InStyle.com's Top 10 Style 2007

InStyle.com's Top 10 Style 2007

© Jean Catuffe/INF

By Hal Rubenstein

No matter how often reporters ask, "Who are you wearing?" what really counts is "How are you wearing it?" For those who watch and wait for the magical balance of beauty, glamour and taste, these women made us very happy this year

Natalie Portman

You often hear the chant "less is more," but it's both startling and exhilarating whenever someone proves it by example. What makes Portman such a standout is that not only does she trust to lead with her beauty and her youth, she also exhibits unwavering faith in the cut and quality of a great dress. The result is answered prayers all around. Amen.
Yves Saint Laurent, Paris Je T'aime première, N.Y.C.

2. Drew Barrymore

First, she was an undeniably cute kid. Then we all called her adorable. But like Gigi, while we were somewhere out there blinking at other stars, she changed. Not only has Barrymore's sparkle turned to fire, but she has revealed a canny exuberance for sophisticated clothes that don't overwhelm her lithe frame. Thank heaven for little girls who get chicer every day.
Donna Karan, Music and Lyrics première, N.Y.C.

3. Cameron Diaz

If you were casting Hollywood as Grease's Rydell High, Diaz would be its Rizzo, always getting into trouble—on red carpets. But—and know that it's not our nature to gossip—from the moment Diaz got unpinned this year, she decided to show her classmates just who's the shoo-in queen of the prom. Because her choices have been as bold as they have been smart, she gets our vote.
Dior by John Galliano, Costume Institute gala, N.Y.C.

4. Penélope Cruz

With plush sable eyes, high cheekbones, a waterfall of shimmering hair, and a smile that out-thaws global warming, she'd be riveting in your little brother's hand-me-downs. But not only does Cruz obviously savor dressing up, she has zeroed in on just who and what show off her sensual shoulders and head-snapping curves. With the right dress, who needs a pea to prove you're a princess?
Versace Atelier, Academy Awards, L.A.

5. Jennifer Lopez

No one—repeat—no one works a red carpet with more let's-go-for-it panache than she. Sure, she has luminous skin and a figure with a life of its own, but it's her radiant self-assurance, her willingness to try anything (and try it top to bottom) that makes her required watching. It doesn't matter if Lopez never sings another note, utters another line, shakes another hip. This is how you look like a star.
Versace Atelier, El Cantante première, San Juan, Puerto Rico

6. Anne Hathaway

She has no style, Miranda Priestly stated flatly ("No. That's not a question"). Naturally, she never caught Hathaway in real life. What's so refreshing about her emergence is that she's not sweating over it. Her choices aren't tortured. Her manner stays as breezy in gowns as in jeans. She gets the game and wants to win, but only if she can do it while looking pretty much herself. She's winning.
Valentino, Valentino anniversary gala, Rome

7. Cate Blanchett

Ever see her in a sherbet chiffon gown with beaded bodice? You won't. Blanchett is the red carpet's resident bungee jumper, the one consistently and fearlessly taking a risk. What sets her apart isn't choosing pants over a gown, high-neck ruffles or floor-length metallic fringe. It's the fierce intelligence, regal glamour and dramatic, near-defiant air that keep getting her nominated and noticed.
Giorgio Armani, Australia Week gala, L.A.

8. Sienna Miller

She's that rare of-the-moment creature that fashion adores and sometimes consumes. A milkmaid braid with a metallic embroidered gown, black leggings under a baby-doll mini and—egad!—horizontal stripes! Young enough to try it all on, and shrewdly worn in print-friendly black and white. No matter what she does—or wears, for that matter—for now she's cool.
Marchesa, Golden Globe Awards, L.A.

9. Helen Mirren

It wasn't enough, her Hoovering up every award in sight, often displaying as much poise and notably more modern elegance than the lady she had the honor of portraying. But we hail Mirren's ubiquity because it served a more triumphant purpose—a constant reminder that women can be not only gifted, witty and charming after ... say, 52, but also ridiculously sexy.
Jacques Azagury and Chopard necklace, Bafta Awards, London

10. Joy Bryant

Then there's that girl who always looks terrific in everything. Even worse ... er, we mean better, Bryant makes it look so easy, you don't know whether to hate her or ask her over to play in your closet. Designers: Need someone to help your collection look fresh and accessible? Presenting Joy to the world. If your clothes can make her smile, her smile will make us want them.
Valentino, Screen Actors Guild Awards, L.A.

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