Everything is so delicate about this Valentino gown, from the shell pink color and sheer layers to the dainty green and white embroidery. The impact it delivers took us by surprise.

Tina has had several red carpet mishaps in past years, but she's really come into her own recently — and this Vivienne Westwood dress at the Emmys is a personal best. The design is unique, the fit is flawless and it's perfectly accessorized.

Jessica's elegant ivory Jason Wu gown is proof that, even at the Emmys, you don't need spangles and poofy skirts to stand out in the crowd.

London premiere of Anna Karenina, September 4, 2012 We love the quintessentially Chanel details here — the sheer layers, the embroidered camellias, the soft pink-peach color, the timeless quality. Keira wears a look like this so well, it's no surprise she's Karl Lagerfeld's current muse.

Incorporating this many sheer panels into one dress rarely results in anything approaching elegance, but it's a testament to designer Prabal Gurung (and Zoe's modelesque frame) that the end result is actually quite striking.

Though Kristen is lately regarded as some sort of fashion icon, we rarely agree — so often it seems that the dress is wearing her, rather than the other way around. But we're on board with this Reem Acra gown from Cannes — the look is dramatic and "fashion-y", but it doesn't look like she's wearing someone else's clothes.

This rich chocolate brown of this Gucci Premiere gown is an underused color. It looks so gorgeous on Salma that we hope other designers will consider it more often. The entire bodice is beaded, ending in a feathered pattern that leads to the ombre chiffon skirt.

Fashionistas everywhere praise Diane's sense of style, but at times it can be difficult to appreciate. This diaphanous goddess gown by Giambattista Valli is a look that everyone can love.

Solange managed to outshine even big sister Beyonce (also in attendance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala) with this sunny yellow Rachel Roy gown.

In a total 180 from her usual twee princess gowns, Taylor Swift goes grown-up in this sleek white J. Mendel dress, accented by metallic gold trim and side cutouts. Love the straight hair and bangs.

Gwyneth gets her Grace Kelly on in Tom Ford's slim column of a dress at the Oscars. It's a look not many could pull off (did we mention the cape?), but on her, it's riveting.

Striking the pose that launched a thousand animated gifs, Angelina commanded even more attention than usual at the Oscars in this sexy velvet Atelier Versace gown.

Octavia's Oscar look is flawless — the fit, the cream coloring, the silver and white beading, the diamond drop earrings... she got everything exactly right.

We do wish Katy's hair was black to show this off to best effect, but the Elie Saab dress itself is absolutely gorgeous. The sky blue is so appealing and the dress is completely covered in small sequined and embroidered flowers.

This is the special occasion dress that every girl wants in her wardrobe — easy to wear, but still flattering and covered in sparkly sequins. The silver nails (painted to match her shoes, natch) and red lips are the perfect finishing touches.

Yes, it's the usual strapless mermaid style Sofia favors, but the elegant shade of midnight blue, coupled with a noticeable lack of sequins and overblown accessories make this the most flattering version we've seen.

We like that Emma went for something different with this girlie tea-length full skirted Alexander McQueen dress. The paneled waist and lace bodice provide provide some unique detail.

Kate does a terrific job employing the trends of the moment in a way that is tasteful and appropriate for her life in the public eye. Here, she shows off her best accessory — a handsome prince.

OK, so it's not quite 2012 for this one, but we couldn’t resist. This ethereal Givenchy Haute Couture gown was the first of many edgy-but-beautiful dresses that became Rooney's signature look.