Introduction
Celebrity style continues to do heavy lifting in the fashion world. Big-name stars still spark trends that trickle all the way from red carpets in Cannes to your local coffee shop. Whether it’s a surprise Met Gala moment or a well-documented grocery run, A-listers move the needle—fast.
In 2024, the influence has only grown more layered. With social media turning every sidewalk into a runway, streetwear and off-duty looks carry just as much weight as formalwear. Fans aren’t just following outfits. They’re buying into the attitude, the silhouette, the vibe.
What follows is your shortcut to the most style-forward celebs setting the tone right now. Think of this list as both inspo and intel—whether you’re trying to build a better wardrobe or just stay ahead of the curve.
Rihanna – Fearless Trendsetter
Breaking Boundaries with Every Look
Rihanna isn’t just following fashion—she’s reimagining it. Known for her fearless approach, she consistently pushes style boundaries, effortlessly blending high fashion with streetwise boldness. Whether she’s stepping out in a crystal dress or layering oversized outerwear, Rihanna owns every look with confidence.
What She’s Known For
- Avant-garde designs that redefine trend norms
- Blending couture with comfort and streetwear aesthetics
- Fashion-forward risk-taking that still feels refined
Style Signature Moves
At the intersection of confidence and creativity, key staples of Rihanna’s wardrobe include:
- Oversized jackets – from bold puffers to structured blazers that demand attention
- Sheer layers – tastefully styled to flirt with form and silhouette
- Bold accessories – think statement sunglasses, extravagant jewelry, or logo-heavy bags
How She Balances Risk and Refinement
What sets Rihanna apart is not just her daring looks—but the way she makes them feel purposeful. She knows when to tone down with neutrals or simple silhouettes, making her bolder pieces pop without feeling overdone. It’s a lesson in balance:
- Anchor bold looks with grounded pieces
- Mix hard (leather, structure) with soft (silks, knits)
- Let one standout item lead the outfit
Rihanna’s style isn’t just iconic—it’s transformative. Following her means keeping a finger on the pulse of fearless fashion evolution.
Zendaya – Versatility in Motion
Zendaya moves through fashion like it’s second nature. One night she’s in sculptural Valentino, the next she’s serving archival Mugler pulled straight from the ‘90s. She’s a red carpet chameleon, and that’s not just for show—it’s a strategy rooted in fearless experimentation, made all the sharper through her long-standing creative partnership with stylist Law Roach. Together, they’ve redefined what it means to dress for the spotlight. There’s always intent, never just spectacle.
Off-camera, her style strips down but never fades out. She’s been spotted mixing vintage tees with sharp blazers, or pairing minimal silhouettes with killer accessories. It’s that balance—effortless but considered—that makes her a Gen Z icon. She dips in and out of fashion decades without losing her voice, proving you don’t need to stick to one lane when you own the whole road.
Timothée Chalamet – Modern Masculine Edge
Timothée Chalamet doesn’t just show up—he rewrites the rules when he walks the red carpet. Forget the safe tux. He goes for high-shine harnesses, cropped jackets, or head-to-toe color plays that snap tradition in half. Fitted tailoring is his through-line, but it’s always paired with a creative edge that clearly says: this isn’t about playing it safe.
He’s part of the shift where menswear is no longer confined to two-button suits and polished shoes. Chalamet leans into designer risk—think velvet suits in deep jewel tones, sheer shirts layered beneath structured blazers, or double-breasted looks that flex in both style and comfort.
Off the red carpet, his street style is more low-key, but never lazy. Effortless layering meets high-end taste: a hoodie under a stylish coat, relaxed trousers with boots, flashes of jewelry that hint at personality, not pretense. He’s proof that modern masculinity in fashion thrives on detail and intention, not just labels.
Blake Lively – Glamour With Strategy
Blake Lively stands out not just for her red carpet presence, but for what goes on behind the scenes—namely, the fact that she styles herself. Without relying on a professional stylist, she has crafted a fashion identity that feels both intentional and effortless.
Style Highlights
- Self-Styled Confidence
Lively’s choice to style herself is a rarity among A-listers. This adds authenticity to her looks and proves a deep understanding of balance, proportion, and personal taste.
- Classic Meets Playful
She’s a master at mixing timeless elegance with on-trend details. Expect clean silhouettes punctuated by unexpected colors or textures, proving that sophistication doesn’t have to be boring.
- Power Outerwear
One of her fashion trademarks? Statement coats. Whether it’s a bold print, dramatic tailoring, or a monochrome moment, Blake knows that outerwear can make or break a look.
What You Can Learn
Lively’s style is aspirational yet accessible. By focusing on strong foundation pieces and adding your own creative flair, you can bring a touch of Hollywood-level polish into your everyday wardrobe—no stylist required.
Harry Styles – Gender-Fluid Fashion Icon
Harry Styles doesn’t just wear clothes—he tells stories with them. Think wide floral suits from Gucci, sheer blouses with pearl necklaces, and lace-trimmed trousers that look straight off a 1970s album cover. He’s made vintage glam feel modern, fusing it with today’s sense of freedom and fluidity. One day it’s a frilly blouse and tailored pants; the next, it’s a kilt over trousers or a full sequined jumpsuit.
But it’s not shock value—it’s intention. Styles has blurred the boundaries of men’s fashion not to provoke, but to expand. He’s opened the door for softer silhouettes, bolder choices, and inclusive dressing that aligns with how identity is evolving. Whether it’s on the cover of Vogue or walking down a cobbled street in Venice, he’s not trying to fit the mold—he’s making a new one.
Bella Hadid – Gen Z’s Streetwear Oracle
Bella Hadid is the face of fashion’s most nostalgic moment. She’s taken the Y2K resurgence and fused it with the edge of 90s runway swagger. Think: wide-leg trousers that pool at designer sneakers, skinny crop tops that nod to early aughts cool, and sleek sunglasses sharp enough to slice through any minimalist trend.
What sets Bella apart isn’t just that she wears the look—it’s how she styles it. Thrift-store gems are paired with luxury staples in a way that feels effortless, not try-hard. A $20 throwback mesh top meets a Balenciaga belt bag. Everything fits like a fashion puzzle only she knows how to solve.
The magic is in the confidence. Bella’s wardrobe doesn’t whisper—it walks with purpose. If you’re looking to turn your closet into a time machine with taste, she’s the blueprint.
Tracee Ellis Ross – Color and Confidence
Tracee Ellis Ross doesn’t whisper fashion—she speaks it loud and clear. She’s built a style legacy around taking bold risks that feel intentional rather than gimmicky. Neon? She wears it like a neutral. Massive silhouettes? She makes them graceful. Patterns that clash on paper? They sing on her. Her fashion isn’t about fitting in—it’s about showing up exactly as she is, owning space, and celebrating individuality.
But it’s not just noise. There’s power in how she dresses—her wardrobe is curated with soul. Ross regularly champions sustainable fashion and celebrates both up-and-coming and heritage designers, often wearing Black-owned brands that rarely get mainstream visibility. Her style is bold, yes, but it’s also ethical and inclusive. That’s a combo worth looking up to.
A$AP Rocky – King of Fashion-First Rap
A$AP Rocky has been blending high fashion with streetwear since before it was cool. He didn’t just follow the wave—he helped shape it. Long before brands like Bottega Veneta or Raf Simons hit the mainstream, Rocky was wearing them unapologetically, turning heads in runway pieces layered with low-key downtown staples. His style isn’t random. It’s curated, reference-heavy, and intentional.
Gucci suits one night, vintage tees the next. The man moves through aesthetics like tracks in a playlist—each look serving a purpose, each fit telling its own story. He’s not clinging to a formula. He’s constantly shifting, but never aimless. As much as his fashion feels effortless, there’s calculation behind the chaos. For Rocky, fashion is language. And he speaks it fluently.
Janelle Monáe – Futuristic Formal With a Twist
Janelle Monáe doesn’t just wear fashion—she transforms it. Known for her commitment to bold and structured looks, Monáe consistently redefines what modern formalwear can be.
Signature Aesthetic
- Monochromatic Mastery: She frequently experiments with a black-and-white palette, but keeps things fresh through dramatic silhouettes, cut-outs, and rich textiles.
- Architectural Fashion: Looks often feature sculptural shapes, structured shoulders, and exaggerated tailoring.
Duality in Style
- Suits and Gowns, Reimagined: Janelle shines equally in both menswear-inspired ensembles and intricate, feminine gowns. Her red carpet appearances are a lesson in balancing contrast with cohesion.
- Details That Speak: Whether it’s a bold neckline or unexpected asymmetry, her choices are always deliberate.
Personal and Political
Monáe often uses fashion as a tool for self-expression—and even protest. Her style choices communicate identity, strength, and creativity without a single word.
- Pushes past trends to express values and individuality
- Blends avant-garde fashion with deeply personal storytelling
- Remains both unpredictable and unmistakably herself
Emma Chamberlain – The Relatable Style Icon
Emma Chamberlain doesn’t need big logos to make an impression. Her style is the perfect mashup of thrift-store scores and luxury moments—one day she’s in a vintage windbreaker, the next she’s front row at Paris Fashion Week in Louis Vuitton. It’s that high-low balance that makes her stand out.
She’s reinvented casual by aligning it with confidence. Think collegiate knits thrown over loose jeans, preppy loafers paired with cropped tees, boxy blazers layered over skatewear. Nothing feels overly polished, and that’s the point. Her style speaks to a generation fluent in irony and authenticity.
Emma has mastered the art of making $10 finds look runway-ready—not by hiding them, but by owning them. Her influence? Massive. She made it cool to care without trying too hard. For Gen Z, that’s fashion gold.
How to Apply Their Style to Your Life
Looking great doesn’t require a runway or red carpet invitation. The secret? Adapting celebrity style to fit your day-to-day life. Here’s how to translate star power into smart, wearable fashion choices.
Start with the Right Icon
Not every celebrity’s style will match your lifestyle—and that’s okay. Choose someone whose aesthetic resonates with where you are, what you do, and how you want to feel.
- Do you gravitate toward streetwear? Look at Bella Hadid or Emma Chamberlain.
- Prefer power ensembles or color statements? Tracee Ellis Ross may be your go-to.
- Into gender-fluid or experimental fashion? Harry Styles and Janelle Monáe offer endless inspiration.
Look Beyond Labels
You don’t need designer pieces to dress like a style icon. The real foundation of a great look often lies in shape, proportion, and color.
Focus on:
- Silhouettes that elevate your body shape
- Layering techniques—structured blazers, oversized coats, or fitted basics
- Palette choices that define your personal vibe
Personality Over Price Tag
Bringing star-inspired flair into your wardrobe doesn’t mean losing your individuality. The best celebrity looks are authentic extensions of the person wearing them.
- Mix high-end with affordable basics
- Add personal accessories—a signature watch, funky sunglasses, or unique footwear
- Don’t be afraid to tweak a trend to match your comfort level
Find More Inspiration
Still figuring out your fashion direction? Start by reimagining celebrity outfits for everyday wear. Get practical tips on translating runway to sidewalk:
Get Inspired: Steal These Celebrity-Inspired Outfits for Everyday Wear
These icons don’t just wear clothes—they tell stories with them. It’s less about copying a look and more about understanding the mindset behind it. Whether it’s Zendaya blending vintage lines with modern silhouettes, or Harry Styles flipping the script on gender norms, what they all share is intention.
Start by choosing a muse. Observe how they mix texture, shape, and tone. Then, adapt. You don’t need their budget—just their attitude. Layer like Bella, accessorize like Tracee, or let color do the heavy lifting like Janelle. Break a few style rules while you’re at it, or better yet, rewrite them. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s originality.
Let their confidence nudge you out of your comfort zone. Embrace what speaks to you, and leave the rest. Over time, that blend becomes your signature. That’s how style works—it starts with influence, ends with identity.
Style & Culture Writer
