THE TOP TEN MOST STYLISH WOMEN OF 2021

GQ has dropped their much-awaited list of the top ten most stylish women of 2021. Since its release at the end of November, there have been varying opinions circulating social media, critiquing their choices, and identifying who has been unfairly snubbed.

Everyone has different fashion sense and style, which means that it’s hardly achievable for GQ to please all their audience. However, it’s not difficult, especially this year, to notice who has made astronomical impact on the fashion industry and give them credit where credit is due.

That is why I’m creating my own version of the top ten most stylish women of 2021, whilst also comparing it alongside GQ’s choices.

This is solely my opinion and thoughts, and I’m sure just like GQ, I won’t please everyone.

10. OLIVIA RODRIGO

Coming in at number ten on my list, it’s safe to say that Olivia Rodrigo has had one of the most successful breakout years within music in 2021. Attending award shows, performances and creating eccentric music videos, Rodrigo’s fashion has evolved with her audience. From wearing high fashion, like this YSL black number (tagged below) or even just her love of pairing different patterns, her style has been surprisingly unique and captivating as a new-found-fame celebrity.

In comparison with GQ’s list, super-model Bella Hadid came in at number ten, however I believe she deserves to be a lot higher up than that.

YSL dress: https://thejjreport.com/celebrities/olivia-rodrigo-wore-saint-laurent-at-the-ammp-gala-too-risque-or-just-lovely/

9. ANYA TAYLOR-JOY

At number nine, I’ve chosen actress Anya Taylor-Joy. Coming into 2021 off of the success of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, Taylor-Joy was one of the most talked about and prominent actresses for dominating the 2021 film scene. Her style alludes to old-Hollywood, gowns upon gowns of high fashion to the industry’s biggest award shows, like the Dior piece, one of my favourites (tagged below). Even presenting SNL this year, her sense of style seems to represent her personality: classy and fun.

In comparison to GQ, at number nine on their list was Dua Lipa, who again, deserves to have a much higher place.

Dior dress: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/fashion-news/a35675357/anya-taylor-joy-dior-dress-golden-globes/

8. HUNTER SCHAFER

Number eight on my list goes to actress Hunter Schafer, mostly known for her breakout role on hit show Euphoria. Schafer’s splash within the fashion industry, although small, shows that she’s here to break boundaries and bring a type of fashion that isn’t basic. We can see that with her incredible Met Gala look earlier in the year, as well as her own personal style. Having the ability to be styled right as well as being able to style yourself within the world of celebrity is hard to come by, I look forward to Schafer’s future fashion in 2022.

In comparison with GQ, Arlo Parks claims the number eight spot. I absolutely love some of her fashion, the colour blocking and patterns, paired with a variety of different suits matches her sound and personality. The reason she doesn’t fall onto my list is only because I have seen and loved other fashion throughout the year and Parks has not fallen onto my radar, however I’m also looking forward to what 2022 brings for her music and style.

Schafer street style: https://www.vogue.com/article/hunter-schafer-rick-owens-coat-fall

7. IRIS LAW

The only slot that myself and GQ can agree on is Iris Law at number seven. Her fashion this year has captured the attention of many, including the world’s leading fashion magazines and media outlets. This look from the 2021 Fashion Awards (tagged below) caught my eye and opened model Law’s world of fashion to me. As I said, it’s difficult to be styled and style yourself within the world of celebrity, but Law can do both very well. As well as this, she is continuing to think outside the box and deliver something different, new, and fresh.

2021 Fashion Awards look: https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/photo-gallery/48624554/image/48627088/Iris-Law-at-2021-Fashion-Awards

6. ZOE KRAVITZ

Never failing to disappoint when it comes to dressing the most fashionably, I don’t think Zoe Kravitz will ever leave my top ten list. At number six, she consistently delivers some of the most diverse looks, whilst also keeping that expensive, high fashion element within. Her Met Gala look (tagged below), was one of my favourites from fashion’s biggest night out, and her street-style continues to give effortless chic.

In comparison to GQ, Kravitz was at number three, whilst Hailey Bieber was at number six. Kravitz is lower on the list for me just because I feel that others had a bigger year in fashion in 2021. Hailey Bieber does not make my list for the same reason.

Met Gala look: https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/zoe-kravitz-jessica-mccormack-met-gala-2021

5. BELLA HADID

Trying to choose one of Bella’s looks to attach to this piece was difficult, hence why she’s at number five on my list. One of the world’s most famous models, Hadid has modelled for every high fashion house you can think of. Although amazing fashion, it is her own personal style (her street-style looks) that gives her this place on my list. It’s different, always well put-together and represents so many different genres of fashion. Her own personal taste is exceptional.

In comparison to GQ, Michaela Coel was at number five on their list. I absolutely love her award show looks and she’s had an absolute whirlwind of 2021 and with style to match. I am happy with GQ's selection of Coel being at number five (if I could fit her in, I would), but Hadid's consistency made me think she deserved higher on the list

Bella's street style: https://www.seventeen.com/fashion/celeb-fashion/a36902807/bella-hadid-underboob/

4. DUA LIPA

Probably Dua Lipa’s biggest year in fashion to date, she falls at number four. Since her career sky-rocketed in 2017, Lipa has slowly been making her mark, setting trends for her audience, and becoming more and more A-list. However, 2021 stands out. Becoming the face of Versace can surely get you friends in high (fashion) places, as she has nailed every outfit to every event this year. I’ve loved watching her own person style evolve to. My favourite look of this year being Versace she wore on the runway (and pretty much any performance outfit) which is tagged below.

On GQ’s list, Rihanna claims the number four spot.

Dua's Versace Debut: https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/celebs/dua-lipa-makes-versace-runway-debut-at-milan-fashion-week

3. GRIFF

Griff has had an amazing year in music and has done it in style, which is why she’s at number three. Her looks embody difference and that level of strange that is almost perfect. Griff’s fashion is always paired with unique hair and makeup which tie the look together; her team really know what they’re doing and have obviously listened to her personal sense of style. My favourite look from Griff is one taken from her May 2021 Vogue interview, tagged below.

At number three on GQ’s list was, as mentioned, Zoe Kravitz.

Griff's Vogue shoot: https://www.vogue.com/article/griff-brits-rising-star-award-interview

2. RIHANNA

The queen of fashion some may say, Rihanna has the number two spot on my list. If it’s not clear by now, Rihanna has placed herself front and centre within the fashion industry, being a part of that celebrity world yet managing to make fashion her own, having the most put together street style as well as captivating event looks. Along with her own style, as the founder of Savage X Fenty, Rihanna continues to prove just how exquisite her sense of fashion can be. Producing the diverse and beautiful fashion shows for the brand, encouraging people everywhere that this level of fashion can be achieved by anybody.

At number two on GQ’s list is Griff.

Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Fashion Show look: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/fashion/celebrity/g37717844/savage-x-fenty-2021-celebrities/

1. ZENDAYA

If you’ve been following my account since I started, you knew this was coming. Zendaya takes the number one spot on my list, as she should. Her work with stylist Law Roach continues to bring some of the highest fashion, beautifully put together pieces I’ve seen this year. Whether it’s award shows, press tours or street style, you can see a lot of thought and meaning embodies every look, making the fashion have so much more depth and makes it that much more enjoyable. Although the Spider-Man No Way Home press tour looks have a special place in my heart, there is nothing that beats my favourite look from Zendaya in 2021, her Beyonce vintage Versace look worn for the BET Awards (tagged below).

GQ’s list finishes with Kendall Jenner at the number one spot, with absolutely no mention of Zendaya within the top ten. As the fashion icon award recipient and with a year like Zendaya’s had within fashion as well as acting, this surprises me. Kendall Jenner, although an effortlessly beautiful super-model, doesn’t have that same element of amazingly produced fashion for me, which is why she doesn’t make my list.

Zendaya's BET look: https://fashionmagazine.com/style/celebrity-style/zendaya-bet-awards-2021-beyonce/

What a year for fashion it’s been!

GQ's list: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/fashion/article/most-stylish-women-2022