The Transformers.(make-overs)

The Transformers

Five singers in search of a new style allowed us to change them in ways that reflect their goals and music -- as well as their self-image. They've been in the spotlight before -- but never like this. By Cara Litke

Rock stars wear skull rings for the same reason that country singers wear Wranglers: Music is as much about being seen as it is about being heard. But while a singer's look might sell albums, it doesn't necessarily reflect who she is. The women on these pages left their old styles behind and stepped into new ones of their own. "I had this look inside of me all along," says Brooke Hogan, daughter of Hulk Hogan. "I just needed someone to pull it out."

Alanis Morissette Morissette is up for anything -- as long as "anything" doesn't include a pixie cut. "I cut my hair short once, and it was a bad decision," she says. With a new album, Flavors of Entanglement, coming out (and the days of Nickelodeon and Jagged Little Pill far behind her), she wants a look that represents "exactly where I am in my life right now. I'm attracted to as much fun as possible, and getting dressed to the nines is about as fun as it gets." First step? False eyelashes. "I love them," she says. "I'm a sensual person, and I love wearing makeup and pretty clothes and going out to dinner. I was a dirty, greasy, rock-and-roll touring girl for a long time -- it's nice to get cleaned up."

Brooke Hogan Hogan grew up amid the glitz and fluorescent spandex of the wrestling world. But now she's making a go of it as a singer, and she's "over the big hair and heavy makeup. I want to look classy and sophisticated, not trashy. I'm not the same person I was a few years ago." The nipped-in jacket and neutral makeup she wore at the Allure shoot reflected her new image. "I have a career, but I like to have fun," she says. "This look represents both sides of me." Vintage velvet blazer by Ralph Lauren Black Label. Stretch wool pants by Emporio Armani. Gold-and-pave-diamond ring by Jacob & Co. Gold necklace with aquamarines and diamonds by Corrupt Design. Makeup color: Bronzing Powder in Hoola by Benefit. Details, see Credits page.

Keyshia Cole With a style that looks more indie rock star than R&B princess, Cole needed

to get out of her jeans and boots. One look at this feather-drenched dress, and they were the last things on ...