2011 was the year of extravagant weddings, breakout stars, and a freelancing Carine Roitfeld so it was hard to narrow my best dressed list down to only five women!
It takes more than one great outfit to land on Bostonista's Best- I look for consistently great/interesting/inspiring/beautiful style throughout the year.
It also helps if I don't find you irritating or overexposed.
5. Elizabeth Olsen, Actress
Lizzie Olsen in Erdem
It takes a brave woman to try to forge her own career in the shadow of an uber-famous industry family and even braver one to then go nude in her film debut.
Elizabeth Olsen shocked critics with her haunting portrayal of an ex-cult member in Martha Marcy May Marlene that has blown any comparisons to her famous sisters acting careers out of the water.
Elizabeth may have a contemporary clothing line named after her (Elizabeth & James) and did her sister's proud in looks by The Row but it was when she stepped away from MK&A's clothing lines that she truly came into her own.
in Alexander McQueen
ASOS blazer, Christian Louboutin loafers and Louis Vuitton bag
in Calvin Klein
in The Row
in Manolo Blahnik shoes
in Chanel
in The Row
4. Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge
In Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen
OK I know I said that over exposure is a strike against you on my list but my mom would have killed me if I didn't include the Duchess of Cambridge!
There is also no denying her impact on the fashion world this year- from that Sarah Burton for McQueen wedding gown to propelling Reiss sales world wide her style has become a global phenomenon. Sure, it's not the electrifying style of her late mother-in-law but she carried herself with such grace and elegance that it was hard not to fall in love with Catherine Middleton.
In Alexander McQueen
In Ralph Lauren
In Issa
While Alexander McQueen has been Kate's standard go-to house (especially for it's military style coats) I tend to favor her in piece from Jenny Packham. In my opinion, the label is just better suited to her girlie, classic style instead of the avant garde leanings of McQueen.
In Jenny Packham
3. Elle Fanning, Actress
In Rodarte
Just last week I asked if the fashion industry's crush on the 13-year-old Fanning was inappropriate but you can't deny that she's become a fashion force this past year.
I love that Elle wholeheartedly embraces fashion as an art form, isn't afraid to have fun with her style, and always looks perfectly age appropriate.
Elle starred in the Marc by Marc Jacobs fall campaign but she seems to have also become the unofficial muse of the Mulleavy sisters frequently wearing Rodarte to events and starring in their artsy video for NOWNESS.com as well as a big editorial in their issue of "A Magazine..." She's even captured Karl Lagerfeld's heart!
Based on 2011 alone I think Elle's quirky, irreverent style is only going to get better and better in the years to come!
in Marc Jacobs
in Marchesa
in D&G
in Marc by Marc Jacobs
in Chanel
in Rodarte (?)
In Valentino
in Top Shop
in Marc by Marc Jacobs
In Rodarte
in Valentino
in Valentino (?)
in Chanel
in Louis Vuitton
In Marc Jacobs
2. Julia Sarr-Jamois, Editor
Former model Julia Sarr-Jamois is one of my contemporary heroines.
At age 23, she is already editor-in-chief of a respected fashion magazine, Wonderland and has become an eccentric fixture on street style blogs.
Known for her natural Afro and laid back glamour during the fashion season she just seems like the really cool girl you want for a best friend.
in Mary Katrantzou
in Prada
1. Giovanna Battaglia, Stylist/Editor
My number one best dressed woman of the year? Stylist and W contributor, Giovanna Battaglia!
Another former model turned industry professional Giovanna moved from Milan to New York this year to work for W magazine (and to be closer to her oh-so-sexy beau, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld!)
Giovanna has the ultimate industry wardrobe that mixes bright colors and clashing prints to high fashion perfection. She's also a big fan of piling on bracelets- as far as Giovanna is concerned the more accessories the better! Sometimes, I feel like magazine stylists have a hard time translating their style vision from the page to real life but Giovanna does so without ever veering into costume territory.
in Dolce & Gabbana
in vintage Stephen Sprouse
So, there you have it! I'm officially done with 2011! Here's to a healthy, happy 2012 filled with love!
Pictures courtesy of... The Fashion Spot, Jak & Jill, Citizen Couture, Stockholm Street Style, Style and the City, T Magazine, Become Gorgeous, Eye Prime, Splash, Just Jared, What Kate Wore, Getty
