This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Considering how many red carpets occur in a single week, you can imagine how tough a task it was for us to sort through all the styles of 2012. Not that we’re complaining — reliving every black-tie moment fromCannes to SoCal has been quite the exciting sartorial journey. And, after sorting through thousands of looks, polling R29 HQ, and taking into account the full-package factor (dress, shoes, makeup, et cetera), we’ve gathered the gals who straight-up nailed it.
Between the ball gowns, cocktail dresses, and festive frocks, we had quite the assignment on our hands. Peruse our lineup and let us know which leading lady takes the cake in your book. And, let’s not forget — the 2013 awards season is quickly approaching, meaning we’ve got loads of haute happenings on the horizon!
We’re well aware that the word “mellow” isn’t inSolange Knowles‘ wardrobe vocab, but this solid canary-yellow creation packed a major punch on Bey’s lil’ sis. The peplum Rachel Roy gown she wore to the Met Ball was matched with metallic Edie Parker clutch, edgy Jennifer Fisher jewels, and the best accessory of all — a full head of natural curls.
Photo: Charles Sykes/Corbis
Everyone at the R29 offices bowed down to their TV screens when Tilda Swinton hit the Golden Globes red carpet in this periwinkle Haider Ackermann ensemble. The super-structured jacket, paired with a sleek dress, oversized cuffs, and badass bouffant have us thinking that 2013 will be brimming with red-carpet wins for Swinton and Ackermann.
Photo: Rex USA
What 2012 roundup would be complete withoutEmma Stone? The star barely skipped a beat as she wowed us over and over (and over!) again during the past year. Our top pick is the Giambattista Valli Couture gown she chose for the Oscars — ladylike and lovely, she looked like a true A-lister in this lush ensemble.
Peter Brooker/Rex USA
Behold: the look that started a style revolution forLeslie Mann, a.k.a. Mrs. Judd Apatow. The This Is 40 star (who also happens to be 40 years old!) blazed a serious sartorial trail while promoting the funny flick, wearing everything from Pucci to Rodarte. But, it was this Naeem Khan moment that proved this actress has serious style.
Photo: Peter Brooker/Rex USA
Before she made headlines for her infamous leg-baring moment at the Oscars, Angelina Jolieproved her red-carpet cred at the Golden Globes by donning an Atelier Versace dress that clearly crushed any best-dressed competition. The sight of those red accents (clutch, neckline, and lipstick) still gives us goose bumps.
Photo: Hubert Boesl/DPA/Corbis
Mon Dieu! How darling did Marion Cotillard look when she debuted Raf Simons’ premiere collection for Dior? Plus, that faux bob was the cherry on top of the stylish sundae. And, since then, she has worn a slew of dreamy items, courtesy of the former Jil Sander wonder boy. We can’t wait to see what 2013 holds for Cotillard’s Dior collection.
Photo: Michael Bowles/BEImages
As if Diane Kruger inherited the Midas Touch, everything she touched in 2012 turned to instant gold. At the Cannes Film Festival, she packed her suitcases with insanely chic options, but this lacy Jason Wu choice had us weak in the knees! Never one to play it safe, she paired the sheer gown with flawless makeup and glitzy ear candy.
Photo: Matt Baron/BEImages
Chanel Iman is probably the only woman on the planet that could make a turtleneck look ultra sexy. Clad in a Tom Ford gown, the Victoria’s Secret Angel looked heavenly at the Met Ball in this revealing black-and-white number and smoky eye.
Photo: PatrickMcMullan
Rooney Mara had many noir moments while promoting Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, but it was this Nina Ricci number that had us swooning. The severe side-part and winged eyeliner gave the gothy getup a glam update, while minimal accessories let this intricate frock steal the show.
Photo: Rex USA
Nominated for her role as the iconic Marilyn Monroe, Michelle Williams was the epitome of Old Hollywood glam in this Louis Vuitton strapless dress at the Oscars. The dainty bow detail at the hip and pink Bottega Veneta clutch added just the right amount of sweet to this red-hot look.
Photo: Brian Lindensmith/Patrick McMullan
While nothing tops the other white gown Anne Hathaway wore this year, the Prabal Gurung number she chose for the NYC premiere of The Dark Knight Rises was stunning, to say the least! Incredibly chic and captivating, Hathaway had us starry-eye with that exposed and bejeweled corset.
Photo: Rex USA
How could you not go gaga for Salma Hayek in Gucci at the Golden Globes? The disco-glam getup (matched with feathered waves of that era) gave Studio 54 revelers déjà vu.
Photo: Rex USA
Octavia Spencer was a vision in white at the Oscars, opting for a custom-made Tadashi Shoji gown with intricate beading and train. The Helpactress (and Best Supporting Actress winner!) needed little assistance nabbing a best dressed title, choosing a Judith Leiber clutch and Lorraine Schwartz sparklers to complete the look.
Photo: Peter Brooker/Rex USA
Is there are doctor in the house? Because Edie Falco just took our breath away (again!). The Nurse Jackie star took to the Emmy Awards red carpet in a skin-tight Stella McCartney dress (with side-baring cutouts!) that had us checking our pulses.
Photo: Matt Baron/BEImages
Although Adele was busy having a baby for a good part of 2012, she still made her red-carpet presence known in a number of all-black outfits (Kanye would be so proud!). With sheer paneling and a sweetheart neckline, this Burberry dress not only flattered her figure, but was downright dazzling.
Photo: Rex USA
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