*When I mean 2012, I mean since August 1st because that is when I started doing this best dressed list. So let’s look back and celebrate those stylish celebs who have turned it out and made us want to jump them and rip the clothes off their back! So I’m going to count down the winners starting with #5!
#5: Solange Knowles
Beyoncé’s lil’ sis snags the fifth spot on our list because she has proven to be one of the most fashion forward celebs out there. She doesn’t win the top spot because she has only appeared on this list once, but there have been countless times where she has barely missed out on being on the list. In all honesty I would have Solange on the list every week but that is just borderline obsessive. So you’re welcome that I have managed to control myself in not turning this list into “What Solange Knowles is wearing this week.” Also I give Ms. Knowles snaps for turning out one of the best sartorial music videos of the year for her song “Losing You” it’s amazing!
Sidenote: check out big sis Beyoncé and brother-in-law Jay-Z who made the list as a couple, what a stylish family!
#4: Kiernan Shipka
The young Mad Men actress was not on my radar until I started writing this list. Because to be honest I don’t watch ‘Mad Men’ which I know is sacrilege but I just don’t have the time to invest in such a slow-burning show. I’ll probably get into the critically acclaimed show until after it ends and will hate myself for not getting into it sooner, this is what happened to me with ‘Friday Night Lights’. Anyways Shipka has blown me away with her age-appropriate and fun fashion which is why she has landed on this list three times.
Runner-up look: Shipka goes Mod in this look and it marks her first time on this list.
#3: Taylor Swift Read more…
Blake Lively
What she’s wearing: The new Mrs. Ryan Reynolds was spotted on the set of Gossip Girl wearing a brown military W118 by Walter Baker trench coat and a burgundy and teal leopard print Theodora and Callum infinite scarf. (Not pictured are her sweatpants and Uggs.)
Why we love it: The best thing about fall are the jackets and this is one killer jacket! Military-inspired coats and tops are on-trend but this trench catches our eye for its cool crocodile skin embossing — a cool added detail to set it apart from other trench coats. Lively adds a pop of colour and print with her infinite scarf, a must-have accessory for the fall season.
Takeaway: There will be days when you’re schlepping around in your sweats but need to leave the house for quick minute and will need a quick fashion fix. Trench coats or other long jackets are perfect quick fixes to cover up outfits you would otherwise be embarrassed to be seen in out in public, like your PJs. Here Lively is most likely shooting a scene from the waist up, so you wouldn’t have seen her rocking sweats and Uggs since they’ll be out of the camera frame.
Taylor Swift
What she’s wearing: T-Swift was red hot on the red carpet with a red lace French Connection dress at the 2012 IHeartRadio Music Festival.
Why we love it: Lace details have been on trend for a while but the fire engine red colour takes this lace from sweet to sexy. While sheer at the sleeves and the yoke, this dress keeps it covered up and slightly conservative with the black lining. Recently Swift has been donning some retro-inspired looks and this look is pretty ’60s — not a surprise since she’s dating a Kennedy.
Takeaway: Wearing lace in a bright and bold colour modernizes the usually soft and sweet textile, and this bold red colour does just that. Notice how Swift wasn’t afraid to match her dress with a bold red lip either. Usually matching your lipstick to your dress is a no-no, but the red lip is not only classic but also makes a bold statement.
Kristen Stewart
What she’s wearing: No doubt the Twilight star wore head-to-toe Balenciaga to the Balenciaga 2013 Spring Fashion Show during Paris Fashion Week. The yellow biker jacket, the floral pants, and the leather boots are all Balenciaga! Considering she’s the face of their fragrance ‘Florabotanica,’ it’s no surprise.
Why we love it: This look is cool and edgy while being fashion forward. Stewart pops in the bright yellow biker jacket, which has a cool quilted detail on the sleeves (expect the quilted detail to be a major trend), which makes this jacket look like no other. She balances out the bright yellow with a black tee, but contrasts the colour blocking off the top with a black and white floral printed skinny pant. And then she completes the chic biker look with leather boots. Also she’s getting good mileage out of her black top and necklace, a good sign for any item in one’s wardrobe.
Takeaway: This look is a lesson in balance and contrast. The look manages to successfully balance a bold colour with neutral colours, and a print with a solid. If you attempt this look, stick within three colours: two neutral colours plus a bold colour, since black and white looks can sometimes seem blah, add a pop of colour to spice it up.
Kanye West Read more…
By Sophall Duch
One Direction
What they’re wearing: The quintet performed at the London Olympic closing ceremony dressed in very dapper casualwear. What you see is an array of slim-fit chinos, crisp button-ups, converse sneakers, tailored jackets, and of course Zayn’s fedora.
Why we love it: The band coordinated their looks in a cool and neutral colour scheme, which consisted of blues, greys, and whites. This way, they each maintained their own respective styles while looking like a cohesive group. (Hence no real outstanding favourite!) Together, the looks are the perfect balance of dressed-up and relaxed cool, which makes sense for such an important occasion (I’m looking at you hoodie-wearing Ed Sheeren!). While the Olympics are an important international event, the closing ceremony is essentially a big farewell party.
Takeaway You can essentially wear any of these looks for day or night. Well, perhaps not Harry’s suit, but a well-tailored suit is still a must-have regardless! Sidenote: last week I talked about untucked shirts — well untucked shirts become hipper with a buttoned collar button.
Mel C (aka Sporty Spice)
What she’s wearing: Sporty Spice joined the other Spice Girls in a custom JD Sports jumpsuit at the 2012 London Olympic closing ceremony.
Why we love it: While One Direction coordinated their looks, we knew the Spice Girls were gonna give us a major fashion show. How can they not with fashion icon Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice) in the mix? I know picking a single Spice Girl as best dressed is controversial because everyone has their favourite Spice Girl. But when it comes down to it, Melanie C. was a total standout amongst the other ladies and yet stayed true to her Sporty Spice style in this white jumpsuit. The outfit has a killer silhouette, is embellished with a sparkly rhinestone belt, has slits in the side to show off some skin, and is accessorized with silver high-heeled sneakers that any serious sneaker-lover would die for.
Takeaway: While the silhouette might be a little much for everyday, try rocking a flare jean and pant to change things up. The skinny leg has become the standard silhouette for pants and jeans but going with a flare or a wide-leg trouser will make you look fashion forward (major upcoming trend!) and will flatter most body types.
Silver goes to: Mel B/Scary Spice gets points for wearing a risqué glittery beaded catsuit by Zuhair Murad. Bronze to Emma/Baby Spice for wearing a modern architectural neon pink Maggie Cook dress. A good job but I expected more from Posh in her black Giles Deacon mullet gown and Geri/Ginger Spice in her strapless red mini and ruffled Union Jack by Suzanne Neville.
Robert Pattinson
What he’s wearing: The English actor wore a steel blue Gucci suit to the premiere of his new movie Cosmopolis in New York City.
Why we love it: Despite all the personal drama going on his life right now, Pattinson had us feeling blue in a good way. The varying shades of blue keeps this look cool and sophisticated. Although it’s a small detail, the textured black tie gives it that something extra. BTW sometimes suits tend to look the same so it’s actually all in the details and cut. The leather lace-ups keep things polished. R-Patz is also giving One Direction’s Zayn a run for his money with that loose and casual bouffant of his.
Takeaway: Monochromatic outfits (those in varying shades of one colour) can be tricky but quite remarkable if pulled off correctly. Try staying within a shade range so that the colour transitions from one shade to the next, without jumping from one extreme to another. Also note that two-button jackets are flattering for most-guys and are on-trend.
Jordin Sparks Read more…
By Sophall Duch
Ashley Greene
What she’s wearing: The Twilight star wore a Yigal Azrouel Resort 2013 dress to the Carbon Audio’s Zooka Launch Party in West Hollywood, California.
Why we love it: The dress mixes the perfect balance of laciness and sheerness. Sheer lace can go vulgar pretty quickly and easily but luckily for Greene the dress has a nude lining to protect her from a serious wardrobe malfunction. Tangerine is one of the hottest colours for Spring 2012, which takes this dress to the next level. The playful colour is fun and youthful, but sexy enough that your grandmother probably wouldn’t wear it! (Unless your grandma is totally hip and fashionable, but I can’t foresee any grannies pulling this look off. No offense to your grandma!)
Takeaway: Tangerine!! Seeing how this dress is designed for the 2013 Resort Season, this colour will be classic enough to have in your arsenal for a while.
Lizzy Caplan
What she’s wearing: The New Girl star was spotted at the premiere of The Campaign wearing a white peasant-cropped top from Dolce & Gabbana and a marigold skirt from The Rachel Zoe 2013 Resort Collection.
Why we love it: This screams easy, breezy, bohemian summer! Crop tops have made a comeback and have been seen in a lot of the Spring/Summer 2012 runways. While tops are getting shorter, skirts are going longer. The knee-length A-line skirt offers the right balance to counteract the crop top, and it’s in a rich shade of yellow that makes her blue nails and clutch pop!
Takeaway: Crop tops can be tricky and a parent’s nightmare. But what’s important about this look is to pair it with a high-waisted skirt that falls on or just above your navel. Showing your navel would be trashy and might get you grounded, but hiding it will make you look chic and classy.
Kendall Jenner
What she’s wearing: Seventeen Magazine cover model (along with sister Kylie) wore a sleeveless blue and white dress at a Seventeen Magazine poolside party in honour of the younger “Kardashians.”
Why we love it: The architectural details of the skirt and top give the dress a cool modern shape and silhouette. The band of the skirt gives Kendall a waist, otherwise the dress would be too boxy. Colour blocking has been a major trend over the last couple of seasons which helps give this look high marks. The chunky gold necklace provides a nice accent colour and makes a bold statement.
Takeaway: Try colour blocking with multiple bold and bright colours, a hot trend for Spring/Summer 2012. If you’re wary of bold colours, stick to one and pair it with a neutral colour. And remember colour blocking only works when you have clean lines, otherwise it would be called colour blobbing instead of blocking.
Josh Henderson Read more…
