favorite fashion moments of 2021
Despite the pandemic, this year's fashion highlights included some of the most glamorous looks by tons of stylish stars. Even those on the virtual red carpet served up some spectacular looks. Haute couture, vintage Chanel, and modest bridal gowns all made grand appearances in some of my top fashion picks of the year. The long-awaited Met Gala brought us some unforgettable looks with one dress, in particular, I could never forget. The angelic goddess-like golden gowns worn by Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Middleton, as well as Taylor Swift's three-dimensional floral mini, will definitely go down in fashion history. Amanda Gorman's eye-catching piece of headwear caught everyone's eye and even caused a resurgence of the headband trend! Keep reading for more on my favorite stylish moments of the year, from street style to the red carpet to royals! I've rounded up my favorite dresses and outfits of 2021.
Jennifer Lawrence
Jennifer Lawrence made a triumphant return to the red carpet in a shimmering gold gown at the Don't Look Up premiere. Even heavily pregnant, the actress managed to shine brightly in her maternity look.
The Dior Spring 2022 collection gold gown showcased flowing pleated cape sleeves with subtle beaded embroidery. Her hair was pulled back to draw all attention to the dazzling dress.
Anya Taylor-Joy
Anya Taylor-Joy was a real-life barbie doll at the Venice Film Festival. Dressed in a hot pink Dior haute couture midi and a corresponding netted headpiece worn atop her long blonde locks matched with satin pumps, the actress looked perfectly pretty in pink.
This was just one of many outstanding outfits the rising star rocked throughout the year, though this bright pink silky number was my favorite.
Carey Mulligan
Anya Taylor-Joy was not the only Barbie doll this year! Carey Mulligan's Valentino ballgown was a gorgeous hot pink sight on the Met steps. The grand gown displayed the actress's lighthearted flair mixed with Barbie's fun and bubbly aesthetic. I was blown away by the neon pink dress and admired the somewhat sense of modesty of the look. The full skirt, chiffon cloak, and haute couture grandeur of this garment made it the perfect choice for the Met Gala, famous for its eccentric fashion. The vibrant pink shade and Valentino's exquisite attention to detail created this truly amazing design and left me in awe of the sophistication and charm the dress exuded.
It was Cinderella's evening at the ball but in fuchsia pink this time!
Taylor Swift
This year's Grammy Awards saw Taylor Swift dressed in a three-dimensional mini and a matching custom face mask. The floral decorative stitching on her Oscar de la Renta dreamy dress made the star appear like a beautiful bouquet of blooms.
The elaborate design was dubbed Floral Folklore, a fitting name for both the dress and the woman wearing it.
Kaia Gerber
For her first-ever Met Gala appearance, Kaia Gerber channeled the style of Bianca Jagger and pulled it off flawlessly. The strapless black gown was re-created by Oscar de la Renta and featured floral detailing around the neckline.
The minute I saw the model make her Met Ball debut, I was in complete awe. This gown was the height of elegance and will remain a timeless classic for years to come.
Amanda Seyfried
The Golden Globes were streamed live online this year, with celebrities sharing photos of their dazzling gowns on social media. Amanda Seyfried wore a custom Oscar de la Renta gown adorned with tulle flower petals along the neckline.
Although she didn't walk a red carpet, the actress made it a point to display her custom-made gown and was the ultimate picture of refinement and grace.
Elle Fanning
When I first saw Elle Fanning's silk light blue gown on Instagram, I immediately fell in love with it. The young actress looked mesmerizing in a custom Gucci gown on the virtual red carpet.
The enchanting updo, bold winged eyeliner, and glittering earrings accomplished the modern-day Cinderella appearance for the young actress.
The Duchess of Cambridge
The Duchess of Cambridge stunned in a glitzy Jenny Packham gown with a dramatic glittering cape at the London premiere of No Time To Die. As she walked the red carpet in her Hollywood-esque glittering gown, The Duchess also wowed with her glamorous make-up and grandiose hairstyle.
As a major royal watcher, I believe this dress will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic royal fashion moments of all time.
Queen Letizia of Spain
I know I constantly talk about the British royal family; however, I've found another royal to obsess over! At the Campoamor Theater in Oviedo, Queen Letizia wore a stunning classic black dress. The monarch looked magnificent in a tasteful fit and flare taffeta dress paired with matching black pumps accessorized with exquisite jewels.
Even with a face mask on, the glam was still visible, as well as the breathtaking dress!
Lily Collins
Lily Collins' wedding dress is a far cry from the style in Emily in Paris. The Ralph Lauren hooded A-line gown was made of luxurious lace embellished with Swarovski-beaded flowers and silk organza petals. Featuring long sleeves and a high neck, the dress was an exquisite representation of modesty. Lily chose to wear a matching lace cape rather than a veil with her hair pulled back into a sleek, elegant bun with delicate braids.
Though an unconventional bridal design, I couldn't love this dress more.
Jasmine Tookes
Grace Kelly's 1956 iconic wedding dress inspired Jasmine's bridal gown designed by Zuhair Murad. As with Grace Kelly's wedding gown, the lace trim cascaded down the top of the satin skirt, her lace-trimmed veil and matched headpiece were also reminiscent of the actress's own wedding attire. Even her low bun was an ode to Kelly's wedding day hairstyle. It's always incredible to see a supermodel donning a completely modest dress. Like Miranda Kerr's Dior wedding gown, both models looked superb in their modest bridal couture.
Jasmine was the most breathtaking princess bride in her gorgeous wedding gown influenced by the actress turned royal.
Amanda Gorman
Though most were focused on Amanda Gorman's poem, I spent the entire time staring at her outfit, particularly the vibrant red Prada headband. Headbands have been a classic piece of headwear for years; a young Princess Diana comes to mind, and, of course, Audrey Hepburn, though it was the poet that revived the trend after her inauguration-day appearance. Many retailers replicated Amanda's look, and the actual Prada hairpiece had also sold out despite its price tag. The yellow coat, also made by Prada, was an outstanding example of doing the color-blocked style right. I've never been a fan of yellow and red together, but I've certainly changed my mind.
Even though the "power bands" (as they have since been called) have been a known style for decades, it was Amanda Gorman that brought the accessory back to life in 2021.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo entered the White House in classic couture. The young rising star paired the Chanel blush pink suit from the 1995 S/S season with platform Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and black socks. As much as I criticize the look of socks with heels, I love the mix of vintage fashion with contemporary trends, and she pulled it off flawlessly.
I know she was invited to the White House for an important cause though my eyes remained on her sophisticated yet playful ensemble.
Which dress or outfit caught your eye this year? These are only some of my favorite looks of the year. 2021 was full of incredible fashion. I couldn't possibly include every look; these are my top picks for the most outstanding and unforgettable ensembles of 2021.