An A-List Stylist on the Best Red Carpet Looks of 2012 (Guest Column)

This story first appeared in the Jan. 10, 2013 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

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A-list celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart — who dresses Zero Dark Thirty’s Jessica Chastain and Les Miserables’ Amanda Seyfried —weighs in on 2012’s best style statements (and one not so great).

The Standout Shoe
“Emma Stone is a great example of wearing shoes that grab your eye and that even mismatch a dress. She stepped out in so many pairs of statement shoes, but I loved when she wore that herringbone pale gray Roland Mouret with fuchsia suede Brian Atwood shoes.”

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Daring Color
“There was a lot of color this year —very bright. I really loved the yellow Dior Couture Julianne Moore wore to the Primetime Emmys. The trick is always putting the right color on the right actress. Jessica Chastain’ steal blue Elie Saab at the Zero Dark Thirty premiere in Los Angeles was perfect against red hair and pale skin. And Amanda Seyfried in bold red Prabal Gurung at the Hollywood Movie Awards was a strong look.”

High-Fashion Lace
“If you’re going to wear lace, it has to be the best. Keira Knightley recently wore a green Burberry Prorsum lace dress on The Tonight Show that was stunning. Valentino does lace magnificently as well.”

Fierce Bangs
“Rooney Mara can do no wrong. I have the utmost respect for Danilo, who created her hair look. This was the makeover of the year.”

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Steer Clear of Sheer
“We’ve seen a lot this year, but no one seems to understand that it’s for runway— not the red carpet. Flashbulbs accentuate it, too. If you’ve done your fittings and prepped right, wardrobe malfunctions should not occur.”

Waif Hair
“If you can — do it. It’s so chic. Look at Anne Hathaway and Emma Watson and Michelle Williams. It’s so easy to dress someone gorgeous with short hair — there’s no hair to interrupt a beautiful dress.”