The 2013 Style 100: The Best Looks and Trends of the Year

Joe Stevens/ Retna; Courtesy Photo (4); Jennifer Graylock/WireImage

Restraint? So 2012, Hal Rubenstein writes in InStyle's December issue. No where was this more evident than on the runway, where designers showed off brazen colors, bold graphics, and lots of leather. What's more, we couldn't get enough of the drama on TV (hello, Scandal), the big screen (like in Baz Luhrmann's deco-drenched film, The Great Gatsby), and in our newsfeeds. (The term "twerking" blew up so much it was added to the Oxford Dictionaries Online.) Frankly, we're surprised we were able to narrow it all down to just 100 moments.

From royal maternity clothes and orange lips to green nails and selfies, see the looks, trends, and pop culture moments that defined 2013. If you don't want to miss a thing next year, subscribe to InStyle now to keep up with all the fashion, hair, makeup, and style trends you'll need to know about in 2014.

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No.1. Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton

Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton - Style 100

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

At the 2013 Oscars, the Academy Award winner dazzled in a bright blue gown with a black trim along the neckline. See more of her best looks.

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No.2. Tilda Swinton in Chanel

George Pimentel/WireImage

As she often does, Swinton bucked red carpet tradition by wearing a tailored Chanel jacket with white wide-leg trousers to the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival. See more of her high risk looks that came with a high reward.

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NO.3. Gatsby’s Razzle-Dazzle

Warner Bros. Pictures/courtesy Everett Collection

We could make a case for Tiffany amp Co.’s being a leading player in Baz Luhrmann’s deco-drenched film, as ropes of pearls and diamond tiaras stole scene after scene. (And, for a period of time, the jeweler’s famed Fifth Avenue windows in N.Y.C. Better than popcorn: Ordering ‘Gatsby’-inspired pieces of jewelry, apparel and more.

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NO.4. A Surfeit of Selfies

Bradley Cooper and Gerard Butler - Style 100

Karwai Tang/WireImage

We bet the snap Bradley Cooper is taking at Wimbledon with Gerard Butler (both oh-so-adorable in a gray Paul Smith London suit and a Boss blue blazer) isn’t sharp. But that won’t stop him—or millions of others—from treating his smartphone like a scrapbook of his whereabouts. Still learning to perfect the self-portrait? Take our Selfie 101.

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NO.5. Scandinavia

Jorg Greuel/Getty

Stockholm—land of blond exoticism, jazzy clubs, and daring cuisine at hot spots like Frantzen and Gastrologik—has the allure of Paris. Go. Now. Can’t make it? Find a few celebrity chef-recommended hot spots a little closer to home instead.

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NO.6. Design Your Own Manolos

Courtesy Photo

Manolo Blahnik’s made-to-order BB shoes (inspired by Brigitte Bardot) are available online from Neiman Marcus for $595. It’s maybe the sexiest virtual show ever.

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NO.7. Céline Plaid

Imaxtree

After 21 fall looks in crisply cut neutrals hit the runway, Phoebe Philo’s blazing plaid warp coat appeared, as dynamic as lightening caught in a prism. See this and more of ‘InStyle’ Fashion Director Cindy Weber Cleary’s favorite fall 2013 looks from Fashion Week.

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NO.8. Phillip Lim Hits Target

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On Sunday, September 15, this $45 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target bag went on sale along with his $80 trench and $30 graphic top, all echoing Lim’s designer collection. By Monday, if you went to your local Target, all you probably came home with was laundry detergent! Even Lim himself was shocked by the response.

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NO.9. Kerry Kicks Up a ‘Scandal’

Kerry Washington in ‘Scandal’ - Style 100

ABC/VIVIAN ZINK

As Olivia Pope, Kerry Washington shines in a role as delicious as her real-life smile. She’s chic too, dressed in the likes of Burberry, Escada, Gucci, Michael Kors, and Tom Ford. See more of her onscreen looks, and get insider info on the thought process behind each from the show’s costume designer.

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NO.10. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Host the Globes

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Host the Globes - Style 100

Gavin Bond/NBC

Too often, expectations lead to a letdown. Not this time. Our award for smart, funny, and beautiful hosts goes to Fey and Poehler. And thanks to them, we have another reason to look forward to 2014 and 2015’s shows.

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NO.11. Brooklyn

Getty

First it was the food. Then the new parks. Now, from Boerum Hill to Bushwick, Brooklyn is way cooler than Manhattan’s FiDi, Noho, or ViVa.

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NO.12. Anne Hathaway in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci

Anne Hathaway in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci - Style 100

Doug Peters/PA Photos/ABACAUSA.COM

The actress wore a demure dress by the design house to host the 2011 Oscars, and then went full-on glam in this backless gown at the world premiere of ‘Les Miserables’ in London. (She later scooped up the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film, where she shaved off her trademark luscious long locks.) See more of her best looks.

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NO.13. Brouges

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The appropriation of menswear classics escalated with brashly colored and highly ornamented brogues by companies like AGL and Cole Haan and designer Christian Louboutin, making plain ol’ flats look, well, so flat. See more of our favorite shoes—from flatforms to sporty spikes—from 2013.

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NO.14. Kate Bumps Up Maternity Style

Kate Bumps Up Maternity Style - Style 100

Chris Jackson/Getty; REUTERS/John Stillwell; James Whatling/Splash News

The Duchess of Cambridge’s became ever lovelier as her baby bump grew, thanks to a wardroom that was tailored, English, and always surprising, we chronicled it every step of the way. Her one constant accessory: a bewitching radiance, even at her first post-baby appearance (far right).

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NO.15. NPH’s Tony Style

Heather Wines/CBS /Landov

Armed with cheeky lyrics, a mischievous twinkle, and a sharp gray Calvin Klein Collection tux, Neil Patrick Harris celebrated the Tony Awards’ return to Radio City Music Hall with an opener that was “bigger” and better than most Broadway production numbers. Check out some of our favorite looks from this year’s show.

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NO.16. Anna Faris in ‘Mom’

Monty Brinton/CBS /Landov

In the CBS sitcom, our fave House Bunny sheds her sexy Monique Lhuillieresque persona for mom jeans and button-downs in a lovably vulnerable performance. Even so, we still love to see her in designer dresses.

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NO.17. Kelly Clarkson Is ‘O Beautiful’

Kelly Clarkson Is ‘O Beautiful’ - Style 100

JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty

On inauguration Day, Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson serenaded the POTUS, but the roar was for Kelly Clarkson’s “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Listen to it now.

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NO.18. Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera

Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera - Style 100

Jason Merritt/Getty

The actress went super-feminine in a blue floral gown by the designer at the 2013 Golden Globes. See more of our favorite of Liu’s looks and from the awards show.

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NO.19. Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta - Style 100

Lester Cohen/WireImage

At the 2013 Oscars, Adams—nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in ‘The Master’—chose a gorgeous gown with a beaded bodice and tulle-embellished skirt. See more of our favorite looks from Oscar night.

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NO.20. The Bulgari Serpent Watch

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As irresistible as the snake that lured Eve, the jeweler’s signature coil has a new 18kt pink-gold skin and winds round your wrist till it faces you with 228 diamonds. Tempted? Sofia Vergara and Rachel Weisz were, and the reptilian trend has since taken off. (Starting at $5,150 at bulgari.com).

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NO.21. Quvenzhané Wallis and Emmanuelle Riva

Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

These two: one, the youngest ever nominated in the Oscar best actress category at age 9, for ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’; the other, the oldest at age 86, for ‘Amour.’ OK, so Jennifer Lawrence actually won, but these gifted artists prove that talent, charm, and magic are blind to time.

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NO.22. Cronut Madness

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The line forms at 6 a.m., two hours before N.Y.C. chef Dominique Ansel opens his SoHo bakery, for the fried croissant-like dough filled with creme and then glazed. The pastry’s name is trademarked. (As Victoria Beckham found out the hard way.) Its recipe, a secret. The calorie count is guesstimated at over 500; the cost, $5. Is a cronut worth it? Try one. Then wake us up if it is.

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NO.23. The White Tuxedo

Donato Sardella/Getty; Imaxtree; Dave M. Benett/Getty

The menswear trend found new life for spring 2014. From L-R: Stella McCartney opted out of classic black and instead sent down tailored pieces washed in a much lighter hue. Tilda Swinton (in Timothy Everest) adopted the look on the red carpet, pairing her cream-colored suit with an optic white button-down and pumps. While donning a tuxedo (let alone one in all white) can be intimidating, take a cue from Nicole Richie and feel out the trend with a white tuxedo blazer first. Shop the look.

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NO.24. Rainbow Leather

BEImages/Jim Smeal; Imaxtree; Jennifer Graylock/WireImage

It’s official. Leather has severed ties with its tough, biker origin. From L-R: Consuelo Castiglioni had the right idea, making over the classic material with a rainbow spectrum of colors on the Marni runway. Kerry Washington (in Marc by Marc Jacobs) managed to make her red-hot leather shift look both sexy and ladylike. Aim for key colorful leather pieces that you can seamlessly ease into your wardrobe rotation, like Olivia Munn’s forest-green moto jacket. Shop the look.

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NO.25. Animal Patterns

Rob Kim/Getty; Imaxtree; Venturelli/WireImage

Look to the animal kingdom for inspiration: leopards, zebras, giraffe-anything goes. From L-R: Christopher Bailey speckled Burberry Prorsum’s iconic silhouettes in leopard spots, and Ziyi Zhang (in Giambattista Valli Couture) earned her style stripes in zebra print. For a more casual approach, copy Coco Rocha’s look with snow leopard print skinnies-they’re neutral enough to go with everything. Shop the look.

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NO.26. Modern Florals

Matt Sayles/Invision for THR/AP; Imaxtree; Christopher Polk/Getty

Yes, florals do readily call to mind springtime blooms, but the too-sweet motif is a thing of the past. Modern-day florals still embody femininity, but they’re bolder, moodier and graphic. From L-R: The trend has blossomed everywhere, from the Rochas runway to the red carpet a la Adele in (Valentino Couture). See why we love the trend and how to wear it.

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NO.27. Graphic Black and White

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Imaxtree; Robert Rosano/startraksphoto.com

From crafty color blocking as seen on the Narciso Rodriguez runway (pictured, left), to strategically placed abstract lines on the red carpet, as seen on Julianne Moore (middle, in Tom Ford), it’s clear that the quintessential color combo will never go out of style. For an everyday look, find outfit inspiration from Rose Byrne’s graphic black-and-white print top that she paired with dark skinnies (pictured, right). Shop the look.

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NO.28. Flame Dresses

Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com; Imaxtree; Byron Purvis/AdMedia/Retna

Blaze the trail-literally. Perhaps that was the thinking behind Diane von Furstenberg’s runway look, or Rihanna’s stunning Azzedine Alaia gown, or Kate Beckinsale's draped Donna Karan dress. All we know for sure is that these looks are hot, hot, hot. Look for dresses in flowy scarlet-red fabrics that seem to emulate the flickering flame of fire. See more reasons why we love the look.

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NO.29. On Our Lips

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Dramatically hued clothes can’t go it alone. You could do red, but why not pucker up with a can’t-miss orange (MAC Cosmetics lipstick in Morange) or ox-blood (Nars Semi Matte lipstick in Scarlet Empress)? Plus, get more makeup artist-approved dark lip picks.

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NO.30. Liz’s Gems

Michael Buckner/Getty; Keystone/Getty

When a star in the Milky Way dies, you still see its light for years. When one of Hollywood’s big starts passes, her film roles shine forever. In Elizabeth Taylor’s case, so does her jewelry. Julianne Moore wore the 85-carat emerald piece, given to Taylor by Richard Burton in the '60s.

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NO.31. The New Fred and Ginger?

Kevin Winter/Getty

Dancing in the dark returned to this year’s Academy Awards with a graceful number by Channing Tatum and Charlize Theron. Watch it here at the 9:20 mark.

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NO.32. Dior’s Florals

Imaxtree (2)

Raf Simons’s first ready-to-wear collection for Christian Dior at Paris Fashion Week for Spring 2014 blossomed with a finale of printed skirts that redefined modern romance. Sneak a peek at our Style Director Melissa Rubini’s photo diary to see what else she loved that week.

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NO.33. “Blurred Lines”

Courtesy Photo

Maybe you loved it. Perhaps you hated it. Well, the video anyway. And we won’t even discuss the VMAs. But you can’t deny that the Robin Thicke/Pharrell Williams/T.I. ditty was the song of the summer, as ubiquitous as sunblock.

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NO.34. Jane Fonda in Atelier Versace

Steve Granitz/WireImage

At the 2013 Oscars, the 75-year-old actress showed off her fit frame in an attention-grabbing canary yellow long-sleeved gown. It should come as no surprise that Fonda has always been this stunning, as evidenced by this retrospective.

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NO.35. My, How They’ve Grown

Nick Harvey/WireImage; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic; Lisa OConnor/Splash News; Chris Polk/Wireimage; Steve Granitz/WireImage; Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage; Donato Sardella/WireImage

Not all child stars wind up as bewildered as Alice in Wonderland. Happily, these four talented kids are blossoming beautifully right before our eyes. From top to bottom: Emma Watson, Selena Gomez, Kiernan Shipka, and Hailee Steinfeld.

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NO.36. A Vote for Fashion

Chip Somodevilla/Pool/startraksphoto.com

On Inauguration Day, Michelle Obama dazzled us by donning an unexpected yet supremely elegant Thom Browne coat, a jeweled J.Crew belt, and Reed Karkoff high-heeled boots.

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NO.37. Royal Bow

Mike Marsland/WireImage; RDImages/Epics/Getty

If anyone still thinks that pre-fall collections rate minor notice, Karl Lagerfeld banished that notion, presenting a luxuriously layered, plaid-and-ruffle-laden Chanel extravaganza at Edinburgh’s Linlithgow Palace, former home to Mary, Queen of Scots.

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NO.38. Liberty and Marriage for All

Joshua Roberts/Bloomberg via Getty

Full endorsement was sidestepped, but by nixing DOMA, the Supreme Court allows the federal government to recognize same-sex marriage.

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NO.39. Duffle Shuffle

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Hedi Slimane adapted his own smart travel case for both men and women as his first signature bag for Saint Laurent. See how the French fashion designer has revolutionized the iconic label since joining the company as creative director in 2012.

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NO.40. All Lacquered Up

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Time Inc Digital Studios

Nail art sill has its place, but polish is pointing toward the light. White or minty green (like Zoya’s Neely shade, pictured) made more sense with spring’s fashion flurry of icy pastels and verdant prints. See some of our favorite colors for the fall season.

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NO.41. “Orange Is the New Black”

Netflix

It’s not the shade of the prison garb that rivets us. In this Netflix series, create Jenji Kohan populates a world behind bars with heartbreaking and hilarious women who are unforgettable. As addicting as the series is, there’s one thing series star Taylor Schilling wants less of: the color orange in her wardrobe.

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NO.42. Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein Collection

Jeff Vespa/WireImage

At the 2013 Emmys, Rose Byrne made us blush with envy over her two-piece, petal-pink custom Calvin Klein gown, and we were lucky enough to hang with star and her stylist as her glamorous Emmys look came together.

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NO.43. Julianna Margulies in Reed Krakoff

Lionel Hahn/AbacaUSA/startraksphoto.com

‘The Good Wife’ actress branched out in white column gown with black vine-like accents at the 2013 Emmys. See some of our favorite looks from her Emmy-nominated show.

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NO.44. Elisabeth Moss in Andrew Gn

Picture Perfect/REX USA

We were mad for the ‘Mad Men’ star’s black and white gown, which looked decidedly modern when paired with a bold red lip. See some of our favorite looks from her 1960-set show.

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NO.45. Let Your iPod Catch Some Rays

Courtesy Gomadic

Not an outlet for miles and you’re about to run down your time on Candy Crush. At the beach, on a picnic, or a round the corral (yee-haw!), open your Gomadic solar-panel briefcase, plug the device into its USB port, and swipe those sweets. Plus, see some of our favorite futuristic beauty gadgets.

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NO.46. Prada’s Striped Dress

Imaxtree

A Bare shoulder. A flash of lingerie. Film noir rendered in color. Miuccia Prada’s fall collection was a blockbuster. Read more reasons why we loved the look of this disheveled chic line.

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NO.47. Justin Brings Justin Back

Dana Edelson/NBC; Ira James/NBC

Suddenly JT was everywhere: a week with Jimmy Fallon, hilarious on ‘SNL,’ suave at the Grammys, all to promote ‘The 20/20 Experience, Part 1.’ His encore? ‘The 20/20 Experience, Part 2’ and the film ‘Inside Llewyn Davis.’ Oh, and that cute matching ensemble with wife Jessica Biel.

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NO.48. Marc Jacobs Leaves L.V.

Getty

He played the “can you top this?” game and always did. Artist collaborations generated wait lists. Each collection made us drool. Shows with a carousel and a locomotive were stunning. After 16 years, March Jacobs leaves Louis Vuitton on top. See his five best moments while with the line.

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NO.49. Brave and Beautiful Angelina Jolie

James Whatling/Splash News

In a heartfelt, incisive call-to-action essay in ‘The New York Time,’ Angelina Jolie revealed her proactive approach to breast cancer. A few weeks later, she made her first public appearance since announcing her double mastectomy, and looked as stunning as ever.

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NO.50. Twerking

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

It’s really not new. It’s cited in ‘90s songs (and now the Oxford Dictionaries Online) and demonstrated in numerous online videos. And while you scoff, it’s not that easy to do. But if you can, why not shake it like Miley did at the VMAs?

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NO.51. Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors

Gregory Pace/BEImages

She’s a crack Broadway lyricist, winning a Tony her first time out for the songs in the hit musical ‘Kinky Boots.’ See the party photos from the awards.

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NO.52. Beyonce Runs the World

Larry Busacca/PW/WireImage

From her on-tour fashion show to her dramatic crop, Beyonce ruled the world this year. For her “The Mrs. Carter Show,” she choose looks from both well-known and unheralded designers, such as DSquared2, Emilio Pucci, Julien Macdonald, The Blonds, and Ralph amp Russo.

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NO.53. Michelle Dockery in Prada

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

The Emmy-nominated actress won raves on the awards show’s red carpet in a two-toned Prada dress and Fred Leighton jewels. See more of her best looks.

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NO.54. Mila Kunis in Dolce & Gabbana

Rob Latour for LE / Splash News

At the ‘Oz Great and Powerful’ premiere in L.A., the actress showed up in a stunning lace ecru-colored dress and clicked her heels home in silver Christian Louboutin peep-toes. See how Kunis and her ‘Oz’ costars Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams took over our March 2013 issue.

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NO.55. Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph Lauren Collection

Neilson Barnard/Getty

The actress looked the part for her appearance at the Tiffany amp Co. Blue Book Ball in New York City. She wore a steely blue silk gown complimented by silver makeup and—what else?—diamonds from Tiffany. See more of her best looks.

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NO.56. Lego My Clutch!

Courtesy Photo

The ever-curious Karl Lagerfeld raids the toy box. But at $9,900 per Chanel Plexiglass bag, you might not want your kids playing with it.

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NO.57. Mariah Carries It Off

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At a New York benefit concert for Superstorm Sandy victims, the songstress serenaded fans with a dislocated should in an Avolinad dress and matching sling. Her black sequined version even inspired us for Halloween.

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NO.58. Jerusalem

Courtesy Photo

Chef Yotam Ottolenghi grew up in Jewish West Jerusalem. Chef Sami Tamimi, his friend and co-owner of their four restaurants, was raised in a Muslim neighborhood of East Jerusalem. Their cookbook spans the flavors of the city’s Arab, Armenian, Jewish, and Muslim sections, realizing the harmony that their hometown cannot cook up.

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NO.59. MoMA’s “Rain Room”

Alex Reside for InStyle.com

Even though it was pouring inside, you didn’t need an umbrella! But you did need to wait four to five hours to get in. Using a digital technology, Random International’s haunting yet serene installation allowed people to walk through and never get we, prompting wonder, giggles, tears sometimes, and raves from everyone who stayed dry.

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NO.60. Karlie Kloss

Larry Busacca/Getty

The top model hit the 2014 runways with her trademark locks lopped and styled by hair guru Garren. It was one of the most versatile cuts of the year, and others soon bobbed in stride. See more dramatic cuts of 2013, and read about Kloss’s style secrets.

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NO.61. Oprah Winfrey

Courtesy Photo

For the cover of ‘O’ magazine’s hair issue, the media icon donned a wig weighing more than 3 pounds. She said via Twitter, “Love this cover so much, I’m making it my new avatar.”

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NO.62. Stepping Out

Catwalking/Getty

To present his spring 2014 collection, Rick Owens turned to stepping, a fierce, choreographed routine perfumed with a signature “grit face” grimace. Some of his warrior women were sorority sisters from such schools as Howard University and University of Maryland, College Park. After months of rehearsal, they showed how clothes can really move—and that sisterhood is powerful.