It Was a Tough Choice, but We've Crowned These Stars the Most Stylish of the Year

As the year comes to a close, it's impossible not to think back, reflecting on all that occurred in the past 12 months — and, admittedly, the great outfits we saw. Yet between all the red carpet gowns that made us go "WHOA!" and street style looks that left us searching, frantically, for similar items, a few stars stood out in the crowd. Scroll through to see who we're crowning 2016's most stylish ladies, then check out the top fashion controversies that made headlines this year.

01
Michelle Obama
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Michelle Obama

While Michelle Obama's impeccable outfits have always made headlines, this year, the First Lady didn't hold back. She appeared on Stephen Colbert in a sexy cutout top, and when the Italian Prime Minister stopped by The White House? She went the daring and dazzling route in a metallic Versace gown.

02
Priyanka Chopra
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Priyanka Chopra

It isn't just Priyanka's Quantico character who has quite the covetable wardrobe. The star herself is well dressed too, and over the past few months, has wowed us with her red carpet looks, especially that red Jason Wu gown which she wore to the Emmys.

03
Ciara
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Ciara

Ciara always finds the perfect balance between classic and sexy, and as her baby bump grows, the star is having fun with creative and completely chic pregnancy outfits. Just check out the frilled, one-shoulder ensemble she rocked in NYC!

04
Olivia Palermo
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Olivia Palermo

Olivia has been a fashion icon for a while now, but she still never ceases to amaze us — or provide welcomed tips. Remember when she started this leather neck scarf choker trend at Elle's 30th anniversary party? Pretty brilliant! As if that weren't enough, she was also announced as Banana Republic's global style ambassador.

05
Ashley Graham
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Ashley Graham

Like most style stars, Ashley knows what she likes — and it's typically tight, slightly revealing, and 100-percent sexy. This year, the model popped up everywhere from the red carpet to Fashion Week's front row, showing off her curves and providing tons of outfit inspiration.

06
Amal Clooney
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Amal Clooney

If we could trade wardrobes with anyone, it would likely be Amal. Not only does the power woman own pieces that are both on trend and work appropriate, the way she mixes and matches them — like doubling up on prints! — is always impressive.

07
Natalie Portman
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Natalie Portman

Natalie still has a while to go before she welcomes baby number two this Spring, but in the meantime, her maternity wardrobe consists of hot-off-the-runway items, such as this Rodarte dress.

08
Kerry Washington
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Kerry Washington

Kerry is no stranger to showing off her bump on the red carpet, and at the 2016 Emmy Awards, she pulled a daring move — again! — with a cutout black Brandon Maxwell gown.

09
Gigi Hadid
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Gigi Hadid

She may slay on the runway, but Gigi Hadid's own wardrobe isn't too shabby, either. Even as she jetted around during Fashion Month, the model managed to find tons of ways to wear a trusty white tee. If that's not style savviness, we don't know what is!

10
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
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Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu's gorgeous red carpet gowns were enough to land her on this list alone, but the fact that she made an umbrella look chic while attending the BFI London Film Festival Awards? Three words: style icon status.

11
Emma Stone
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Emma Stone

Emma Stone's been ruling the red carpet for years, but each time she steps out to promote her film La La Land, we truly want to clap. The star has been gravitating toward light, feminine pieces, and this retro Mad Men-like ensemble was simply perfect on her.

12
Beyoncé
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Beyoncé

How could a list of the stylish stars not include Beyoncé? Her yellow "Lemonade" dress and wide-brim hats were some of the most memorable pieces of the year, and when the star showed up to the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards (with the adorable Blue Ivy in tow) we thought she was a real-life angel.

13
Selena Gomez
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Selena Gomez

You can't deny that this was the year of Selena Gomez's best style transformation to date. As the star adopted more structured and polished pieces into her wardrobe, she continued to catch our eye. Selena even nailed the perfect airport look: a matching sweatsuit and a pair of heeled sandals.

14
Lupita Nyong'o
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Lupita Nyong'o

While promoting her film, Queen of Katwe, Lupita and her stylist made the choice to pair matching headpieces with all her looks — and we're so glad they did. The results ranged from playful to full-on glamorous, and we'll still be dreaming about them well into next year.

15
Emma Watson
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Emma Watson

While Emma could likely have her pick of brands and designers, the star has been opting to send a message with her looks. After stepping out at a major event, she'll highlight the eco-conscious labels via Instagram, showing fans you can be stylish and do good at the same time.