The 50 Best-Dressed Women of 2018

Who won fashion in 2018? Meet this year’s most outrageously elegant originals.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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In Givenchy.

9. Liya Kebede

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In Sonia Rykiel.

10. Nicole Kidman

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In Givenchy.

11. Yara Shahidi

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In Ralph Lauren Collection.

12. Millie Bobby Brown

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In Calvin Klein By Appointment.

13. Kerry Washington

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In Atelier Versace.

14. Margot Robbie

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In Louis Vuitton.

15. Ruth Negga

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In Michael Kors Collection.

16. Tracee Ellis Ross

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In Christopher Kane.

17. Laura Harrier

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In Sies Marjan.

18. Jane Fonda

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In Brandon Maxwell.

19. Madeline Brewer

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In a Giorgio Armani suit.

20. Constance Wu

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In Ralph & Russo Couture.

21. Lily Collins

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In Miu Miu.

22. Priyanka Chopra

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In Dion Lee.

23. Whoopi Goldberg

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In Christian Siriano.

24. Elle Fanning

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In Valentino Haute Couture.

25. Judith Light

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In Gucci.

26. Brie Larson

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In Scotch & Soda.

27. Gemma Chan

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In Oscar de la Renta.

28. Carolyn Murphy

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In Gabriela Hearst.

29. Janelle Monáe

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In Nicolas Jebran.

30. Naomi Campbell

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In Calvin Klein 205W39NYC

31. Michelle Monaghan

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In Reem Acra.

32. Emily Ratajkowski

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In a white suit.

33. Naomi Watts

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In Dolce & Gabbana.

34. Naomie Harris

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In Roksanda.

35. Reese Witherspoon

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In Draper James.

36. Ciara

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In Tom Ford.

37. Lupita Nyong'o

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In Atelier Versace.

38. Emma Stone

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In Louis Vuitton.

39. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

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In Christopher Kane.

40. Thandie Newton

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In Osman.

41. Tessa Thompson

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In Dior.

42. Christy Turlington Burns

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In H&M Conscious Exclusive.

43. Diane Kruger

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In Valentino.

44. Christine Baranski

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In Gabriela Hearst.

45. Emma Watson

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In Ralph Lauren Collection.

46. Danai Gurira

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In Jean-Louis Sabaji.

47. Gwyneth Paltrow

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In Retrofete.

48. Gabrielle Union

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In Prada.

49. Nicki Minaj

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In Balmain.

50. Greta Gerwig

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In Gucci.

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