The world of fashion is always full of surprises, with the year’s most glamorous moments often coming when we least expect them. From jaw-dropping red carpet moments to unexpected fashion comebacks, 2024 has been no different. Celebrities, designers, and style icons have been turning heads and making bold statements throughout the year. Here’s a look at some of the Best Dressed of the year and the Biggest Surprises that kept us all talking.
Best Dressed Celebrities of the Year
1. Zendaya – Effortless Elegance Zendaya continues to reign as one of the most stylish stars in Hollywood. This year, her appearance at the Met Gala was nothing short of iconic. Wearing a custom-made Valentino gown, Zendaya’s look featured intricate beading and a dramatic train, showcasing her ability to mix modernity with classic glam. She knows how to balance boldness with elegance, making her a constant fixture on best-dressed lists.
Whether it’s on the red carpet or in her day-to-day life, Zendaya is a true chameleon, experimenting with various styles—from sleek and sophisticated to edgy and avant-garde. This year, she embraced everything from stunning metallic dresses to chic, tailored suits, cementing her status as a fashion icon for the ages.
2. Timothée Chalamet – Modern Masculinity Timothée Chalamet has become a fashion icon in his own right. Known for his daring sartorial choices, Chalamet’s 2024 red carpet appearances were nothing short of spectacular. From the Venice Film Festival to the Oscars, his custom Louis Vuitton outfits turned heads with their perfect mix of modernity and sophistication. His ability to wear everything from classic tuxedos to more playful, relaxed looks (like a pastel suit with sneakers) has made him one of the most fashionable young stars in Hollywood.
Chalamet’s effortless approach to fashion, coupled with his willingness to take risks, has elevated him to the top of the best-dressed lists. His combination of boldness and finesse makes him a trendsetter that many will be watching in years to come.
3. Rihanna – Pregnancy Glow and Glamour Rihanna proved once again that she is the ultimate fashion queen in 2024, particularly with her Oscar appearance in a stunning Loewe gown. The custom creation embraced her pregnancy with grace, featuring sculptural, voluminous elements that were both artistic and dramatic. Rihanna’s red carpet appearances this year have not only been stylish but also empowering, showcasing that maternity fashion doesn’t have to be boring.
Her fearless approach to fashion, mixing comfort with couture, has once again made her one of the best-dressed stars of the year. Whether she’s rocking a bold jumpsuit or a timeless ballgown, Rihanna’s fashion choices always steal the spotlight.
4. Emma Corrin – Breaking Boundaries Emma Corrin’s red carpet looks in 2024 have been a breath of fresh air. Known for their fearless, androgynous style, Corrin’s choices reflect a sense of individuality and confidence. Their standout look at the BAFTA Awards—wearing a tailored Miu Miu ensemble—was a perfect example of their unique take on gender fluidity and high fashion.
From tuxedos to flowing skirts, Emma Corrin proves that fashion isn’t confined to one gender. Their commitment to breaking traditional fashion boundaries has made them a beloved figure in the fashion world.
5. Beyoncé – Timeless Opulence Beyoncé is never one to shy away from making a statement, and her 2024 Met Gala look in a custom Schiaparelli gown was pure perfection. Featuring intricate gold detailing and a dramatic corset, Beyoncé’s gown oozed opulence and sophistication. She always knows how to create a buzz, whether it’s with a minimalist look or a show-stopping couture gown. This year, she proved once again that she is the epitome of timeless elegance and a staple on any best-dressed list.
Biggest Fashion Surprises of the Year
1. Kim Kardashian’s Surprising Elegance Kim Kardashian has long been associated with glamorous, skin-tight outfits and monochrome palettes, but 2024 saw a stunning evolution in her fashion choices. At several major events, Kim embraced a more sophisticated, understated style. Her look at the 2024 Met Gala in a custom-designed Balenciaga piece was a perfect mix of minimalism and high fashion, with sleek lines and unexpected textures. This subtle shift from her signature sexy, body-conscious looks to more elegant, sculptural outfits was a delightful surprise for many fashion watchers.
Kim’s evolution this year shows that even the most established fashion icons can surprise us with a fresh approach to style. Her shift toward more refined fashion choices has made her a standout figure, even for those who didn’t expect it.
2. Harry Styles’ Return to Vintage Glam Harry Styles is no stranger to bold fashion choices, but 2024 marked a return to vintage-inspired looks that truly surprised his fans. At the Grammy Awards, Styles donned a classic Gucci tuxedo with a modern twist, featuring an oversized bowtie and unique, retro elements. His reintroduction of vintage glam, especially with tailored jackets and trousers from the 70s, was a departure from his more eclectic, modern fashion statements in previous years. His ability to combine contemporary trends with historical references has kept his fashion game fresh and unpredictable.
3. Bella Hadid’s Sporty-Chic Transformation Known for her sharp, high-fashion looks, Bella Hadid shocked everyone this year by embracing a more relaxed, sporty style. At various events, she was seen rocking luxe athleisure pieces, combining track pants with tailored blazers and sleek sneakers. This unexpected turn towards casual chic was a big surprise for fashion critics who had grown accustomed to Bella’s couture-heavy wardrobe. Yet, her ability to effortlessly blend sporty streetwear with high fashion has made her one of the most talked-about models of 2024.
4. Taylor Swift’s Bold Color Experimentation Taylor Swift, known for her classic and feminine style, took a surprising turn in 2024 by experimenting with bold, vibrant colors. Her appearance at the 2024 VMAs in a neon orange Versace mini dress was a complete departure from her usual pastel and neutral tones. Her unexpected choice to embrace more daring hues—like bright yellow and electric blue—has signaled a new chapter in her style evolution. Fans and fashion critics alike have been excited to see this new side of Swift, who is typically known for her clean, timeless aesthetic.
5. Hailey Bieber’s Risky Denim Moment Hailey Bieber, known for her chic, laid-back street style, took a huge risk this year when she embraced the return of denim-on-denim—an often controversial style that had been left in the early 2000s. However, her ensemble—featuring a tailored denim jacket paired with skinny jeans—was executed flawlessly. What made this fashion choice even more surprising was how she elevated the look with bold accessories and a sleek, modern approach. The overall result was a sophisticated take on a nostalgic trend, and it gave a fresh twist to denim that surprised many fashion insiders.
Conclusion: Surprises and Style Icons
2024 has been a year full of fashion moments that have kept us on our toes. The best-dressed celebrities have dazzled us with their innovation, elegance, and creativity, while the biggest surprises have shown that even the most established figures in fashion can shake things up. From Kim Kardashian’s elegant evolution to Taylor Swift’s bold color choices, fashion is never predictable, and that’s what keeps us coming back for more. As we look ahead, it’s clear that 2025 promises to be another year full of surprises, style icons, and moments that will leave us talking for months to come.