Source: Rodin Eckenroth / Getty
Jackée Harry has always been that girl. Before social media had timelines, before “it girl” was even a term, and before we had entire aesthetics created around confidence, soft girl life, and glamour—we had Jackée.
She was the blueprint for the original “it girl.” Her fits slayed, her hair and makeup were flawless – and her body was tea.
And in case anyone forgot, Jackée gave us the perfect reminder this weekend.
‘Body Was Tea’: Jackée Harry Reminds Fans On Social Media Why She Is The Original It Girl
On March 14, the Emmy-winning actress dropped a Flashback Friday (#FBF) post that had the internet collectively snapping. In the black-and-white portrait, Jackée rocked a fitted dress that hugged every curve, one hand resting lightly on her shoulder, eyes locked on the camera with her signature playful yet seductive smile.
Everything about the moment exudes grown woman energy—every hair, every accessory, and every detail is perfectly in place. Jackee captioned her post, “As the young people say, the body was tea!!!”
While she didn’t specify the exact year the photo was taken, the high-volume hair, effortless glamour, and hourglass-hugging dress all point to her 227 era. And if you know, you know—Jackée’s portrayal of “Sandra Clark” on 227 was nothing short of iconic.
Jackée Harry, 227, and the Making of an Icon
Jackée’s portrayal of Sandra made her a cultural phenomenon. With her signature mix of confidence, humor, and undeniable style, she embodied a character in which Black women saw themselves—sexy, determined, and effortlessly fly. As the fashion-forward neighbor, Jackée was that girl who took up space unapologetically.
In a 2020 interview with Essence, the Sister, Sister star reflected on how much of herself she poured into Sandra, including her unmistakable style.
“She [was] man-hungry, so she had to be sexually visible—curvy. They always altered my clothing, it was never off the rack, but I liked having my skirt pegged, everything—my dresses,” Jackée said.
“And they would always sew them down so they were shapely. Everybody can’t wear that look. I wasn’t even thinking about being a style icon or even being sexy, I was just trying to be funny. Of course, I knew I was sexy, but that’s not what I was looking at first in terms of style; I was looking at being attractive so that when she was coming, she looked good and walking away too.”
That attention to detail is clear in her #FBF post. The cinched waist, the off-the-shoulder design, the flawless makeup and hair—it’s a masterclass in curated glamour. And the love in her comments proves that fans still see her as a legend.
“Everything and that hair ate down too!” one fan wrote. Another chimed in, “Left no crumbs THEN and NOW! 
.” And, of course, someone had to let her know, “You still got it, Auntie! 
.”
Even Jackée knows she’s still got it, joking in 2024 on Instagram, “I was kinda THAT GIRL, huh?”
Let’s Give Her Flowers Now: 10 Times Jackée Harry’s Body Was Tea
Posts like this are why we need to continue celebrating our Black TV icons – and give them their flowers now. Jackée Harry broke barriers in entertainment, gave us a character we could see ourselves in, and remains an inspiration today.
Yes, sis, the body was tea—but so was the attitude, the talent, and the legacy. Sometimes, you have to pop out and remind folks that you are, and always will be, the original “it girl.”
Let’s look at some of Jackée’s top fashion moments.
‘Body Was Tea’: Jackée Harry Reminds Fans On Social Media Why She Is The Original ‘It Girl’ was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
1. Bougie, Bold, And Beautiful: Jackée Harry Is A Vision In White
Source:Getty
Jackée Harry was a vision of elegance at the 13th Annual CEBA Awards on October 18, 1990, wearing a cream-colored skirt suit adorned with intricate gold embroidery. She completed the look with statement chandelier earrings, a sparkling mini clutch, and a red lip and nail color combination, proving once again why she’s always been that girl.
2. It’s the Jackée Harry’s Fur Stole For Us!
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Jackée Harry attended TheGrio Awards in 2022, wearing a sleek black gown with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt. She paired the look with bold statement earrings, a fur stole, and voluminous curls. Her blue pleated skirt paired with the fur accessory is everything.
3. Is that Versace? Jackée Harry Gives Rich Auntie Vibes
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Jackée Harry gives the girls rich auntie energy before it as a thing in this archival photo. The actress wears a black and gold outfit complete with a body hugging dress with a plunging neckline, Versace-esque belt, and a black scarf.
4. Jackée Harry In Hot Pink & Purple
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Jackée Harry looked stunning at the 47th Annual Hollywood Women’s Press Club Golden Apple Awards in December 1987. Reminding us of why we love vintage style, the glamour girl stuns in a bold monochromatic hot pink and purple look. Her fit includes shimming accents, structured shoulders, and a mini skirt.
5. Jackée Harry Oozes Grown Woman In A Mini Green Dress
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Can’t you see one of our favorite “it girl” slayers in this dress now? Giving us all the style and glamour we love, Jackée Harry slays in this mini green sequined dress in 1989. With its figure-flattering fit, bold color, and top details, her dress is the moment.
6. Jackée Harry Wins In Red
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Just call her Emmy-winning actress! Glowing from her 1987 win for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Jackée Harry stuns in this red off the shoulder sequins gown. See her signature red lippie completing the ultra feminine, glam look.
7. Give Us The Multi-colored Dress, Jackée!
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Jackée Harry ate up the girls in March of 1987. While we don’t know where this archived pic was taken, we do know she is slaying in it. The Days Of Our Lives stars gives the girls a look in a bright, fun, and sexy multi-colored off the shoulder knee-length gown with rouching and a flouncy hemline.
8. Jackée Harry Slays In Purple Metallic
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If we needed another reminder why Jackée Harry is that girl – this pic is it. The actress is the moment while walking into the 1988 Primtime Emmy Awards in a purple metallic dress with black details. Yes, sis!
9. Jackée Harry Loves A Plunging Neckline – And We Don’t Blame Her
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Get into this glamour look! Jackée Harry attended the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards and looked TF good. Posing on the red carpet, she slays in a body-hugging black sequin dress with a plunging neckline showing off “her girls.”
10. Jackée Harry’s Sequined Leather Jacket
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Jackée Harry shows us the power of the black leather bomber at the 2023 Variety Power Of Women event. She pairs a black leather jacket with sequined detail with a gold column dress and gold sequin pumps. Sis is shining like the star she is.
11. Jeweled Teal Tones Are Jackée’s Colors
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Decades since Jackée started her career, and she is still stealing the show. Attending the 2024 Daytime Emmys Awards, she dazzles in a silky aqua wrap dress and silver jewelry. She radiates timeless beauty.
