Celeb outfit-watching is potentially one of my favourite pastimes. What do you wear when money is no object, you have stylists to hand, and brands are falling over themselves to dress you? It’s more exciting than my equivalent of being on a budget, an overstuffed wardrobe and waiting for the COS sale to kick off.
It’s for that reason I’m obsessed with how the other fashion half shop and dress for every kind of occasion. It was only right then that I bought you my definitive list of the best outfits of the past 12 months. Drumroll, please…
Florence Pugh in all-purple
Coming in top is Florence Pugh, who on her press tour for Don’t Worry Darling (which arguably became a bigger deal than the actual movie), sported a three-piece purple ensemble at the Venice Film Festival.
A co-ordinated look always makes a statement, but when it’s, a) by Valentino and complete with logos, b) paired with matching accessories, and c) complete with none other than an Aperol Spritz, it’s attention-grabbing for all the right reasons. Obsessed.
Rihanna at Paris Fashion Week
It’s safe to say every look from Rihanna’s maternity wardrobe was iconic. No way was this superstar about to shy away from her extra fashion looks for nine months, and we love her for it.
This turquoise cut-out jumpsuit was a fine example: A form-fitting silhouette, striking shade, matching accessories and perfectly suiting the glam-casual vibe that she pulls off like no other.
Zendaya at the Oscars
Zendaya is a gift to red carpets. Who else could pull off a cropped silk shirt and a sequin maxi skirt (with a train, obviously) accessorised with a giant stack of cuffs? Rue, that’s who.
Her Valentino top and skirt combo at the Oscars 2022 was one of my favourite red carpet looks of the year. Her skirt ticked the Hollywood glamour box while the ‘nice top’ kept the vibe modern and playful. Five stars.
Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs
There was a collective sense of Déjà vu when Anne Hathaway sat on the Michael Kors spring/summer 2023 front row next to Anna Wintour. Andy Sachs and Miranda Priestly, anyone?
As if that wasn’t enough of a jaw-drop, Hathaway was sporting an identical outfit and hairdo to that of her character Andy in the 2006 fashion film. Both brown and leather are big trends this year too, FYI.
Margot Robbie in Bottega Veneta
Thanks to a contract with Chanel, Margot Robbie was often seen in the brand’s timelessly chic tweed and lace dresses for red carpet events. But fast-forward to November 2022, (and no more Chanel contract) and it’s slinky, cut-out Bottega Veneta in moss green all the way. She’s a whole new person, and I love this vibe for her.
Jenna Ortega as Wednesday
When Wednesday hit our Netflix screens at the tail end of last year, the straight-faced sarcastic Addams daughter won our hearts all over again. But outside of the show, actress Jenna Ortega was equally captivating.
Though Ortega’s own look contrasts with her all-black-loving Wednesday, she attended the series premiere fully in character. She sported a black silk gown with lace panelling, a thigh-high split, strappy black platforms and a black lace veil, all by Versace.
Lori Harvey’s high-low look
I love changing the whole vibe of an outfit with an accessory that might on first thought feel out of place. It adds interest, is the easiest way to dress something up or down, and makes an outfit your own.
Fashion model Lori Harvey is great at this. Whether it’s pairing glittery heels with ripped jeans and a sweatshirt, or a mini dress, oversized coat and platforms with a sports cap, she has the high-low mix down. The latter was my favourite look of hers last year, as spotted at the Michael Kors catwalk show.
Simone Ashley in head-to-toe sparkles
The star of Bridgerton season two was Miss Kate Sharma (later known as Kate Bridgerton, sorry, spoiler alert) who was played by British actress Simone Ashley.
Ashley attended the Fashion Awards in London – quite literally – dripping in diamonds. In a shimmery 16 Arlington hooded gown and a truckload of Chopard jewels, she looked stunning. If there’s ever a time to wear a glimmering floor-length gown, it’s for a fashion red carpet.