Who What Wear: Best Dressed 2008

Each month, we choose dozens of the world's most stylish ladies for our daily stories, but at the end of the year, only a handful are anointed with the title: Best Dressed. On that note, it is with great pleasure that we present the select few who truly inspired us in 2008. You'll note some familiar faces from the group we singled out in 2007, along with several fresh trendsetters who Louboutined their way onto our radar!



1. Georgia May Jagger
Along with the rest of our Girl of the Month alumni, the youngest Jagger daughter possesses a keen understanding of fashion. She consistently turns heads in bold colors and flattering silhouettes—choices that earned her a spot here today! Jagger recently delighted us at the Africa Rising Festival in London by wearing a fuchsia body-conscious dress, lace-up boots, vintage purse, and her signature red lipstick!

2. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
Let's face it, the universe would be substantially less inspiring sans the Olsens' peerless style. Spotted here (looking unsurprisingly fabulous) at the Selfridges launch of their Elizabeth & James line, they are both appropriately dressed in E&J. Mary-Kate is wearing the Elizabeth IV Ruched Sleeve Blazer, with a Tokyo Floral Bouquet Top and over-the-knee boots, while Ashley chose the Motorcycle Pants and Manolo Blahnik's Fallo Pumps.

3. Zoe Kravitz
To suitably express the hype over Miss Kravitz, we'll borrow some words from her father, Lenny: we're crazy for this little lady! The rocker daughter complements her effortlessly cool attitude via eccentric and vintage clothing, which she combines superbly. In 2008, one of our favorite Kravitz' getups was the strapless salmon dress and embellished multicolor jacket (both from Matthew Williamson's S/S 09 collection) that she selected for The Museum of Modern Art's Film Benefit honoring Baz Luhrmann. Kravitz smartly balanced out the eye-catching ensemble by keeping her accessories basic (neutral open-toe booties and a solid orange clutch).

4. Erin Wasson
Just a brief glance at our archives will confirm how obsessed we are with Erin Wasson's personal style. The supermodel-turned-stylist-turned-designer is more than deserving of a place in our Best Dressed 2008 list, thanks to her consistently striking outfits. Earlier this year, Wasson stunned at the 10th Annual amfAR Gala in New York City in a Balmain dress, Manolo Blahnik for Alexander Wang Boots, and Alexander Wang clutch. As we discussed in Beauty Board: Holiday Trends, we are keen on sparkly headpieces, so Wasson earns extra kudos here for her own Lowluv-designed Crown of Thorns accessory.

5. Chanel Iman
Models are expected to know a thing or two about fashion, but Chanel Iman is particularly informed. The gorgeous gal recently showed off her excellent outfit instincts at The Fashion Group International's 25th Annual Night of the Stars in New York City when she wore a Chanel couture fringed gray blouse, black leggings, and fashion's favorite gladiator heels.

6. Kate Moss
When we're not wondering (LINK to W.W.S.W.) what Kate Moss might wear, we are researching her actual outfit details or coveting the supermodel's Topshop collection. Concerning our Best Dressed list, she is sort of a no-brainer inclusion—in fact—she may be the best dressed. Seen here at the Agent Provocateur "White Wedding" in the Milk Studios Penthouse in NYC, Moss stayed timeless and sexy in an all-black outfit (with an awesome vest from her own Topshop line).

7. Vanessa Traina
One of our earnest desires for the new year is to see more of Vanessa Traina in 2009! Though she is less universally known than some of her best-dressed celebrity counterparts, the well-seasoned style setter and socialite's sophisticated taste deserves recognition for a second year in a row. If you doubt our word, just check out the head-to-toe noir outfit she wore to the House of Boucheron 150th Anniversary Celebration in New York City as proof of her fashionable standing.

8. Emma Watson
With a Chanel perfume campaign under her belt and a year's worth of perfectly executed outfits to speak of, Emma Watson is a welcome inclusion in today's story! The grown-up starlet is pictured here at the Yves Saint Lauret S/S 09 Fashion Show in Paris, appropriately wearing all YSL pieces.

9. Carine Roitfeld
As the Editor-in-Chief of Paris Vogue, Carine Roitfeld is the ultimate fashion insider. We'd give anything to take a peek inside her closet, as it's no doubt overflowing with luxurious garments. The sharply stylish editrix flaunted her panache at the Lutz & Patmos F/W 08 show in slouchy slacks and a structured ruffle blouse with a chic skinny belt cinched at the waist.

10. Diane Kruger
Whether thrilling us in a silver Alberta Ferretti dress at the Met Gala or dazzling us in a sequined Chloe frock for a film premiere, Diane Kruger is always one to watch. We kept our eyes on her at the Ray-Ban Remasters Event a few months ago, where she looked radiant in an androgynous Chanel jumpsuit.

11. Natalia Vodianova
We couldn't overlook Natalia Vodianova for our best-dressed lineup, as her chic style is just as lovely as gorgeous as she is! Seen above during London Fashion Week, the Russian lovely wore a puffy jacket over a Julien MacDonald dress, Kova & T leggings, and Giuseppe Zanotti pumps.

12. Margherita Missoni
When not studying theater or modeling for the brand to which she is an heir, Margherita Missoni is charming us with her au courant wardrobe! This year, we were exceptionally taken with the drapey Grecian dress and peep-toe heels she displayed at the Cannes Film Festival.

13. Alexa Chung
We are fairly confident that Alexa Chung never left her house this year in a less-than-immaculate outfit. The British/TV presenter/model/all-around-it-girl extended her extraordinary taste to us for one of our most successful Insider's Picks to date. Considering this, plus how skilled Chung is at mixing price points, we knew she should make the list. The outfit she wore to the Uniqlo UT Gallery in London is a perfect example of how to create a thoughtfully assembled look: a vintage dress and jacket, Stella McCartney booties, and a Topshop Bag (with a skeleton charm from Walmart attached!).

14. Rihanna
Rihanna is another obvious candidate for this story, as the chart-topping diva is always wearing something fabulous (in life and in her music videos—we're infatuated with the gothic costumes she wears Disturbia). In addition to her glamorous clothes, she never fails to flaunt the most of-the-moment beauty looks and fiercest accessories! Case in point: at London's Jingle Bell Ball, she made quite the statement by offsetting her sharp vintage Claude Montana Jumpsuit with Burberry Prorsum's spike necklace.

15. Claudia Schiffer
Who knew one of our favorite models from the early nineties would continue to inspire us in 2008? Claudia Schiffer is constantly in high-fashion feminine attire these days and always a delight to see. One of our favorite ensembles is the above Valentino ensemble she wore to his final haute couture show in Paris last January.

16. Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow certainly pumped up the glamour this year, thanks to a slew of vampy chic outfits and a transforming shoulder-grazing haircut! The Yummy Mummy accomplished bombshell status when she turned up at the Rumble in the Jumble event at the Truman Bowery in London in a body-conscious Giles Deacon dress, Christian Louboutin boots, and a Tod's Tilda Ponchette Clutch.

17. Rachel Bilson
With all of the Rachel Bilson coverage we accomplished this year, it's hard to believe there's an outfit left to feature! Luckily, we set aside this photo from the Rogan for Target debut at Barneys in Beverly Hills, where the beloved Bilson wore a vintage dress, Maison Martin Margiela nude cut out booties, and a Chanel purse.

18. Julia Stegner
Last, but certainly not least, we must draw attention to our favorite German supermodel, Julia Stegner. As a face for Gucci's fall campaign, she fittingly assumed a Gucci maxi dress and cozy fur coat for the fashion house's latest store opening in Germany last month. Not only is her innovative style praiseworthy, but also her hair and makeup! With her hair slicked-back, we can fully appreciate her flawless bone structure, glowing skin, and eye-catching red lipstick!—Jessica Amento

Photo of Zoe Kravitz, Pacific Coast News. Photos of Erin Wasson and Emma Watson, Splash News. Photos of Rihanna and Diane Kruger, WENN. Photos of Georgia May Jagger, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Vanessa Traina, Kate Moss, Natalia Vodianova, Margherita Missoni, Carine Roitfeld, Alexa Chung, Claudia Schiffer, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Julia Stegner, Getty Images.