With so many awards shows, movie premieres, and other events canceled due to the global health crisis, 2020 was a terrible year for celebrity fashion. Celebrities, like the rest of us, spent way more time in sweatpants than in fabulous ball gowns. Granted, their sweatpants were probably Gucci and ours were probably Target, but it was still way more low-key than most years. But now that vaccines are out and safer health protocols are in place, celebrity events made a big comeback in 2021 ā and we got to see some major fashion moments again. Yay!
One of the many fun things about talking about celebrity style is that a whole range of fashion choices exist that can hit the target of "memorable." We've got Met Gala looks that left us in the dark, Academy Award gowns that were completely swoon-worthy, and even some great examples of celebrity guys who passed on a traditional tuxedo and took some interesting fashion risks.
Here, we've gathered 16 looks that were either instantly iconic or that provoked strong reactions and conversation (when their name starts trending on Twitter as soon as the celeb hits the red carpet, they know they had a major moment ā good or bad), or that just seem both timeless and super-fresh at the same time. And yes, there may be some bonus points in here for celebs who also nailed the hair, makeup, and accessories part of the assignment.
Kim Kardashian's Met Gala Look
When we think about Kim Kardashian's fashion aesthetic, we usually think about over-the-top sexy and lots of bare skin and heavy makeup. So her ultra-covered-up Met Gala look took her in a very different direction and caused a lot of conversation, ranging from the logistical (How could she see out of that thing? And what's the process for a potty break?) to the philosophical (What message is she trying to send with this look? Is this a sly take on her usual level of overexposure?). It makes sense, though, that one of the memorable looks of 2021 is basically a full-body mask.
Billie Eilish's Old Hollywood Glam
One of our favorite things about celebrity fashion is when famous folks try a very different look on for a night. A wonderful example of this is the old Hollywood glam look that Billie Eilish chose for the Met Gala. Billie is usually known for a baggy and more androgynous look, so this peach princess gown from Oscar de la Renta was a major style moment for the 19-year-old singer.
Billy Porter's Awards Show Looks
Almost any Billy Porter awards show look could have made this list, to be honest. Billy is one of the most consistently interesting dressers in the celebrity game, and this bright blue number from the American Music Awards is actually somewhat understated for him. This one makes the list, however, because of the cheeky fun of taking an umbrella and making it high fashion.
Lizzo's Power Pink
A concert outfit that features a laced-up pink leather jumpsuit and massive detachable sleeves is a bold look ā and it's super on brand for Lizzo. This ensemble, worn for the Global Citizen Live concert, is a stylish example of Lizzo's desire to choose fashion that celebrates her shape and sex appeal. She is an unapologetic star, and we love that about her.
Gemma Chan's Cannes Red Carpet Moment
Eternals actress Gemma Chan regularly shows up on international best-dressed lists, and this glam metallic look from the Cannes Film Festival is a wonderful example of why. We love that this Oscar de la Renta gown is elegant, sophisticated, and has a hint of old Hollywood glamour.
Colman Domingo Bringing Color to the Oscars
A handsome man in a bright pink three-piece Versace suit? Yes, please! Colman Domingo, the Tony Award-winning actor, brought a major color moment to men's fashion at this year's Academy Awards ceremony. In a sea of basic black tuxedos, this custom look stood out. He looked so effortlessly cool in it.
Andie MacDowell Celebrating Gray at Cannes
After several fairly quiet years, actress Andie MacDowell is back in the limelight with roles in several new projects (including the Netflix series Maid, which is excellent and devastating). We love this Cannes Film Festival look of Andie's because we're obsessed with how the beautiful gray in her trademark curly hair complements the light blues, greens, and grays of this Prada gown.
Anya Taylor-Joy's Green Goddess for the Globes
Actress Anya Taylor-Joy had a major year in 2021. She won a Golden Globe for her leading role in The Queen's Gambit and made basically every best-dressed list with this deep green Dior dress and matching coat. Adding to the glam was more than $1 million in borrowed diamonds. She had several other big gown moments this year, all in deep or bright colors, a trend we hope she continues.
Michelle Obama at President Biden's Inauguration
When the former first lady (and the woman at least 75% of us wish was our best friend) appeared on the television screen in this gorgeous wine-colored overcoat and fierce wide-leg pants, Twitter basically lost its collective mind. She looked chic, cool, and powerful and made almost everyone instantly nostalgic for the days when she was living in the White House. This is one of the best inaugural looks of all time.
Ageless Glamour With Helen Mirren
This is a dress with a capital D! Dame Helen Mirren, who is basically the living definition of "ageless beauty," wore this major gown for the August Dolce & Gabbana runway show. Even more impressive is that she arrived via water taxi and made it off a boat and onto the runway area without getting the train of this enormous gown even a little bit wet.
Bright & Bold Viola Davis
Viola Davis is always a sure bet for a major red carpet fashion moment. The star, who is excellent in basically everything, loves to play with color and pattern. This Golden Globes look was a tribute to West African fashion and was made by designer Claude Kameni from Cameroon. The colors popped in a major way, and Viola looked so joyful in it.
Kate Middleton Goes for Gold
The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, usually goes for fairly conservative outfits for her royal appearances, which is what made this sparkly gold gown a refreshingly sexy look for her. She rocked this Jenny Packham gown for the red carpet premiere of the latest James Bond movie and drew rave reviews (including from Daniel Craig himself, who told her she looked "jolly lovely" that night).
Fun Fashion With Dan Levy
One thing that can make a fashion moment memorable is the sense that the celeb is having fun with it. We love that Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy always seems to enjoy taking some fashion risks when it comes to color, cut, and styling ā something that can be harder to pull off in men's fashion. This red carpet look from the Emmy Awards was a fitting example of playing with structure as the coat had an almost bathrobe-like cut.
Cardi B Looks Memorable in Paris
Memorable doesn't always mean we love a look. We're not totally sure what is supposed to be happening with this Cardi B ensemble, but somehow we don't think "looks like a baby asparagus" was the vibe her glam team was looking for. Whatever the goal was, this outfit is a conversation starter for sure!
Dolly Parton Gets a Dose of Her Own Medicine
The cold-shoulder shirt has never really been a high fashion moment, but Dolly Parton wearing one while getting a vaccine as part of the current health crisis (which she helped fund the research into, because she is the best) and rocking a face mask? That is such a memorable 2021 fashion moment!
