Editor’s Note
Featuring the good, the bad, and the ugly, “Look of the Week” is a regular series dedicated to the most talked-about outfit of the last seven days. This year, we’re diving into some of the most memorable looks, which together form part of our Looks of the Year 2024 lineup.
CNN —
Each week of 2024, CNN Style highlighted the standout or most buzzed-about celebrity fashion moment of the last seven days. These ranged from Heidi Klum’s show-stopping E.T. Halloween costume to the internet-breaking Harris-Walz camo caps seen on the campaign trail. Our coverage contributes to the Looks of the Year 2024, which showcase both high-impact wardrobes and offbeat style choices.
Not all ensembles were enviable, of course. Outfits ran the gamut from flamboyant red carpet moments to surprising celebrity street style. (Remember when Rosalia wore a straitjacket in New York?) Each provided value in some way, especially if it turned heads. That sense of daring is something fashion should always aim to achieve.
In honor of documenting a year of compelling wardrobes, we’ve assembled 2024’s fashion superlatives below. It’s another reason why this curation belongs to the Looks of the Year 2024 catalog.
Zendaya and the Triumph of Frequent “Looks of the Week”
Zendaya earned more “Look of the Week” mentions than any other celebrity. This happened since our series first began, and 2024 was no exception. Her stand-out ensembles arrived at the “Dune: Part Two” premiere in February and during the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in October. Her style influence is so monumental, Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar said in September that he was considering writing a film about Zendaya and her longtime stylist, Law Roach, according to Vanity Fair Spain.
While competition was fierce—especially after Margot Robbie’s “Barbie” press tour—one duo outdid everyone else. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have regularly worn color-coded looks of green and pink during public appearances. Their unwavering dedication to a themed dress code spans eight months. Whatever the public thinks, that level of consistency is noteworthy.
Vintage Pulls and Exclusive Fashion Access
In 2024, gaining access to museum-grade archives remained a prominent flex for fashion-forward celebrities. For the MTV VMAs in September, Sabrina Carpenter wore a 1991 vintage Bob Mackie sequined gown. It had originally been custom-made for Madonna. This level of exclusivity cemented Carpenter’s place in the Looks of the Year 2024 with a piece of red-carpet history.
Michael Kors once described an accessory as an “exclamation point” to an outfit. In October, Andrew Garfield took that sentiment literally when he completed his red carpet look with a life-size cardboard cutout of his co-star Florence Pugh. They were attending the London premiere of “We Live in Time,” and Garfield’s cheeky addition definitely turned heads.
Unexpected Streetwear Moments and High-Fashion Twists
In May, British comedic legend John Cleese, famous for Monty Python and “Fawlty Towers,” was seen in London sporting a $550 appliqué denim logo cap by Miu Miu. Such youthful branding was an amusing contrast to his octogenarian status. Fashion’s sense of humor is partly why we love these Looks of the Year 2024.
Rest in peace, Adidas Sambas. Their downfall appeared on April 4, 2024, when Britain’s then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wore a pair during an interview on tax and childcare policies. Critics bashed his attempt to look hip. British GQ argued Sunak had “ruined” this timeless sneaker. He later apologized to the “Samba community” and insisted he’d been wearing Adidas for many years.
Naomi Osaka’s Whimsical Court Style
What’s green and white with bows all over? Naomi Osaka’s 2024 US Open attire. In August, she wowed tennis fans with custom Nike kits embellished with ruffles and giant satin bows. “I wanted to feel like a ‘magical girl’ on the court,” she said in a press release. This playful twist on sports apparel marks another stand-out in the Looks of the Year 2024.
It was also the year’s best footwear reveal. Brooke Shields attended the Tony Awards in June wearing a canary yellow Monique Lhuillier gown. Then she lifted her skirt, showing bright rubber Crocs beneath.
Rihanna’s Low-Key Yet Iconic Maternity Style
Rihanna, who redefined maternity fashion with lacy bodysuits, went laid-back this year. She wore a fluffy bathrobe, gold point-toe stilettos, matching jewelry, and a fully made-up face. That effortless confidence makes her a mainstay in any list of 2024 Fashion Highlights.
One of the year’s most-read “Looks of the Week” was Monica Lewinsky’s debut fashion campaign for Reformation. Titled “You’ve Got the Power,” the collection combined sleek blazers and boardroom-ready knitwear. Lewinsky reclaimed her image in a simple black midi-dress set against a towering city skyline.
She was once at the center of a presidential scandal involving Bill Clinton. That led to a historic impeachment and years of harsh media treatment. Now, she’s an anti-bullying activist who uses her voice for positive change. This move into fashion showed her versatility and underscored her renewed public image.
Fashion in 2024 brought us surprising twists, reimaginings of iconic pieces, and a captivating array of personalities. Whether it was a daring red carpet outfit or an unexpected street-style look, each moment contributed to the Looks of the Year 2024. This year proved that style is about risk, storytelling, and unapologetic self-expression.