Allison Janney earned tons of awards (including an Oscar) for her performance in “I, Tonya,” and looked every inch the superstar in this perfectly tailored red Reem Acra gown at the Academy Awards.
Getty Images
3 of 20
To say that Blake Lively dressed to impress at May’s Catholicism themed Met Gala would be a massive understatement. With its bejeweled bodice and gold-embroidered train, her Renaissance inspired Atelier Versace gown was a couture masterpiece.
Getty Images for The Hollywood R
4 of 20
Cate Blanchett boasts one of the highest fashion batting averages of any Hollywood star, thanks to looks like this open-backed, rainbow-tiered Givenchy Haute Couture look she chose for a Cannes Film Festival premiere.
WireImage
5 of 20
Constance Wu had a banner year thanks to “Crazy Rich Asians,” and her fashion choices never missed the mark. This tasseled Ralph & Russo Couture dress she chose for the film’s premiere was a particular highlight.
WireImage
6 of 20
This year, Dakota Johnson proved she looks just as good in 50 shades of pink, stepping out in a variety of feminine frocks. Case in point: This sparkling Gucci gown Johnson wore to the premiere of her movie “Bad Times at the El Royale.”
Getty Images
7 of 20
In June, “Insecure” creator and star Issa Rae became the first black woman to host the CFDA Awards, and walked the red carpet in a custom, crystal-encrusted Pyer Moss jumpsuit. Embroidered across her black belt were the words “Every N–a Is A Star,” a reference to the Boris Gardiner song sampled by Kendrick Lamar on his album “To Pimp a Butterfly.”
Getty Images
8 of 20
Between her critically-acclaimed album “Dirty Computer” and her decision to publicly confirm her pansexuality, Janelle Monáe had a major year. This beautiful pride-inspired gown by Nicolas Jebran was a perfect choice for June’s BET Awards.
Getty Images
9 of 20
From the starry crown to the delicately embellished, fluttery-sleeved gown, Lana Del Rey’s Gucci look for the Grammys was as angelic as it gets.
Getty Images for NARAS
10 of 20
Lupita Nyong’o rarely disappoints on the red carpet, and this Christian Dior Haute Couture creation she wore during the Cannes Film Festival was a definite standout.
WireImage
11 of 20
Margot Robbie trotted out tons of amazing outfits during her press tour for “I, Tonya,” but this breathtaking Chanel gown was by far the best.
Getty Images
12 of 20
Following months of media speculation, Meghan Markle chose a Givenchy dress by Clare Waight Keller, the fashion house’s first female artistic director, for her royal wedding to Prince Harry in May. The Audrey Hepburn-esque look featured a bateau neckline, three-quarter-length sleeves and a hand-embroidered veil featuring flora from throughout the Commonwealth.
Markle also wore Cartier jewelry and Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara for the big day — which, while not technically a red carpet event, was still one of the year’s most important for fashion.
Getty Images
13 of 20
Nicole Kidman scooped up an Emmy for her performance in “Big Little Lies” — and with this brilliant blue Armani Privé dress she picked for the Oscars, the actress proved she’s just as good with big little bows.
Getty Images
14 of 20
Nobody respects a Met Gala theme quite like Rihanna, and for her co-hosting gig in May, the star pulled out all the sartorial stops. Her intricately beaded Maison Martin Margiela getup proved the pop star’s a shoo-in for season 2 of “The Young Pope.”
Getty Images for The Hollywood R
15 of 20
Sarah Paulson’s style just keeps getting better, and during her “Ocean’s 8” press tour, the Golden Globe winner really got a chance to shine. Not many stars would dare to rock this fluorescent Prada showstopper on the red carpet, but Paulson pulled it off with proverbial flying colors.
WireImage
16 of 20
After a two-year absence, Taylor Swift returned to the red carpet at the Billboard Music Awards — and while many expected the pop star to turn up in something darker and edgy to match her new image, Swift instead chose this intricately embellished, rose-colored velvet Atelier Versace gown that looked downright, well, delicate.
AFP/Getty Images
17 of 20
Tessa Thompson loves a red carpet risk, and this green Valentino Haute Couture look she wore to the “Creed II” premiere was one that certainly paid off. On a less self-assured star, this silhouette and shade might’ve fallen flat, but Thompson rocked it.
Dave Benett/WireImage
18 of 20
And speaking of Valentino Haute Couture, Tracee Ellis Ross — perhaps Hollywood’s most fashionably fearless star — stunned in another gown from the same fall 2018 collection at the Emmys. She even paired the dramatic fuchsia dress with neon orange eye makeup.
Getty Images
19 of 20
Zendaya proved she’s the most fashionable flamingo of them all in this playful feathered Marc Jacobs creation, finishing the fun look with peach bag and pink Christian Louboutin pumps in the same color palette.
Getty Images for Áme Jewelry
20 of 20
Zoë Kravitz never puts a foot wrong in the fashion department, but this sparkling hot pink Armani Privé stood out from the pack. Bonus points for the ruffled peplum and dazzling emerald earrings.
Getty Images