If there was ever a time to overuse the word "chic," this would be it.
Our style stars showed out on the red carpets and in the streets this year looking better than ever, but we've narrowed the list down to four leading ladies whose sartorial choices really turned our heads (or, in some cases, unhinged our jaws). That's right: These gals owned their looks whether daytime casual or red carpet-ready, and continually surprised us with unique takes on classic closet staples.
Read on for our picks of the best dressed stars in 2014!
Emma Stone
"I've always admired The Amazing Spider-Man actress' red carpet style, but in 2014 I became president of her fashion fan club when she stepped out in ensembles like this yellow Versace dress, pink Thakoon number and a seriously swoon-worthy Valentino gown. This year Emma proved once and for all that there is no color or silhouette she can't pull off." —Cinya Burton, Senior Editor
Emma Watson
"When it comes to effortless class, we could all take a lesson from Miss Watson. I am so in love with her understated elegance and wonderful knack for hitting the right style note, no matter what the occasion. From this oh so simple yet still totally stunning Ralph Lauren Collection white gown, to a contemporary take on classic tailoring in Saint Laurent, Emma has emerged as a style icon for the modern minimalists." —Jacqueline Lee, Photo Editor
Blake Lively
"Reasons to worship Blake Lively? She's Blake Lively. Since her Gossip Girl days, she's been a consistent member of best-dressed lists everywhere. But this year especially, the blond beauty stepped up her red carpet game like never before. She turned the Cannes International Film Festival into her own personal runway with one drool-worthy look after the next, wearing stunning Gucci gowns and a glittering Chanel Couture halter dress. Safe to say, Blake's a true Queen B of all things glamorous." —Lindsey Sirera, Intern
Jennifer Lopez
"J.Lo was a style trailblazer this year (seriously, the 45-year-old elevated her look to a new tier of chic in 2014). I took notice of Jennifer's effortlessly cool ensembles during her promotional appearances for American Idol—whether rocking a jade green ICB crop top pantsuit or gold Naeem Khan beaded tee, the star turned heads with her distinctive street style. But that's not to forgo her flawless red carpet get-ups: At the LACMA Art + Film gala, Jennifer stunned in an iridescent, sapphire-hued Gucci Première gown, and I also coveted the black-and-white Zuhair Murad midi that she wore to the 2014 Hollywood Film Awards." —Nicole Adlman, Staff Writer