Best Dressed of 2011
This year's top red carpet looks
As the end of the year approaches, it's time to cast our mind back to red carpets past and decide - who were the most stylish ladies of 2011? The competition has certainly been fierce - with Keira Knightley and Kirsten Dunst both making triumphant returns to the red carpet, but newcomers Felicity Jones and Solange Knowles have also been making waves with their offbeat fashion choices and hot-off-the-catwalk dresses. Then there were the weddings - with Kates Middleton and Moss, Lily Allen and Josephine de la Baume all unveiling their enviable wedding dresses. But after much deliberation (and a few heated office debates), here are the 35 women we think stood out on the red carpet (and elsewhere) this year.
Think we've missed someone off the list? Tweet us @StylistMagazine with your #bestdressed suggestions - and stay tuned for our list of the fashion 'ones to watch' for next year...
Picture credits: Rex Features and Getty Images
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Alex…
A tomboy off the red carpet, we noticed a much… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Alexa Chung
A tomboy off the red carpet, we noticed a much more pulled together, elegant look for Alexa this year, from sweeping midi-skirts to forties tea dresses and sixties shifts, all paired with her signature flat shoes. Our favourite? The sparkling, spring/summer 2012 Christopher Kane dress, and adorable Charlotte Olympia kitten pumps she wore to pick up the Style Award at the British Fashion Awards for the second year running - which she dedicated to "girls who dress like awkward boys".
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Cami…
A regular fixture on the front row at New York… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Camilla Belle
A regular fixture on the front row at New York Fashion Week and fashion parties, actress Camilla has an enviable wardrobe of Gucci outfits for the red carpet - this jewel toned suit from the autumn/winter collection was the perfect example of laid-back elegance.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Dian…
It was tough to pick one picture of Diane Kruger… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Diane Kruger
It was tough to pick one picture of Diane Kruger on the red carpet. The German actress always dresses in effortlessly cool designers, or works the latest trend - like this Alessandra Rich dress with neon lace detail. We also loved the Jason Wu embellished top and split skirt she wore to the Met Gala.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Anne…
Anne Hathaway had eight outfit changes when she… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway had eight outfit changes when she presented the Oscars in February - luckily super-stylist Rachel Zoe was on hand to keep the actress stylishly attired. The Versace gown she chose for the Vanity Fair party had the most wow factor.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Emma…
We fell in love with Emma Stone's style this… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Emma Stone
We fell in love with Emma Stone's style this year. The actress impressed on countless occasions with her outfits (remember the peach Calvin Klein dress she wore to the Oscars?) so choosing our favourite was a tough call. In the end, we settled for this Giambattista Valli look she wore to the Friends With Benefits New York premiere - who said pink and red should never be said?
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Blak…
Thanks to her role as the face of the… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Blake Lively
Thanks to her role as the face of the Mademoiselle handbag line, Blake Lively has been seen in countless Chanel creations this year - this white chiffon dress is sheer romance.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Feli…
A relative newcomer to the red carpet, Brit… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Felicity Jones
A relative newcomer to the red carpet, Brit actress Felicity Jones has proved her fashion credentials by wearing new season dresses normally reserved for the Kate Bosworth's and Chloe Sevigny's of the world. This Proenza Schouler spring/summer 2012 ensemble is prim but edgy.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Emma…
With her cropped hair and glamorous gowns on the… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Emma Watson
With her cropped hair and glamorous gowns on the Harry Potter premiere trail, Emma Watson was easily one of the most stylish red carpet stars of the year. We like this Jason Wu dress with peplum detail (very spring/summer 2012) she wore to the My Week With Marilyn premiere.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Flor…
One of the most magical moments of Paris fashion… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Florence Welch
One of the most magical moments of Paris fashion week was when Florence emerged, mermaid-like from a giant seashell at the Chanel spring/summer 2012 show, in this incredible fringed dress.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Frei…
Freida Pinto always looks effortless on the red… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Freida Pinto
Freida Pinto always looks effortless on the red carpet, and never shies away from full-on colour or bold prints. This Juan Carlos Obando dress is so simple, but makes an impact with its apple green shade and flattering fit.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Gwyn…
Gwyneth stepped up the red carpet glamour this… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth stepped up the red carpet glamour this year, opting for clinging body con dresses, sequin encrusted gowns, and this revealing Emilio Pucci gown.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Jaim…
Jaime King has been the rising star of the red… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Jaime King
Jaime King has been the rising star of the red carpet this year, wearing gems like this gorgeous Jil Stuart flapper dress. Plus, she's the only person we've seen pull off brothel creepers.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Janu…
January Jones is a far cry from prim Betty Draper… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - January Jones
January Jones is a far cry from prim Betty Draper on the red carpet, wowing in daring, ultra-glamorous dresses like this Versace fringed creation.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Kate…
Always the best dressed at Coachella, Kate… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Kate Bosworth
Always the best dressed at Coachella, Kate Bosworth has worn some chic red carpet outfits this year too - we adore this canary yellow Erdem lace gown.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Kate…
Whatever you think of Kate Middleton's style,… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Kate Middleton
Whatever you think of Kate Middleton's style, there's no doubt that her Alexander McQueen wedding dress was the most iconic dress of the year - and it made Sarah Burton a household name.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Juli…
We salute Julianne Moore for her ability to look… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Julianne Moore
We salute Julianne Moore for her ability to look incredible in any Lanvin gown - the star has been seen in Alber Ebaz's creations several times on the red carpet this year. This pink one-shoulder dress she wore to the Golden Globes looked amazing next to her pale skin.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Kate…
Kate Winslet made waves with her wardrobe of… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Kate Winslet
Kate Winslet made waves with her wardrobe of body-conscious Stella McCartney dresses - this spotty number spawned thousands of high street imitations.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Kell…
We may have lost Cheryl Cole, but The X Factor… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Kelly Rowland
We may have lost Cheryl Cole, but The X Factor gave us Kelly Rowland as the show's style icon this year. We fell in love with the judges' fashion-forward wardrobe, like this eye-catching Versace dress, worn in the week that H&M for Versace mania hit Britain.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Keir…
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Keira Knightley
Keira Knightley returned to the red carpet in style in 2011 - and we lusted after this Roksanda Ilincic cross-over dress.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Kerr…
Although she's not a huge name in the UK, Kerry… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Kerry Washington
Although she's not a huge name in the UK, Kerry Washington is always pictured in beautiful red carpet dresses - this structured Donna Karan number is a standout.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Kirs…
Kirsten Dunst was another star who made a… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst was another star who made a triumphant return to the red carpet this year, with her kooky but elegant outfit choices. Here she's ahead of the curve in a sweet Dolce & Gabbana spring/summer 2012 dress, emblazoned with tomatoes.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Leig…
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Leigh Lezark
Misshapes DJ Leigh Lezark's hip, New York look and signature jet black hair has made her a darling of the fashion world. This Viktor and Rolf outfit is the perfect example of her tough girl cool.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Mich…
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams wore one of our favourite looks at the 2011 Oscars - this stunning floor-length Chanel gown.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Mila…
2011 was a great year for Mila Kunis, with… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Mila Kunis
2011 was a great year for Mila Kunis, with starring roles in Black Swan and Friends with Benefits, and some of the chicest red carpet looks. Her Oscar outfit - a lilac lace Elie Saab dress - was pure perfection.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Mira…
Miranda Kerr was hailed for her incredible… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Miranda Kerr
Miranda Kerr was hailed for her incredible post-baby body this year - but we were more interested in her impeccable taste in clothes. This Peter Pilotto dress clings in all the right places and works with the minimalist hair and make-up.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Oliv…
Olivia Palermo may always appear ultra-groomed,… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Olivia Palermo
Olivia Palermo may always appear ultra-groomed, but she also dares to wear more unknown designers (she's a big fan of London Fashion Week) and try out tricky trends - like a head-to-toe print.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Oliv…
Olivia Wilde wore a string of stylish outfits to… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Olivia Wilde
Olivia Wilde wore a string of stylish outfits to promote Cowboys and Aliens this year. We love how she opts for dresses that aren't typical bejewelled red carpet frocks - like this polka dot Gucci dress.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Rose…
Bridesmaids star Rose Byrne is always impeccably… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Rose Byrne
Bridesmaids star Rose Byrne is always impeccably dressed, but goes somewhat unnoticed on 'most stylish' lists. Unexpected combinations - like this leather mustard skirt, ethereal embroidered shirt and ultra-modern heels keep her look fresh.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Sola…
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Solange Knowles
Never afraid of clashing prints, quirky accessories and high fashion pieces, Solange was one of the coolest dressers at New York Fashion Week,
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Tild…
Tilda Swinton's style divides opinion - but we… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Tilda Swinton
Tilda Swinton's style divides opinion - but we love her androgynous look. Her Jil Sander outfit at the Golden Globes showed a softer side.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Zoe …
Zoe Saldana always picks the most eye-catching… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Zoe Saldana
Zoe Saldana always picks the most eye-catching dresses for the red carpet - from green sequins and macrame to this candy-striped Armani Prive dress.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Fan …
Chinese actress Fan Bingbing mixes quirkily… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Fan Bingbing
Chinese actress Fan Bingbing mixes quirkily accessorized looks with the dreamiest red carpet gowns - this Jason Wu dress is fit for a princess.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Beyonce
Despite stiff competition from Natalie Portman… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Beyonce
Despite stiff competition from Natalie Portman and Kate Hudson, the award for best-dressed bump of the year goes to Beyonce, who announced her pregnancy in orange Lanvin at the MTV VMA Awards.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Rosi…
The 'body' of Burberry's body, Rosie's style is… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
The 'body' of Burberry's body, Rosie's style is all about figure-hugging, uber-glamorous dresses. With her retro curls and Naeem Khan metallic dress, Rosie is a modern day siren in this ensemble.
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Best Dressed of 2011 - Jose…
Josephine de la Baume has that effortlessly… More details
Best Dressed of 2011 - Josephine de la Baume
Josephine de la Baume has that effortlessly seductive but still elegant look that French girls do so well. She married Mark Ronson in a gorgeous Zac Posen dress, but we also loved what she wore to the British Fashion Awards - a Julien Macdonald tuxedo thrown over a thigh-revealing dress, paired with heavy black suede platforms.
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