For those who might want to retreat from parties and house guests over the holidays -- or who receive gift cards to bookstores -- there are several new fashion and beauty books worth a look.

Would Jackie O re-gift? Would she deliver bad news by e-mail, emulate celebrity fashion, take tips from Martha Stewart, get a hair weave, or tattle on someone having an affair?

Journalists Shelly Branch and Sue Callaway tell you what they think in "What Would Jackie Do? An Inspired Guide to Distinctive Living" (Gotham Books, $22.50). Volumes have been written about the poise, chic, grace, refinement, and intellect -- the utter fabulousness -- of the former first lady, but this one goes a giant step further. Through extensive research and engaging writing, it explores the incomparable gravitas of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis and then applies her ethos to today. It is a primer for how contemporary Americans, especially women, can learn from the example Jackie lived.

Branch and Callaway expertly deconstruct their subject, from the personal and professional to the sartorial, social and spiritual. They describe what Jackie did in actual situations in her adult life and extrapolate what she likely would do in today's drastically changed cultural milieu. The 291-page book is entertaining and engaging, with pull-out philosophical "pearls" and lovely black-and-white sketches with Tiffany blue coloring -- something Jackie probably would have loved.

"Tiffany Diamonds" by John Loring (Abrams, $50) is one of those colorful, thick tomes (a 304-page hardback) that is a conversation piece as well as a source of information. Loring, the design director for Tiffany & Co., traces the company's 157-year history with interesting historical anecdotes and nearly 300 captivating photographs and illustrations. There's also a helpful glossary of diamond terms and interesting stories about the world's most famous diamonds.

The book reminds readers why the names Tiffany and diamond have become synonymous. Those who have a diamond engagement ring -- something the company invented -- or who have held on to one of those unmistakable Tiffany-blue boxes will want to add this literary magnus opus to their collection.

As the proportion of women of color grows in America and as they make their economic impact felt in the beauty industry, an increasing number of books are being published to address their needs.

Iman, who went from Somalian diplomat's daughter to high-fashion supermodel to occasional actress to cosmetics company owner, has penned her second book. "The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color" ($29.95, G.P. Putnam's Sons) breaks new ground by approaching the subject from the more precise basis of skin color rather than ethnicity.

After a foreword by Selma Hayak, Iman pours 30 years of experience into practical advice on skin care and makeup selection and application for women from adolescence through their golden years. She targets a wide range of women of color, from black, Latina, Asian and Indian, to Native American, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern.

Readers will appreciate photos showing makeup on some of today's great beauties, such as Vanessa L. Williams, Rosario Dawson, Naomi Campbell, Eva Mendes, Ling, Kimora Lee Simmons and Tyra Banks. "Women won't see the typical tips on contouring and spackling to change their natural features," said Iman, 50. "Instead, they'll find inspiration and techniques to enhance what God gave them."

Essence magazine, the black woman's Vogue, has released "Beauty Basics & Beyond: 101 Ways to Keep Your Hair and Skin Fabulous" (Essence Books, $24.95).

The 158-page hardback, edited by Patricia Hinds, is chock full of tried-and-true tips on hair and skin care, as well as effective makeup application, proper nutrition, fitness and pampering rituals.

The tome is so attractively designed and photographed -- gorgeous popular celebs and lesser-known models mesmerize -- that many women will want to keep it on the coffee table when they're not consulting it.