The best in 2014 red carpet fashion

As the calendar year comes to a close, we decided to take a look back at all the fabulous fashion from the 2014 red carpet season. Starting in January with the Golden Globes and culminating in August with the Emmys, this year’s red carpets saw their fair share of fashion highs and lows.

As new style stars were born (hello, Lupita Nyong’o), seasoned vets like Charlize Theron and Amy Adams continued to bring their style A-game.

For your enjoyment, we’ve picked our favorites for best dressed, best red carpet trend and best men’s fashion.

Chrissy Teigen in Johanna Johnson

Whether she’s causing a stir on Twitter or posing for this year’s cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, model Chrissy Teigen always seems to find a way to capture our attention. It seems only fitting, then, that Mrs. John Legend would snag our top spot on the best-dressed list, with a little help from a sparkly gold number by Johanna Johnson worn to the Grammy Awards.

Details like a mermaid train and mid-thigh slit oozed with so much glamor and sophistication that we’re still talking about it 11 months later.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Carolina Herrera

Known more for her comedic chops than her sartorial prowess, Julia Louis-Dreyfus proved she possesses many talents when she chose a red-hot number by Carolina Herrera for this year’s Emmys. Made to fit Louis-Dreyfus like a glove, the custom gown featured a halter-style neckline, open back with criss-cross leather straps and skinny belt that cinched her waist.

With so many celebrities opting to wear red to the Emmys (Claire Danes, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting and Minnie Driver, to name a few), it could have been easy for Louis-Dreyfus to get lost in the mix. But with such a stunning look, there’s no way we could ignore her.

Lupita Nyong’o in Prada

Making her feature-film debut in last year’s 12 Years a Slave, Lupita Nyong’o found continued success in 2014. Hollywood’s new “It girl” not only stole the attention of the entertainment industry (she went home with this year’s Oscar for Best Supporting Actress), but also the red carpet contest in the process.

From a look book that included hits from Gucci and Dior, our favorite came at the 2014 Academy Awards, when she stepped out in a baby blue, Grecian-style gown by Prada. Featuring a plunging neckline and pleated skirt, the gown made Nyong’o look every bit the belle of the ball.

Ear cuffs

The 2014 red carpet brought us many fashion trends, including designer baby bumps and gowns in shades of red. Our favorite trend, however, had to be the always eye-catching ear cuff.

Worn at this year’s Emmys by stars like Mindy Kaling (wearing Swarovski) and January Jones (wearing Jack Vartanian), these sparkling statement-makers became the ultimate accessory for young celebrities. Ear cuffs are effortlessly edgy and bring the right kind of drama to any red carpet ensemble.

Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto

While the Dallas Buyers Club duo put in stunning performances on screen (both went home with Oscars this year), they also brought much-needed excitement to men’s red carpet fashion. As most male celebrities stuck with classic black tuxedos, this dynamic duo opted to experiment with their looks.

For McConaughey, it was a Dolce & Gabbana green velvet tuxedo at the Golden Globes, a Lanvin houndstooth tuxedo at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and another Dolce & Gabbana suit in navy at the Emmys (McConaughey was up for best actor in a drama series for True Detective).

Not to be outdone, Leto went with a Saint Laurent tux paired with a formal scarf for the Golden Globes and a Dior suit with a white bow tie for the SAG Awards.

Our favorite look from the duo, however, came at this year’s Academy Awards, when both men showed up in white dinner jackets (McConaughey in Dolce & Gabbana and Leto in Saint Laurent). They stood out in a sea of black tuxedos, and cemented themselves as two of the most intriguing individuals to watch on the awards-season circuit.

This story was originally published December 31, 2014 at 12:54 PM with the headline "The best in 2014 red carpet fashion."