Stylish Icons of the Year: Recognizing 2024's Most Fashion-Forward Individuals
Not all ensembles were glorious, obviously. Appearances varied from extravagant red carpet events to unexpected celebrity street styles (who could forget when Rosalia was seen out in New York wearing a straitjacket-inspired outfit?). But there was value in each of them, and most were, at the very least, attention-grabbers — something the fashion world should constantly strive for.
In honor of documenting a year's worth of remarkable outfits, we've gathered fashion's 2024 superlatives below.
Most consistently outstanding
Zendaya has claimed more Looks of the Week than any other celebrity since our series began. This year, her standout outfits came from the "Dune: Part Two" premiere in February and her dazzling tribute to Cher at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in October. The actress's fashion prowess is so highly regarded, Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar even hinted in September that he was considering writing a film about her and her longtime stylist, Law Roach, according to Vanity Fair Spain.
Most dedicated
While the competition was tough — no press tour has been the same since Margot Robbie's dedicated Barbie-inspired wardrobe for the "Barbie" movie — this year, one celebrity stood out. For the past eight months, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have faithfully adhered to their character's color palettes of green and pink at nearly every photo call or red carpet. No matter the criticism, a color scheme that intense deserves recognition.
Best vintage revival
In 2024, delving into history's fashion archives still remains a powerful statement for a style-conscious celebrity. For the MTV VMAs red carpet in September, Sabrina Carpenter arrived in a 1991 vintage Bob Mackie sequined gown, originally made for Madonna.
Best statement piece
Michael Kors once said an accessory is simply "the cherry on top" of an outfit. This October, Andrew Garfield certainly made a strong impression by completing his look with a life-size cardboard cutout of his co-star Florence Pugh (seen above) for the London premiere of "We Live in Time."
Most unconventional fashion choice
In May, British comedy legend and 86-year-old John Cleese — best known as a member of Monty Python and star of "Fawlty Towers" — was spotted in London wearing a $550 Miu Miu appliqué denim logo cap.
Most controversial fashion statement
R.I.P. Adidas Sambas. The time of death: April 4, 2024 — coincidentally, the same day former Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak decided to wear a pair for a recorded interview about taxes and childcare policies.
Critics disapproved of the choice of footwear, with British GQ writing: "In an attempt to present himself as young and hip, Sunak ruined a timeless sneaker for everyone."
Sunak later issued an "apology to the Samba community," adding: "In my defense, I have been wearing Adidas trainers and Sambas, among others, for many, many years."
Top sports-fashion crossover
What's green and white with bows everywhere? Naomi Osaka at the 2024 US Open. In August, Osaka made headlines with her custom Nike tennis outfits, covered in ruffles and enormous satin bows. "The inspiration behind this look for me — and this might be a Japanese term — is feeling like a 'magical girl' on the court," she said in a press release.
Most shocking red carpet moment
It was the reveal of the year: Brooke Shields at the Tony Awards in June, lifting her vibrant yellow Monique Lhuillier gown to show off her matching rubber Crocs.
Easiest look to replicate at home
Rihanna, the woman who redefined maternity fashion to include lace bodysuits, offered something more laid-back this year. To recreate this Jacquemus look, just add gold point-toe stilettos, matching jewelry, and a full face of makeup to your freshly-washed fluffy bathrobe.
The public's favorite
One of the most popular Looks of the Week in 2024 was Monica Lewinsky's fashion collaboration with Reformation. The collection, titled "You've Got the Power," featured blazers and office-appropriate knitwear, with Lewinsky reclaiming her image in a no-nonsense black midi-dress against the backdrop of a sky-high boardroom.
Her image and career were tarnished in her early 20s after it was discovered she had had sexual encounters with then-President Bill Clinton, leading to his impeachment and decades of misogyny, death threats, and social isolation for Lewinsky.
She has since become an activist against bullying and cyberbullying.
In the upcoming fashion superlatives, Rihanna's laid-back yet stylish look at home is sure to be a favorite, easily replicable with some simple additions to a fluffy bathrobe. (Easiest look to replicate at home)
The collaboration between Monica Lewinsky and Reformation, titled "You've Got the Power," was widely popular in 2024, offering office-appropriate knitwear and empowering blazers, allowing Lewinsky to reclaim her image. (The public's favorite)
