Who Were the Best-Dressed Celebrities of 2009?

By Kendra Gilbert on January 8th, 2010

Trying to determine the best-dressed women of 2009 turned out to be a tougher assignment than I thought. I didn’t want this to be a red carpet gallery, because with a little help, any celebrity can turn it out on awards night. So I tried to pick women who had style on a daily basis, be it running to the grocery store or attending a glamorous celebrity event. Drum roll, please! Here are the top ten best-dressed celebrities of 2009!

10. Lady Gaga

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I loathe her costumes, but I must give credit where credit is due. She was truly a the breakout star in fashion, music and pop culture in 2009. So, despite my qualms, she definitely deserves props for her outlandish style. Even if she did start that dreaded no-pants trend!

9. Diane Kruger

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Since gaining stardom in the U.S. just over five years ago, this girl has been fashion’s ultimate muse! And 2009 was no exception. She knows designers and knows how to wear them one hundred percent of the time. She rarely gets it wrong.

8. Sarah Jessica Parker

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Some might say she’s old hat, I know! But, SJP still knows how to put together one fabulous outfit. I admire her low-key mom wardrobe. But when it comes time for the red carpet, she knows just how to set fashion bloggers a buzz. Like with her little pink dress at the London premiere of “Did You Hear About the Morgans?”.

7. Anne Hathaway

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She started the year off with a bang! A couple of them actually. First at the Golden Globes and then at the Oscars. But she’s kept the fashion momentum going throughout the year, with the exception of a couple too-hip-for-their-own-good grunge ensembles she wore while strolling the streets of NYC.

6. Nicole Kidman

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She’s a movie star both on and off screen, and she always dresses the part!

5. Rihanna

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The edgy pop singer has had a whirlwind year full of personal scandal and professional success. But she got through it, all while wearing some daring outfits. Like pants! Instead of the standard awards show fair (ballgown/stilettos), Rihanna stepped out on more than one occasion in ballsy masculine suits and pants.

4. Taylor Swift

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2009 certainly was her year, wasn’t it? With increased exposure and appearances and awards shows galore, that meant a lot more fashion. Taylor didn’t really take any risks, but she always looked adorable. Perfectly put together and age appropriate.

3. Rachel McAdams

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With a couple movies out in 2009, we got to enjoy some amazing fashion moments with the otherwise private star. She ran the gamut from sexy to sophisticated, whether it was at a movie premiere or just riding her bike.

2. Zoe Saldana

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Who could have foreseen that Zoe would become such a successful actress following her roles in such silly teen fare as “Crossroads” and “Center Stage”? And a style star to boot! But with roles in two of the biggest blockbusters of 2009, Zoe was everywhere. And she really showed off her love for glamorous and sexy dresses.

1. Michelle Obama

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No woman’s fashion was more closely examined in 2009 than the first lady’s. And Michelle Obama performed under the pressure. From her ballgowns to her cardigans (paired with full skirts), finally someone was bringing fashion back to the White House — and to the nation! Which is why she is the best dressed woman of 2009!