — for less.

Janet Mayer/Splash News

Looks like someone isn’t cheating on her diet! Jennifer Hudson, who recently revealed that she’s lost an additional 20 lbs. since April, appeared even more svelte at the seventh annual Black Ball for her Keep a Child Alive foundation in New York on Thursday. The Weight Watchers spokesperson, dressed in a stunning strapless black gown, clearly had a blast on the red carpet as she flaunted her figure for the photographers. Earlier this month, Hudson, 29, said she’s still getting used to her new look. “I go into the store and they try to put me in 4s and 6s and I’m like [she looks over both shoulders] ‘Who are you trying to talk to?’” says the former size 16 star.

Martin Roe/Retna

Since she revealed her amazing body transformation in April, Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson has lost an additional 20 lbs. “I didn’t expect to go as far as I did!” the Weight Watchers spokesperson told PEOPLE in New York City, where she launched the Lose for Good campaign, which teaches families how to prepare healthy low-cost meals in an effort to help fight hunger and obesity. “People are like, ‘Okay Jennifer don’t lose anything else!’” Hudson, who marked her 29th birthday on Sept. 12, still hasn’t gotten used to seeing her slimmer reflection in the mirror. “I go into the store and they try to put me in 4s and 6s and I’m like [she looks over both shoulders] ‘Who are you trying to talk to?’” says the former size 16 star. “My mind hasn’t caught up yet.” But no matter what, “I’ve always been a person who’s comfortable with myself whether it’s plus-size, small size it doesn’t matter,” says Hudson. –Michelle Tan

She’s famously dropped from a size 16 to a 6 in a stunning trim-down, and now Jennifer Hudson is focusing her attention on those in need. The Weight Watchers spokesperson is teaming up with the brand’s Lose for Good initiative, which teaches families how to prepare healthy low-cost meals in an effort to help fight hunger and obesity. You can join Jennifer in helping the charity win–while you lose. Between Sept. 5 and Oct. 23, Weight Watchers members and online subscribers who lose weight or participate in other activities will help the company in its goal of donating $1 million to two leading hunger-fighting organizations: Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger. Learn more at WeightWatchers/LoseForGood.com –Katherine Kluznik Rentmeeser

John Akehurst for InStyle

Jennifer Hudson has experienced a long list of firsts this past year, from having a baby and planning a wedding to tackling a meaty new role, but none have been quite as shocking as her total body transformation. After dropping from a size 16 to a 6, the fall cover girl tells InStyle Makeover that she sometimes has to do a double take when she sees herself in photos. “I’m like, ‘Wow! This is what I look like?’” says the new mom, who slimmed down with 5-day-a-week workouts with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak and following Weight Watchers, which she is now the spokesperson for. “It’s not a diet, it’s really a way of living that teaches you better skills,” says Hudson, who admits to faltering on stricter eating plans. “For years I felt like I could never have ice cream, but I can eat ice cream occasionally now!” And with her sleek new look, the star has also developed an entirely different type of appetite—for clothes! “I have a serious shopping problem now,” Jennifer confesses. “Each city we go to, my suitcase won’t hold my new clothes so we have to box them up and ship them home.” And while change seems to be a constant for this multi-talented star, don’t expect her to drop another dress size. “I don’t want to lose any more weight, and you’re never going to see me skinny.” To hear more from Jennifer’s interview, check out InStyle.com or pick up the fall issue of InStyle Makeover, on newsstands Friday. –Jessie Goldberg

John Akehurst for InStyle

Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Even before becoming pregnant and gaining 35 lbs. with son David Otunga Jr., Jennifer Hudson hated running and wasn’t a huge fan of the gym. But as soon as she got her doctor’s OK to start working out, the former American Idol star met up with L.A.-based trainer, Harley Pasternak, to start slimming down for her role in an upcoming film on Winnie Mandela. She got her diet on track by starting with Weight Watchers in January–recently debuting as their newest spokesperson. And their aim was specific, Pasternak says. “Our goal was to bounce quarters off her butt!” Pasternak, author of The Five-Factor World Diet, explains “We had to start off with simple work-outs.” With a focus on images of Winnie Mandela at her fittest, Hudson started off with a 25-minute circuit-training routine of cardio, lunges, shoulder presses, and ab exercises five days a week. Eight months later, she’s worked her way up to 50-minute routines, now including 25 additional minutes of cardio. “Unprompted, she’ll start running when I’ve just asked her to walk!” says Pasternak.And how’s the payoff coming along? “I think she looks fantastic,” says Pasternak. “She loves the way she looks but she really feels great.” See more tips from Harley for your own workout routine at HarleyPasternak.com, and read more about Jennifer’s new look in this week’s issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands tomorrow.–Thailan Pham

Demis Maryannakis/Splash News Online/span>

SoHo looked more like Hollywood last night as stars turned out for the much anticipated launch party for the famed British cheap-and-chic retailer Topshop in N.Y.C. And while the lead-up to the opening may have been plagued by delays, the wait was worth it as everyone from Topshop’s star designer Kate Moss to Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez and tastemakers Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs headed to Balthazar for an exclusive dinner — that just happened to be one of the fashion events of the season. During a surprise performance by Hudson, who’s long been obsessed with the British retailer, the sequined star shouted out, “I’ve got my little Topshop outfit on. Is this all right?” Lovebirds Lopez and Mark Anthony watched as Hudson performed “One Night Only” from their seats at Moss’s table, which they also shared with designer Jason Wu. And while Lopez might be able to afford the priciest of designer garb, she told PEOPLE.com that she’s a fan of Topshop for its low-priced chic. “I love that you can get a lot of stuff there, really inexpensive,” she said, “that it fits really great, and they really concentrate on making cool, really cutting-edge clothes.” Check out all the goods at Topshop.com — free shipping all week!

Courtesy Gap

Hollywood is gearing up to mix it up for the holidays in a fun new ad campaign for Gap. Stars like Mila Kunis — whose “Hang Up Your Own Stockings” ad debuts exclusively above — Jennifer Hudson, Ashanti, Mary-Louise Parker, Jason Bateman and more stars will appear wearing a mix of the brand’s latest collection of knitwear and other fashion must-haves. But our favorite part of the campaign has to be Gap’s Merry Mix It site, which launches today and features a series of webisodes with unexpected pairings of actors, musicians and comedians performing remixed holiday carols. The unique site allows you to watch them perform or get in on the action by remixing and downloading your own version of “Jingle Bells,” recorded by Flo Rida and Trey Songs, using clips from the entire Gap Holiday cast — which includes everyone from Selma Blair to Jason Biggs to the Dixie Chicks and members of SNL. Click here to check out the site.

The Oscar winner has worn everything from Oscar de la Renta to Donna Karan, but for the cover of her new album, which hits stores in September, Jennifer Hudson proves that she’s no fashion snob, opting for a simple $36 glitter-striped American Apparel dress. Bargain hunting’s nothing new to the “Spotlight” singer, who readily admits to an obsession with affordable British chain Topshop. But while the cotton dress may have been a bargain, when it came to accessorizing the look she went decidedly high-end, glamming it up with a $475 LAI Vamp belt. We think Jennifer’s cover frock is even more flattering than some of her designer dresses (Oscars anyone?). And what we love most is that it’s a look we can get too! Click here to buy J. Hud’s dress at American Apparel. Interested in more affordable star fashion? Check out other star styles under $100 here including looks from Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Carrie Underwood and more.

Suzan/EMPICS Entertainment/ABACA

Since her role as Carrie’s Louis-Vuitton-loving assistant Louise in Sex and the City, Jennifer Hudson has become almost as well know for her budding sense of style as her award-winning roles. And while she might have access to the world’s most exclusive designer gowns, like the Escada giraffe print number she wore at last week’s Keep a Child Alive charity event in London, the actress dished to PEOPLE about her British shopping secret — and it doesn’t require a high-end salary to afford. “My favorite place to go is Topshop. I love Topshop!” Husdon says of the multi-floor U.K. shopping emporium. But while Topshop’s prices might be on par with the affordable apparel at stores like H&M, that doesn’t mean Jennifer’s sprees are saving her any money. “I made myself sit in the room so I would not go [this trip]! I knew I would spend too much money.” How much does she usually drop? “Thousands! It’s a lot! Sometimes I want a cart because there are so many levels. How much room can one store need? That’s like my dream place!” And PEOPLE let Jennifer in on our own little Topshop secret: the store’s website delivers directly to the U.S. “Don’t tell me that!” she shouted. Then, after a pause, demanded, “What is it?!” Click here to get the latest Topshop fashions delivered right to your door. Or you can visit the New York City location when it opens in SoHo this fall.

Clark Samuels/Startraks

–JESSICA ALBA got baby-ready, shopping for furniture for her new home with Interior-designer-to-the-stars Kari Whitman. The newly-engaged star then headed over to Harmony Lane to to prep for an upcoming jaunt to Sundance Film Festival. The mom-to-be stocked up on a chic and comfy La Rok Chain Doll Dress, a pair of baby-bump-friendly La Made Cashmere Cardigans, and four LinQ Hoodie Dresses in Raspberry, Almond, Black, and Navy. “I need clothes that are comfortable and loose now that I am pregnant!” a glowing Alba explained.

–Style icon KATIE HOLMES put her talents to the test at three-floor designer fabric emporium Mood in New York City. The Mad Money star perused the aisles of the Project Runway-featured store with daughter SURI in tow, selecting bolts of cream and khaki wools for custom suits for herself and hubby Tom Cruise.

–JENNIFER HUDSON got glam at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, stocking up on multiple colors and styles of Natori Couture dresses, including a figure-skimming Couture Basics Gown, $250, in taupe and black.

—KATE HUDSON hit up the aptly named Blonde in Santa Monica in a casual chic outfit of tunic and gladiator sandals.

INF

We expect large large flower pins and mis-matched patterns on Sarah Jessica Parker’s Sex and the City character, Carrie Bradshaw, but when we caught Jennifer Hudson on the movie’s set in these killer plaid boots and handbag we knew it was costume designer Patricia Fields at work. In character as Carrie Bradshaw’s assisant, Jennifer reminded us of Anne Hathaway in the Devil Wears Prada (also styled by Fields). Let’s hope the Oscar winner gets to go through the same chic transformation and we see more outrageous styles on her. Check out more on set looks here and then Tell us: Are you excited to see Jennifer Hudson in the Sex and the City movie?

The Oscar de la Renta Fall 2007 fashion show at Tuesday’s Saks Fifth Avenue Colleagues’ luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire featured lots of dresses paired with boleros, but honoree Brooke Shields kept it simple in an LBD and heels by the designer. Perhaps she recalled the beating Jennifer Hudson took when she showed up to the Oscars in one of Oscar de la Renta’s shiny cropped creations. In fact, J Hud’s bolero and brown dress actually made an appearance at the luncheon. No, not on Molly Sims and Angie Harmon, who showed up in more demure dresses from the designer, but on the runway, where it garnered a far more favorable reaction – there was actual clapping as people gasped at the idea that this was the much maligned dress. Another fashion déjà vu moment: the fuchsia gown worn by Jessica Biel. Note to Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley, who infamously styled Hudson for the Oscars: just because a look works on the runway doesn’t mean that it’ll work on the red carpet.

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/ap; Donato Sardella/WireImage

That ringing noise you hear is the sound of stars cashing in on their Oscar-related fame: first, Best Supporting Actor nominee Djimon Hounsou signed on to be the face of Calvin Klein’s new underwear line, Steel. Now, Avon‘s just announced that Jennifer Hudson will be the spokeswoman for their fragrance Imari as well as Imari Seduction, which is launching in August. “It’s exciting to be representing the Imari brand, which really embodies confidence and femininity,” Hudson said in a statement. The star will appear in print ads and in the Avon catalogue promoting the perfume; hopefully, no python bolero jackets will be harmed in the making of this campaign.

Photo: Steve Azzara/Corbis

Love the way your favorite stars dress, but can’t always afford the designer pieces they wear? PEOPLE’s Stylewatch magazine shows us exactly how to get great celeb looks for less. Here’s an outfit of Jennifer Hudson’s that we loved — and how you nab one like it for your own closet.

Get the Look of Jennifer Hudson’s Easy Elegance:
-WD-NY empire-waist cotton dress with military button detail, $186. Call 212-395-9309
-Pedre Marcasite Bangle Watch, $98 at ravinstyle.com
-Sequin Silver double hoop earrings, $68. Call Henri Bendel at 1-800-423-6335
-Oscar by Oscar de la Renta “Simone” peep toe pumps, $230, at piperlime.com

Photo: Mark Davis/Getty; jeff harris

They performed together both onscreen and on the Oscars stage, but each of the talented singer-actresses in Dreamgirls hit their own high notes on the red carpet last night. With the aid of Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley, Jennifer Hudson made a stylish entrance in an Oscar de la Renta chocolate silk jersey gown with ruched bodice, metallic python bolero and major Neil Lane jewels. Anika Noni Rose was glamorous as promised in a silver sequined Naeem Khan showstopper, Chopard diamonds, and $500,000 Kwiat diamond-studded Stuart Weitzman shoes. As the award show veteran, Beyonce lived up to her fashionable reputation in a pale green Armani Prive gown and glittering Lorraine Schwartz jewels. We think the ladies all look amazing, but isn’t it fun to play favorites? Tell us: Which Dreamgirl‘s Oscar look do you like best? Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose or Beyonce?

Click here to see all the Best Dresses of the night, and for more of the latest news and gossip on the Oscars, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/ap; Tammie Arroyo/AFF; Steve Granitz/WireImage

Designers may all want to dress Best Supporting Actress nominee Jennifer Hudson for the big night, but when the Dreamgirls star needed some comfortable footwear for her Oscar rehearsals on Thursday, she called on the folks at Piperlime, the online shoe shop that was gifting celebs at the Marie Claire-sponsored Luxury Lounge. “She wanted something comfortable, cute and flat,” says a company rep, who quickly shipped over a bunch of shoes, including a shiny red ballet flat by Taryn Rose (which was inspired by Sienna Miller in Factory Girl) $445 as well as styles by Cynthia Vincent, Steve Madden and Charles by Charles David.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: john shearer/wireimage

Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Dreamgirls, Jennifer Hudson is the Diva of this year’s award season.

Signature Look: Figure-hugging dresses with deep V-necklines and shimmering fabrics. Hudson’s hair is almost always wavy and loose, while her makeup tends toward berry lips and metallic shadows.

Favorite Designers: The star has designer-hopped, wearing Vera Wang, Donna Karan and Prada to recent events. Shoes are often by Stuart Weitzman, with diamonds by Neil Lane.

What She Will Wear: According to an article in Vogue written by editor-at-large Andre Leon Tally, who is styling the star, Hudson will most likely wear Oscar de la Renta.

Click here to see more Red Carpet Fashion in Off the Rack. And for more of the latest news and gossip on the award shows, check out our Red Carpet Confidential blog.

Photo: Dave M. Benett/Getty; Robert Pitts/Landov; Lisa Rose/jpi