ELLE COVER: Jessica Biel

Partner in Crine

Biel’s thoughts on marriage: “It means always having someone there to open the pickle jar…to share the ups and downs with, have adventures with. Someone to go swimming naked with. That kind of thing.”

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Gown Lowdown

On choosing her wedding dress: “I wanted the dress to be very romantic and feminine and a shape that I very rarely wear. I have never been crazy about all-white wedding dresses, for me at least. [Giambattista Valli] had created that same fabric in a fuschia-and-pink combination for a dress in a previous collection, and I asked him if he could create that same pattern in a white combination, and he suggested pink. It was a bit of a leap of faith at the time, but it turned out better than I could have ever imagined."

Next in Line

On plans for the future: My goal now is to work with great directors. Small role, big role, medium-size role—it doesn't matter. I just want to work with someone who's going to push me to a scary, exciting place that I've never been before."

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Cake Boss

On Justin Timberlake’s domestic side: “He bakes pies. He’s Southern, so he’s got all this influence from his grandma. He does a three-layer pie…and blueberry crunch cake, which is pretty unbelievable. It doesn’t happen all that often, thank God. Otherwise, it would be a big problem.”

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Tres Chic

See more from Biel's shoot in the January issue of ELLE, on newsstands 12/18. In the meantime, click through the slides to see the actress' best looks over the years.

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City Slickers

In New York with Justin Timberlake, Biel kept it casual in a marbled blue scarf, gray coat and Bordeaux bag.

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High & Mighty

Very few can pull off a pompadour (the hairstyle of the moment) but at the Los Angeles premiere of Hitchcock, Biel managed the feat, gracefully pairing the 'do with a ruffled dress from Gucci's spring collection.

Color War

Wearing the color-blocking trend flawlessly while on the way to David Letterman, Biel rocked a blue-and-green Roland Mouret dress with sky blue Jimmy Choo pumps.

Mock Trial

Biel rocked leather pants, a gray felt coat and the footwear du jour, Tod's spray-sequined loafers, when she was spotted in New York last month.

Lace Case

At the Trouble With the Curve after-party in Los Angeles, Biel stunned in an understated Dolce & Gabbana lace-paneled dress and a crushed-velvet Fendi bag. Super-straight hair with blunt bangs finished off the elegant look.

White Out

Biel had a high-fashion moment at Total Recall's U.K. premiere in a white-feathered Giambattista Valli Couture.

Ivory Coast

Sticking to a pale palette while in Ireland, Biel teamed loose, upswept locks and a bold red lip with an ivory Zac Posen satin dress and gold Manolo Blahnik heels.

Rosy Outlook

The actress went retro (with an edge) in a rose Christian Dior Couture strapless dress and a statement-making crystal-and-pearl Tom Binns necklace.

Leather Weather

If ever there's a time to take a style risk, it's at the annual Comic-Con in San Diego, where the star paired a Thierry Mugler PVC peplum pencil skirt and neon Brian Atwood pumps with a simple tee.

Emerald City

At the Met Gala, Biel was ever so refined in form-fitting Prada with then-fiance Timberlake. An emerald Prada clutch and blush heels added an extra dose of color.

Antique Show

At the 69th Golden Globes, the starlet's dark hair perfectly contrasted with her ivory lace Elie Saab Couture gown. A slit up the front gave the romantic style some sex appeal.

Hue Knew?

In London, Biel was spotted in pops of color—rare for the star who sticks to mostly neutrals. In an orange top and pants, a cobalt blue satchel and deep blue heels, she made for an exciting photo op.

White Swan

At Fashion Group International's 28th Annual Night of Stars, Biel effortlessly pulled off a sculptural cream Giambattista Valli Couture.

Just Bead It

Possibly one of her best looks ever, this draped gold-and-silver Atelier Versace dress seemed to have been made specifically for Biel's body.

Code Red

At the A Team premiere in London, her wild, beachy hair gave this Giambattista Valli body-con dress a relaxed vibe.

In the Navy

Just steps behind then-boyfriend Timberlake, Biel wore a fitted navy jacket, white shirt and cropped pants on an outing in New York.

Perfect Fit

In yet another stunning number, the actress turned heads at the 2012 Met Gala in a curve-hugging satin Ralph Lauren gown. Slightly ombre hair (a look she seems to lean toward) kept it youthful.

Heart of the Matter

An asymmetrical red ruffled Oscar de la Renta dress was the perfect pick for the Los Angeles premiere of Valentine's Day. A matching lip and nude heels let the show-stopping gown really sing.

Blonde Ambition

Back in 2007, the actress had much simpler taste on the red carpet. At the MTV Music Awards she arrived with bleachy blond waves and wearing a modest black-studded dress.

Short Order

Biel wore a white peasant top, cropped pants and streaky blond hair on MTV's TRL in 2005. We had no idea what was to become of this future fashion plate.

Gray Matters

At a party in 2004, Biel channeled the casual girl next-door in a gray tank and low-rise bell-bottoms. Evidently, she had killer curves even way back when.