The Best Red Carpet Fashion Moments of 2021

Photography by Getty Images

The real rising stars this year were the men.

Considering the mess of a year we’ve had, we should all be slightly shocked at how good the red carpet fashion was in 2021. And when I say good, I mean seriously good.

In February, it was clear that 2021 was done with loungewear and ready to party when not even a virtual carpet could keep Law Roach down. As Anya Taylor-Joy emerged onto the Golden Globes screen decked out in an emerald green Dior gown, the stylist cemented his fashion fairy godmother status then and there. And if we’re being honest, this list could’ve easily been an “Ode to Roach” as his looks for Taylor-Joy, Tom Holland, and Zendaya topped our collective best dressed mental directories.

But while Cynthia Erivo, H.E.R, Emma Corrin and Olivia Rodrigo also brought their A+ style game, the real rising stars this year were the men. Timothée Chalamet, Harry Styles and Josh O’Connor all added an extra layer of pizazz to their suits, ranging from retro geometric prints to feminine flourishes. But perhaps the most unexpected red carpet fashion moment came from Lakeith Stanfield at the Academy Awards in March. Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Judas and the Black Messiah, the actor pushed gender norms by wearing a Saint Laurent jumpsuit from the brand’s womenswear collection.

If you’ve missed any of these ensembles or if you’ve forgotten what year it is (how is it about to be 2022?!), here are our best red carpet fashion moments of 2021.