The 50 Best-Dressed Women of 2018

We all know that a timeless sense of style is not just about what you wear, but how you wear it. And this year, Hollywood’s most outrageously elegantly originals certainly dressed the part. From Jennifer Lopez and her near constant rotation of shock and awe street style to Zendaya's elegance, we’re counting down the 50 stars that turned their #OOTDs into an art form — and stealing their style secrets along the way.

“The key to a memorable look? A great fit,” says Diane Kruger, who lands on our list for her beautiful, boundary-pushing dresses like the voluminous floral Valentino number that she wore to the German Film Awards. “I’m never unsure about an outfit once I made my final decision. If it’s altered to perfection, I always feel strong and beautiful.”

For Sarah Paulson, who thrilled throughout awards season and the Ocean’s 8 red-carpet tour with a range of neon gowns by Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Valentino, it's all about keeping it effortless. “My style mantra is ‘non-obvious dressing for the win,’” she says. “When you are trying too hard to make a mark, it doesn’t feel as authentic. Style should be dictated by your mood — it’s a way of expressing yourself without words.”   

Actress and up-and-coming fashion star Lily Collins puts her fashion strategy simply: “As long as you wear something with confidence, it will always be in style.” Well said.

Keep scrolling to see our complete list of the 50 best-dressed stars of 2018. For more stories like this, pick up the November issue of InStyle, available on newsstands, on Amazon, and for digital download Oct. 12.

1. Jennifer Lopez

Whether she’s redefining couples-style goals with A-Rod or turning heads in yet another jaw-dropping Versace gown, one thing’s for sure: Jenny from the block (seen above in Gucci) has never looked better.  

2. Cate Blanchett

Sophisticated and avant-garde, Blanchett (in Missoni) is right at home in velvet, feathers, sequins, and pretty much anything else she throws on. Let’s just say we wouldn’t want to follow her on the step and repeat.

3. Zoë Kravitz

Daytime pastels, peekaboo cropped tops ... It’s hard to predict what fashion’s resident cool girl will try next — and that’s just how she likes it. “Her style is very connected to her mood,” says stylist Andrew Mukamal of the star in Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.

4. Zendaya

When it comes to sartorial choices, Zendaya (in Dice Kayek Couture) always goes with her gut. “She loves looks that feel light,” says stylist Law Roach. “When she puts something on and we have an aha moment, that’s when we know it’s a winner.”

5. Rihanna

Forget the slinky dresses. Now that RiRi’s a power player in the fashion and beauty worlds, she’s dressing like a boss. Her daily uniform of oversize jackets and joggers (by Vetements and Off-White C/O Virgil Abloh) is both badass and entirely original.

6. Sarah Paulson

Of all the boldly colored gowns Paulson wore this year, one shone brighter than the rest for the star. “My neon green Prada (above) was extraordinary,” she says. “I felt like an extra-terrestrial in couture.”

7. Kristen Stewart

Stewart does Coco proud when she leaves the heels at home and brings her rebellious tomboy spirit to Chanel’s latest offerings.

8. Charlize Theron

In Givenchy.

9. Liya Kebede

In Sonia Rykiel.

10. Nicole Kidman

In Givenchy.

11. Yara Shahidi

In Ralph Lauren Collection.

12. Millie Bobby Brown

In Calvin Klein By Appointment.

13. Kerry Washington

In Atelier Versace.

14. Margot Robbie

In Louis Vuitton. 

15. Ruth Negga

In Michael Kors Collection.

16. Tracee Ellis Ross

In Christopher Kane.

17. Laura Harrier

In Sies Marjan.

18. Jane Fonda

In Brandon Maxwell.

19. Madeline Brewer

In a Giorgio Armani suit.

20. Constance Wu

In Ralph & Russo Couture.

21. Lily Collins

In Miu Miu.

22. Priyanka Chopra

In Dion Lee.

23. Whoopi Goldberg

In Christian Siriano.

24. Elle Fanning

In Valentino Haute Couture.

25. Judith Light

In Gucci.

26. Brie Larson

In Scotch & Soda.

27. Gemma Chan

In Oscar de la Renta.

28. Carolyn Murphy

In Gabriela Hearst.

29. Janelle Monáe

In Nicolas Jebran.

30. Naomi Campbell

In Calvin Klein 205W39NYC

31. Michelle Monaghan

In Reem Acra.

32. Emily Ratajkowski

In a white suit.

33. Naomi Watts

In Dolce & Gabbana.

34. Naomie Harris

In Roksanda.

35. Reese Witherspoon

In Draper James.

36. Ciara

In Tom Ford.

37. Lupita Nyong'o

In Atelier Versace.

38. Emma Stone

In Louis Vuitton.

39. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

In Christopher Kane.

40. Thandie Newton

In Osman.

41. Tessa Thompson

In Dior.

42. Christy Turlington Burns

In H&M Conscious Exclusive.

43. Diane Kruger

In Valentino.

44. Christine Baranski

In Gabriela Hearst.

45. Emma Watson

In Ralph Lauren Collection.

46. Danai Gurira

In Jean-Louis Sabaji.

47. Gwyneth Paltrow

In Retrofete.

48. Gabrielle Union

In Prada.

49. Nicki Minaj

In Balmain.

50. Greta Gerwig

In Gucci.