Another year has quickly come and gone, and with it a slew of fashionably minded celebrity fashionistas have shared some of their best looks with us over the course of the last twelve months. There were several style standouts during 2011, but none were as consistent as the following five women who top our ‘Best Dressed Ladies of 2011′ list. In no particular order, of course.
MOST IMPROVED LIST:
SOLANGE KNOWLES
While her big sis is redefining maternity style, Solange Knowles continues to effortlessly push the boundaries of fashion as only she can. Whether you love her style or you hate it, you can’t deny that Solange never met a fashion risk that she wasn’t willing to take. What defines her style is that she obviously wears what she likes, in the process setting trends, instead of following them.
A few Solange Knowles style staples include bold hues, bolder prints, and always, always a bold shoe to tie it all together.
JENNIFER HUDSON
Jennifer Hudson burst onto the scene in 2011 with a new body, a new attitude, and a new wardrobe to go right along with. The singer/actress has never had as strong a style year as she did in 2011. She famously dropped several dress sizes through the help of Weight Watchers, and in the process discovered a new love of fashion.
Jennifer was the belle of the proverbial fashion ball, being gifted with looks from designers left and right, and even traveling across the world to participate style events like Tokyo’s Fashions Night Out.
Her top looks varied from floor length gowns to leather skater dresses, but one thing they all had in common was they perfectly showed off her fab figure.
SERENA WILLIAMS
Tennis ace Serena Williams spent most of the 2010 fashion season sitting front row at shows beside Vogue Magazine editor-in-charge Anna Wintour, so it’s no surprise that 2011 was a good style year for the athlete. She walked several red carpets, turning heads at every event she attended.
Despite nursing a foot injury for part of the year, Serena even managed to keep up a mean shoe game. She continued to push her personal style boundaries, upping the fashion ante with cropped tops, leather, and bright colors.
CIARA
Ciara has a body that just won’t quit, so it makes sense that her style motto for 2011 was, “If you got it, flaunt it.” The R&B singer has legs that go on for days, and many of her fashion choices showcased them to perfection.
Her thigh high snakeskin Emilio Pucci boots, bright red Alexandre Vauthier couture dress, and leather miniskirt all showed off what some might argue are Ciara’s best feature.
It wasn’t just her legs on display though. Cici also bared a little midriff with on trends looks that included cutout dresses, and cropped tops.
BEYONCE KNOWLES
During what has to be one of the most watched/anticipated/debated celebrity pregnancies in a very long time, Beyoncé Knowles has taken her already well documented love of fashion, and transformed the maternity style world one non-traditional pregnancy outfit at a time. Forget oversized dresses and flats, Bey refuses to sacrifice her look for ‘expected’ mom-to-be gear.
Her shoe game is as on point as ever; she’s still rocking the four-inch-plus heels. She hasn’t let go of the figure hugging dresses; she’s proudly showing off her ever growing baby bump. And she hasn’t let her larger size put an end to her love of all things shiny; glitter and sequins have made several eye catching appearances in her wardrobe.
Most women view pregnancy as a time to relax and dress for comfort, but Beyoncé has instead remained on the forefront of fashion, using the time a fresh opportunity for style expression.
THE FASHIONISTAS:
ZOE SALDANA
You can’t have a ‘best dressed’ list without actress Zoe Saldana making an appearance on it. Ever since her breakout red carpet run during the promotion of 2009′s Star Trek reboot, Zoe has yet to have fashion slow down. Her style is varied — from Balenciaga short sets to simple and sophisticated Michale Kors dresses — yet her high fashion looks are unified by an obvious knowledge of design and what works well together for her, and her body type.
RIHANNA
Rihanna gets the award for artist who knows how to best reinvent her style. From the moment she burst onto the celebrity scene, Rihanna’s been a style chameleon, always switching up her look.
It’s how a pop artist stays current these days. Just when a look starts to get familiar, try something new. And for Rihanna in 2011, change included a bright red hairstyle, and daring fashion choices like the sheer white striped Jean Paul Gaulthier dress she wore to the Grammy Awards.
She most often offset her brightly colored hair with muted and monochromatic outfits. But on a few occasions she played up her bold hair with equally bold colored wardrobe pieces like the aqua and purple floral print Christian Dior gown she wore to the Brit Awards.
JENNIFER LOPEZ
Don’t call it a comeback. Last, but certainly not least on our list of best dressed ladies of 2011 is singer/actress/dancer/all-around threat Jennifer Lopez. While her personal life hit a few bumps this year, Jennifer had a career resurgence this year with the release of a hit album and a successful first year run as a judge on American Idol.
Jenny from the block has always been a red carpet head turner, and she made sure we didn’t forget that with several attention commanding looks. Whether she was baring thighs, or midriffs, or was glittering in sequins, Jennifer was at the top of her style game.
KERRY WASHINGTON
Actress Kerry Washington is another fashion designer darling, often seen sitting front row during the various Fashion Weeks. And it’s easy to see why she counts some of the fashion industry’s brightest stars among her personal friends, when she wears their designs so well.
Kerry’s looks tend to skew toward the high fashion end of the style spectrum, never without a hint of sex appeal, but always tastefully executed.
FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA
It’s not easy being First Lady, especially a fashion conscious one. When your husband is Head of State, being concerned with style can easily be misinterpreted as a frivolous hobby. But somehow First Lady Michelle Obama manages toe the line between showing an interest and awareness of fashion, yet not overly so.
Considering the conservative atmosphere under which Mrs. O’s fashion choices are made, she gets points for simply having a distinctive style aesthetic at all. That she looks great, too, and makes it look effortless is an added bonus.
SOLANGE HANDS DOWN!
agreed.
I agree too
no jenni got it ..all the way!
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I SO AGREE, LOVEE THE AFROCENTRIC LOOK
Michelle Obama could get it.
I second that for DAMN sho
I am very surprised Kelly Rowland’s not on this list. I think this was a good year for her fashion wise
I agree Kelly Rowland had an amazing year with FASHION.
@ Cassie…I was thinking that too….and Gabrielle Union is always pulled together to even when she’s dressed down. But, I guess.
Solo is my #1 followed by Bey, Kerry, and Zoe. Rih and JLo are always best dressed.
And where is Kelly Rowland? Kelly, Solange (my eclectic style queen owned this year), Kerry, and Zoe slayed this year. You can keep Ciara, Jeff Lo, Serena and Beyonce (the announcement dress). Give me Kellys yellow VB X Factor audition dress, animal print CIN dinner Cavalli dress, awards show and Live X Factor dresses and she left theses ladies for dust.
Rihannnnnaaaa in a MILLION GAZION years to come!! She’s a fashion ICON. I admire all these ladies fashion taste. they can all teach me a thing or two
AN YOU GUYS DID NOT INCLUDE KELLY ROWLAND, NOW THATS SOME STR8 UP BULL!!!!!
yea u right kelly did KILL IT this year!
Solange!
I love solange and beyonce!
Solange!! I love that she’s so different and refreshing! Go Gerl!
Rih ALL DAY different and fun ! to me Rih, Solo and J-Hud is the real deal !!!
The rest is cool to , But Rih is kicking butt with fashion .
You Guys Just Pissed Me Offf…. Where’s Kelly?… This List Is Bull!
HEY where’s LALA and Kelly R? Those 2 should have been should have been on the list instead J Hud nothing she wears is cute. NOTHING!!! But if i have to choose I pick Serena.
Ok im not even a fan of Kelly’s music her album was average and erythang..but FASHION WISE???SHE DESERVED TO BE ON THIS LIST CAUSE SHE KILT IT EVERYTIME WE SAW HER SHE WAS LOOKING EXTREMELY FIERCE
yea CL i agree with every1, where is kelly rowlands name on the list, she mos def brought it this year…. BIG TIME!!!!!! brought it
J.Lo & Michelle Obama >>>>>>>
Where iz Kellz??????
Dumb ass list. No Kelly or Lala? Please! Mods need to edit this post and add them both.
KELLY????? please they girl is ok one day, then wrong the week later! so NO WAY
LALA : she is just the copie of kim kardashian! and this is not THE COPICAT OF YEAR
HAVE A SEAT§
Junior Seven thats exactly right!
Too many beautiful and fashionable ladies to choose a #1!! Great list CL
Im biting Solange and Rihannas styles next year! Im gonna look confused as fruck, but im doing it…yea and what is jennifer hudson doing on here?
NOT JUST JENIFER ,serena too
SOLANGE : her style is so unique,and i love it.i live in africa, and all my friend want her look! she kill it on party video, and she is on all the fashion blog
JENIFER HUDSON : hmmmmmmmmm, i personaly prefer the old jenifer
SERENA ; i you serious???
CIARA ; is my girl! dawn the girl never dissapoint! her style is perfect
BEYONCE : event pregnant they girl run the game!LOVE ME SOME KING BEY
ZOE & KERRY : are OK
j.lo : give us everything this year! she bring the GLAMOUR to the top! you kill it MAM!!!
RIHANNA: i m not sure for this year! she loose her IT GIRL STYLE
where is CASSIE???? are you serious??
Good list!!! Im not mad. Jlo, Bey and Kerry are always on point. Rihanna is decent when she isn’t trying to hard to be different.
WHERE the heck is Nicki Minaj, though?!
(Just kidding, Just kidding)
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SOLANGE OWNED IT.
KERRY & ZOE FLAWLESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
RIHANNA TOO
Cassie.. always fashion forward.. dressed up or dressed down..
Cassie is bad but lets be real her body looks like a 12 year old boy!
Cassieee always slayss!! Her style is dope
Jennifer will always SLAY! But Ciara and that body…. I am so jealous! <3
Ok
1.Rhianna natral style and happy to wear cheap cloths
2.Solange effortless
3.Kelly Roland (after she got her Xfator money)
5.Mihelle obama brave with a new type of classy style
6.Jennifer Lopez still hot and she like 162 years old
Very infantile comment about Jennifer. You must have been born in the 90s (probably mid-to-late) if you really perceive her as being that old. Sheesh, grow up, kid.
@Troof
Calm down it was a light hearted joke. It was adding emphasis to how great she looks. Quit being butt-hurt over nothing and practice what you preech.
I LOVE BEYONCE AND SOLANGE FASHION STYLE.
I would just like to say I am proud of Michelle Obama and how she is representing black women in America in a positive light. I am proud to see a fit, sexy, modest, smart and attractive loyal women in the “White” house. We’ve come a long way.
SOLO should have been No1 Fashionista!
solange, kerry, zoe, rhi rhi
mama Braxton
mama Tina Knowles
Solange, Kerry and Zoe are my favorit
Kerry Washington, Ciara and Solange! These 3 women were the ONLY consistent with the whole package! Hair, Make up, Choice in dress and style and last but not least A MEAN SHOE GAME!!!!!!!! Jennifer Hudson looks good but she still is learning how to dress her new body and that hair is HORRIBLE! I see a lot of people say Kelly Rowland! No disrespect Kelly looked good but it wasnt consistent! Plus dat hair was HORRIBLE too! Zoe Saldana looked good as always but she played it a lil to safe and boring for me!! Jennifer Lopez looks good but she really didnt go hard like she use too in my opinion! All her outfits this year looks like stuff she wore when she was Jenny from the block! Michelle Obama is the true definition of a class act but on the real as a first lady she didnt wear enough for the role of FIRST LADY!!! Beyonce is just Beyonce! We all love her style but in my opinion her stylist needs to be FIRED because he could have her in more SH!T that will be mouth dropping! Rihanna looks horrible in 2011! Her style this year was VERY SLOPPY! Which was disappointing because at one point she looked better in her clothes then Beyonce! Serena Williams was really stepping her game up this year but on the real she needs to pick the right hair because most of the time her hair styles still be HORRIBLE!!!!
Zoe Kravitz.. for sure.
1 vote for Zoe Saldana,tho everyone look beautiful
Ehh… JLo and Kerry were the stand-outs for me (in that order)… The First Lady rounds out the top 3.
Michelle Obama, Mary J.Blige, J-Lo, Blake lively. and of course Rihanna!!!
NO Kelly Rowland????? im mad at that but i gotta give it to
1. KERRY WASHINGTON
2. BEYONCE
3. MICHELLE OBAMA
Not really impressed with any of the ladies but Solange was definitely the best out of the bunch. Rihanna’s lost her sense of style or maybe changed stylist because her dress sense is not what it was a couple years back. There’s not many celebs whose style I like. I think Shala monroque is the best dressed of 2011 but I guess she wouldn’t be regarded as a celeb.
I’m a fan of Zoe and Rihanna.But I have to say that JLo brought some heat and so did Kelly. My top are (1)Zoe, (3)Rihanna, (2)Keri,Kelly, and Solange.
Ummm…Where is Kelly Rowland. She hands down had the best style/fashion this year. List sucks just for not having her on it! Please create a new post; Best Dressed All Year: Kelly Rowland!
Gotta give it to Rhianna and JLo!!!. Solange always looks a mess, JHud is too skinny and Serena is always too manly looking. Beyonce’s look is overrated and uninspiring
where the hell is nicki minaj
Mary J should have been included just for her boot game alone
Serena is most definetly most improved! Her outfits have been CRAZY as of late.
Rihanna is another one who has the fashion game on lock, while bey has the maternity game on lock. HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY! BE SAFE!
This year was the best when it came to fashion. I loved every minute of it.
1. Beyoncé
2. Kerry Washington
3. Zoe Saldana
4. Kelly Rowland
5. J. Lo
All of these women shut it down this year!
it has to be JLO she always looks amazing
rihanna very original
Michelle extremely elegant
and also, thank you for not including nicki minaj
Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Kerry, n ciara
My favs are Solange, J. Lo and Kerry Washington
I guess I’m the only one who really isn’t into Solo’s style. So of the outfits looked forced…But RiRi, Ciara, Beyonce and Kerry looks are awesome.
I can’t believe that Kelly Rowland was not included on this list. She always looks flawless. You guys should be ashamed.
How can you guys not have Kelly Rowland? She definitely dressed better than JLo and Ciara! Get it together!
Say what you want about Cici, but girlfriend looks good in clothes, model good
Scratch everybody off but Jlo and RiRi! thank u!
So…let me get this straight. Ya’ll put Ciara on the list…in place of Kelly Rowland. This list is a joke. LOL
Solo and RiRi for the tie.
ZOE SALDANA IS UGLY LOOKING TRANNY JUST LIKE KERRY MAYBE THAT’S WHY THEY DATES ONLY PALE UGLY WHITE MEN SMH!
Solange Knowles hands down. But Why is Kelly Rowland not on that list?
Kim Kardashian Should Be On This List…
Dont agree with beyonce, jennifer, ciara or serena but watevs