These Are the Breakout Style Stars of 2018 – Hands Down

Receiving critical acclaim for her breakout role in Lady Bird, the Irish-American actress became a red carpet darling at the beginning of 2018 and showed no signs of slowing down. What makes her one to watch? Her sophisticated approach to structural looks, a love for pastels, and a taste for simplicity when it comes to design – no wonder she’s always on the best-dressed list.

Zoë Kravitz may not be a new name in the fashion game, but this year, we saw her really step things up a notch with several stellar outfits. With starring roles in hits like Big Little Lies, Spider–Man: Into the Spider–Verse, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, the actress started to blossom on the big screen and the red carpet in 2018. We saw her effortlessly pull off looks by labels ranging from Gabriella Hearst to Saint Laurent – all while sporting some serious dreadlocks.

You may recognize Constance Wu from her role in comedic series Fresh Off the Boat, but she entered the pop culture lexicon in 2018 thanks to mega-hit Crazy Rich Asians. And, just like the movie, her off-screen style has been off the charts. Wearing head-turning ensembles by everyone from Rodarte to Ralph & Russo, the actress kept us on our feet.

Another stylish breakout star from Crazy Rich Asians, Gemma Chan made us fall in love with her in the film and on the red carpet. The British actress gave us plenty of fashion inspiration, especially in the millennial-pink Tory Burch suit and the white Miu Miu gown that she wore to the premiere of her new film, Mary Queen of Scots. With the awards season right around the corner, we can’t wait to see what Chan will wear next.

Perhaps the biggest year in her personal life, 2018 was also a year rife with bold sartorial choices for Meghan Markle. From becoming a royal to announcing her pregnancy and breaking a style rule (or two) – what didn’t she do this year? The “Markle sparkle” enamoured the world this past year and, as she prepares for motherhood, we can’t wait to see what the Duchess of Sussex will wear next!

Lady Gaga entered a new stage in her career this year and, after years of making statements with everything from a meat dress to a sequined blue suit, she has found a sartorial voice that is as captivating and charming as her personality. From the pink, feathered gown by Valentino Couture to that slouchy, oversized suit by Marc Jacobs, it’s official: a (style) star is born.

2017 was a successful year for Tiffany Haddish, and her star only rose higher in 2018 and she served up some memorable looks in the process. From that white Alexander McQueen dress she couldn’t stop wearing to the multiple homages to her heritage, we’ve seen this funny girl’s style evolve as she became a red carpet staple. If the past two years are any indication, 2019 is going to be full of colorful ensembles from this comedienne – she ready!

Laura Harrier is still a fresh face on the scene, but clearly her talent – and style – knows no bounds. Her acting range has proven as versatile as her style, and 2018 was proof. She stole the spotlight in BlacKkKlansman, and then our style hearts on the promotional tour, wearing the likes of Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Sies Marjan – this model/actress can do no wrong.

We called it earlier this year – Dua Lipa is on her way to becoming the style star of her generation. Always up for a challenge, the singer isn’t afraid of bold prints, dramatic cuts, or even the brightest of colors! Her lack of inhibition when it comes to her music and her wardrobe is something we love seeing in a rising star.