In a matter of weeks—days, even—the number of star-studded red carpet events that take place around the world is almost overwhelming. So when you think about the countless premieres, awards shows, industry events, parties, and more that go on throughout an entire year, it would seem almost impossible to remember all of the good (and, yes, bad) looks that have come down the red carpet in 2014—let alone narrow down the top looks of the year.
But hey, someone has to do it. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 15 red carpet gowns to hit the Hollywood scene this year.
15. Jessica Chastain in Atelier Versace 14. Emmy Rossum in
Carolina Herrera 13. Keira Knightley in Valentino
The Cannes Film Festival is always one of the most glamorous, best-dressed events of the year, so it’s no surprise that there were any number of stunning gowns that walked the festival red carpet. But it was Jessica Chastain’s rich, royal blue, one-shouldered Versace gown that made a lasting impact. With its perfect cut, voluminous skirt, and striking simplicity, the gown was a natural complement to the red-headed star’s breathtaking beauty.
Wearing a much bolder ensemble, Emmy Rossum’s floral-drenched Carolina Herrera ball gown at the 2014 Met Gala is a number that won’t soon be forgotten—thanks to everything from its summery yellow hue to its timeless silhouette.
Keira Knightley had quite the red carpet run this year, but it was her bird-embroidered Valentino gown from the Begin Again premiere that was far and away the best. Featuring a navy underlay, sheer sleeves, and whimsical detailing, the gown was all at once romantic and adventurous.
12. Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung 11. Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace
Never one to back down from a sartorial challenge, Zoe Saldana wore quite the intriguing number to the year’s first major award show. Though the sheer amount of details on her Prabal Gurung number would typically be overwhelming, the red-carpet pro pulled it off effortlessly at the Golden Globes.
In what was one of the best looks of the evening, Kate Hudson ruled the Oscars red carpet with her caped and beaded Versace gown. From its structured fit to its plunging neckline, the ensemble was fierce and flattering from every angle.
10. Elle Fanning in Georges Hobeika Couture 9. Emma Stone
in Valentino 8. Olivia Wilde in Valentino
It’s a feat in itself to look flawless on the red carpet, but to do so while outdressing Angelina Jolie is almost unthinkable. But that’s exactly what young Elle Fanning did on the Maleficent press tour earlier this year, donning hit after hit on red carpets around the globe, with this strapless stunner being the best of the best at the London premiere.
Always one to shine on the red carpet, Emma Stone never once let us down in the fashion department this year. But her most gorgeous look of 2014? That would be this dreamy tulle Valentino gown from the Birdman premiere—a look that reads simple, stunning, and classic on every level.
Another classic beauty? Olivia Wilde, who made best-dressed list after best-dressed list during the 2014 awards-show season. The actress, who gave birth to her first child earlier this year, showed pregnant stars everywhere how to do red-carpet maternity style when she arrived at the Oscars in a super-sophisticated halter gown with a flawless fit and timeless color combo.
7. Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta
6. Nicola Peltz in Prada
If style icon Sarah Jessica Parker has one fashion philosophy, it’s “go big or go home.” And that’s exactly what she did at this year’s Charles James–themed Met Gala, making quite the entrance in a black and white Oscar de la Renta ball gown.
As one of the year’s biggest breakout stars, Nicola Peltz wasted no time in making a name for herself as one of the best-dressed stars in the Hollywood crowd. Though she sported a string of magnificent gowns and cocktail dresses on her Transformers press tour, it was this icy blue Prada from the world premiere that made the biggest—and most lasting—impact.
5. Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere 4. Cate Blanchett in
Armani Privé 3. Lupita Nyong’o in Ralph Lauren
Gossip Girl star Blake Lively finally came out of hiding this year, making a major comeback in a long list of red carpet looks that have been both sexy and sophisticated. Her high-slit, harness gown at the Cannes Film Festival, however, was easily her best (and most smoking-hot) ensemble.
As a red carpet legend, Cate Blanchett continues to wow us no matter what she wears. But her embellished ball gown from the 2014 Oscars was a true work of art, and one that’s sure to go down in history as one of her best looks ever.
All it took was one perfectly tailored and boldly hued Ralph Lauren dress to make half the world fall instantly in love with actress Lupita Nyong’o. Showing off her penchant for color, classic shapes, and beautiful simplicity, the Oscar winner ruled the Golden Globes red carpet in a way that was both effortless and unexpected.
2. Elizabeth Banks in Elie Saab Couture
1. Rihanna in Adam Selman
One of the most highly anticipated films of the year certainly deserves a high-fashion red carpet gown, and that’s exactly what Elizabeth Banks delivered at The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 premiere. With its ethereal train, romantic fabric, and spectacular print, the gown outshone everything—and everyone—else on the film’s red carpet (we’re looking at you, Jennifer Lawrence).
At once gorgeous and shockingly risqué, Rihanna’s sheer, sequined Adam Selman gown from the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards is one of those jaw-dropping ensembles that won’t soon—if ever—be forgotten. The most intriguing part of it all? The sheer confidence with which the singer pulled off the controversial dress.
What was your favorite celeb look of 2014?
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