From Holly Willoughby to Helen Mirren, we reveal the nation’s top 30 style icons
WITH so many amazing women to choose from, it’s been a tough process.
But after much deliberation, our expert panel of judges has whittled down the list to a stylish final 30. Here they are, in all their fashion glory…
The panel
Mark Heyes: As resident stylist on ITV’s Lorraine, Mark has his finger on the pulse when it comes to high-street heroes and how to fake it to make it catwalk-style.
Beth Neil: As Fabulous’ Assistant Editor (Celebrity), Beth spends her days getting the goss from our glam cover stars, so knows who has the X factor – and who doesn’t!
Tracey Lea Sayer: When she’s not styling Fabulous’ epic shoots, jumpsuit-loving Fashion Director Tracey is wowing us with her savvy style tips and trend predictions.
Kat Farmer: Influencer Kat is finding her style in her 40s on Instagram as @doesmybulook40, and collabs with the likes of Marks & Spencer and John Lewis.
1. Lily James, 30, actress
TRACEY says :“And the winner is… Lily James! There’s a reason why Burberry chose this beautiful actress to be the face of its fragrance, and it’s because she’s a true British style icon.
“Lily works closely with top stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray, who always manages to give her a demure look with a cool fashion edge.
“In her downtime, Lily looks just as fabulous in jeans and a fisherman’s cap and cites her classic Burberry trench as one of her ‘all-time outfits’, because it totally transforms a simple look.
“This is only the start for Lily. I can’t wait to see where her fashion journey takes her next!”
2. Victoria Beckham, 45, designer
MARK says: “VB’s influence over what we wear is incredible, and it’s not just the slick lines, gorgeous prints and cool colour combos she sends down the catwalk that make an impact.
“Her outfit choices are stunning, and the beautifully tailored looks show a true confidence in her signature style.
“She’s the best ambassador for her own range – her sharp suits, chic checked midi skirts and sexy peek-a-boo boots are the new power-dressing.
“Posh has gone from global pop star to acclaimed designer, proving her many doubters wrong. Major.”
3. Dame Helen Mirren, 74, actress
KAT says: “For anyone of a certain age, Helen has been the biggest rule-breaker and inspirational dresser.
“She combines styles that women in their 70s ‘shouldn’t’ wear and knocks it out of the ballpark every single time.
“She has elegance and style, but do you know what the best thing about her is? She genuinely doesn’t care about what other people think. Helen never tries to make herself look younger.
“She doesn’t care about her age, it’s just not relevant to her and you can see that in her fashion choices.
“The actress is always well-groomed, but not overly so, therefore she looks her age – but amazing with it.
“That’s a huge inspiration to women in a society that is constantly telling us we should be trying to look younger.”
4. Laura Carmichael, 33, actress
KAT says: “Just like her character Edith Crawley in Downton Abbey, Laura always looks so composed.
“She’s at that tricky age where she’s still young but doesn’t want to dress like a teen, and she navigates that with such elegance.
“She loves asymmetric lengths, so rather than wear a short skirt she’ll go for one with a flowing side.
“The designs she chooses are unique, which makes her stand out on the red carpet.”
5. Clara Amfo, 35, DJ
BETH says: “Ah, we heart Clara. Not only is the BBC Radio 1 DJ a whirlwind of energy with a super-infectious laugh, but she also knows how to have fun with fashion.
“Colourful, vibrant pieces and eye-catching prints are finished off with her trademark hoop earrings to create a look that suits her personality to a T. A trainer obsessive, she’s brilliant at teaming her extensive collection with trouser suits and dresses alike.
“Oh, and she can also rock a heel when she fancies it, too.”
6. Alexa Chung, 35, model & presenter
BETH says: “No best-dressed list would be complete without Alexa. The darling of the fashion world, she’s cool, effortless and killing it.
“From geek chic and festi-style to red-carpet couture, Ms Chung nails it every time.
“Thirteen years after bursting on to our screens on E4’s Popworld, she’s become one of the most influential women in fashion – she even made socks with sandals look good – and has a Mulberry bag named after her.
“Plus, does anyone wear a brogue better than Alexa? We think not.”
7. Gemma Chan, 36, actress
KAT says: “How incredible is this woman? That pink parachute Valentino dress is probably my favourite Oscar outfit ever.
“Gemma absolutely owned it and looked ethereal.
“The whole get-up was just beautiful – both the colour and the style – plus it looked totally fabulous from every single angle.
“Gemma knows exactly how to strike a pose. She’s always conscious of her best side and takes every tiny detail into consideration. The result? Perfection.”
8. Maya Jama, 25, presenter
BETH says: “Sexy, sassy and on fire, Maya has quickly become one of the leading ladies of British fashion.
“With curves to die for, she knows how to make the most of her incredible figure and adds her own unique edginess to everything, from casual cool to girlie glamour.
“Maya, who recently split from boyfriend Stormzy, has been called the voice of a generation.
“We reckon she could claim the same status when it comes to style, too.”
9. Kate Moss, 45, model
TRACEY says: “She isn’t called Kate The Great for nothing! She has always had the London Look, and even though she’s been modelling for over 30 years, she’s still at the top of her game.
“She contributes to British Vogue, has walked for every designer worth their sequins and has graced more magazine covers than most of us have had hot dinners.
“Kate’s style has stayed pretty much the same throughout her life – a tuxedo, a metallic bias-cut dress, a pair of skinny jeans, a boho top and, of course, a leopard-print coat.
“She effortlessly mixes one-off designer pieces such as Yves Saint Laurent with a touch of vintage. She knows her style, knows what works and will always be the Queen of Cool Britannia.”
10. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, 34, writer & actress
BETH says: “She’s the ridiculously talented woman of the moment, winning awards left, right and centre for her brilliance.
“And as if that wasn’t enough, it turns out Fleabag creator Phoebe has a keen eye for fashion, too. With her tall, willowy figure and often sporting her trademark red lip, she looks good in anything.
“But even when she’s dressed in beautiful haute couture – for her recent Emmys triumph she wore a stunning Monique Lhuillier gown – she never takes herself too seriously.
“With brains, beauty and oodles of style, Phoebe, we salute you.”
11. Tilda Swinton, 58, actress
TRACEY says: “Tilda’s unique style gives her a real cutting-edge look. She pushes boundaries and isn’t afraid to wear clothes that are totally out-there.
“Her favourite designers include Haider Ackermann and Jil Sander. Tilda looks like a beautiful fashion illustration as she strides down the red carpet.
“She relishes wearing challenging architectural shapes and crazy prints.”
12. Kate Middleton, 37, Duchess of Cambridge
MARK says: “A modern-day muse, Kate has changed the way women dress.
“Her modest fashion has filtered down to the high street, which is now filled with low hemlines, long sleeves and high necks.
“While some think she plays it safe, she’s never made a fashion faux pas, and working with stylist Natasha Archer for 12 years has seen her classic style evolve.
“The Gucci pussy-bow blouse she wore in March sent the fashion world into raptures, and teaming it with wide-legged trousers from Jigsaw showed her love for the British high street.”
13. Holly Willoughby, 38, presenter
TRACEY says: “Holly is our fave fashionable ‘TV presenter next door’. She’s the one you want to hang out with and whose wardrobe you want to raid.
“Holly’s stylist Angie Smith has turned Brand Holly into hot fashion property and her stint on I’m A Celebrity! in those Grenson boots and Isabel Marant denim dresses made it even more compulsive viewing then ever.
“What’s great about Holly is that she can flip from tomboy in the jungle to elegant in the studio with ease.
“And her Holly Loves collab with Marks & Spencer is a roaring success because her style is so accessible.”
14. Meghan Markle, 38, Duchess of Sussex
Honorary Brit
KAT says: “Meghan has come into a prim environment and, almost like Diana, has recreated the magic of the ‘80s when it comes to pushing protocol.
“She never goes fully out-there, but she puts her own spin on an outfit and her personality shines through.
“She knows all eyes are on her judging her fashion choices, but she exudes confidence and that’s one of the reason why outfits work – if you know you look and feel great, it shows.
“Special props to her maternity wardrobe – that’s hard to get right, but she did it brilliantly.”
15. Sienna Miller, 37, actress
KAT says: “I’ve always loved Sienna and she’s definitely influenced me over the years.
“She looks stunning whether she’s red-carpet glam or dressed down day to day as a busy mum of one.
“I actually still hanker after the full-on boho style she did so fantastically well 15 years ago.
“But while I’d love to see her a bit more rough around the edges, she has grown up and she does adult boho just as well.”
16. Claudia Winkleman, 47, presenter
TRACEY says: “How cool is Claudia? With her trademark long fringe, infectious laugh and sexy suits, she rocks. And her tailoring is as razor-sharp as her wit.
“The tuxedo plays a big part in Claudia’s wardrobe, which quite often has a ‘borrowed from the boys’ vibe.
“Masculine tailoring finished with killer heels seems to be her go-to, but she also looks great in a gorge frock.
“Sequins, gothic lace, leopard print and the odd bit off metallic are the only variations from her tried-and-tested monochromatic palette.”
17. Jourdan Dunn, 29, model
MARK says: “Jourdan really knows how to dress.
“Whether it’s working parties in head-to-toe couture, ensuring ready-to-wear looks sell out on the runway, or turning heads in a boiler suit when she’s being papped in London, she is stunning.
“The supermodel might seem confident, but it’s easy to forget she’s a young mum with her own insecurities, which makes her hugely relatable.
“I love the way she can easily switch from high-end to street style and nail it every time.”
18. Eleanor Tomlinson, 27, actress
MARK says: “With her beautiful face and amazing red hair, Poldark actress Eleanor already stands out from the crowd.
“But it’s her incredible style that really sets her apart, both on the red carpet and out and about.
“She is the queen of effortless chic, having completely mastered the art of appearing to have just flung something on but looking fabulous anyway.
“Of course, we know that she’ll probably have taken ages to get ready and her hair has totally been ‘done’ – but it never appears that way.
“And I always think that achieving that ‘yeah, I just woke up like this’ look is an amazing skill. Bravo!”
19. Emma Willis, 43, presenter
BETH says: “Emma is hands down our ultimate girl crush!
“She’s just as stylish in a slouchy trouser suit as she is in a Victoria Beckham frock, keeping her whole look – hair, make-up and clothes – understated and yet completely stunning.
“Her dressed-down style is equally fuss-free as skinny jeans, blazers and Converse are her go-to fail-safes.
“Her Next collections fly off the shelves because the pieces are cool, easy to wear and affordable.
“The mum of three is a real woman’s woman, and it’s no wonder that so many of us want to emulate her style.”
20. Olivia Colman, 45, actress
MARK says: “She’s a national treasure who has designers desperate to dress her, and as Olivia’s star has risen, so has her style confidence.
“The Stella McCartney capes she’s been wearing have given her an air of self-assurance, the Prada gown she wore at the Oscars was a triumph and she’s since become more experimental.
“Olivia featured on the cover of British Vogue last month, plus she’s been a force for change in the fashion industry, having pushed it to consider ‘real women’ in its designs.”
21. Fearne Cotton, 38, presenter
BETH says: “One of the reasons we love Fearne so much is that she’s never afraid to be different.
“With bold colours, clashing prints and a mix of vintage, designer and high street, her quirky yet accessible style makes her more than worthy of her place on this list.
“This mum of two is a rock chick at heart (she is married to the son of a Rolling Stone, after all) and so even the prettiest of dresses are given a cool edge thanks to her clever choice of accessories and shoes. Exceptional.”
22. Dua Lipa, 24, singer
MARK says: “It’s often said that you should never let the clothes wear you, but that’s exactly what Dua dares to do.
“She throws herself into every look, teaming each with perfect hair, make-up and accessories.
“From red-carpet Valentino glam to streetwear, Dua can transform herself from one event to the next – but not in a Lady Gaga way, where it’s almost a costume.
“With Dua, it’s proper fashion. She’s a chameleon and sometimes you wouldn’t even know it was her.”
23. Amal Clooney, 41, barrister
BETH says: “She’s a leading human rights lawyer, mother to two-year-old twins, oh, and she’s married to George – could Amal’s life be any more perfect?
“Always flawless (and rarely without heels), whatever she wears it’s done with grace, flair and sophistication.
“She oozes old-school glamour, finishing off her look with Jackie-O-style sunglasses. What a superwoman!”
24. Vicky McClure, 36, actress
TRACEY says: “I’ve had a massive girl crush on Vicky since she played Dr-Martens-wearing Lol in cult film This Is England.
“Vicky looks just as great in L’Agence jeans and trench coat as she does in full on red-carpet style.
“Her vibe is edgy and a little androgynous. My favourite looks are a three-piece tailored suit by Tommy Hilfiger X Zendaya and a bandeau dress by Zuhair Murad.
“More recently she’s worked with both Marks & Spencer and Finery, proving that she doesn’t have to wear designer to look high-end.”
25. Adwoa Aboah, 27, model
TRACEY says: “Adwoa has style in her genes – her mother Camilla Lowther is a fashion agent and her father Charles Aboah is a location scout for shoots.
“She got her big break in 2015 after gracing the cover of Italian Vogue, and uses her profile to help others.
“She’s open about her struggles with addiction and mental health and set up online community Gurls Talk where women can discuss these issues.
“These achievements prove that Adwoa has both style and substance.”
26. Mary Berry, 84, food writer & presenter
MARK says: “Mary is living proof that it’s never too late to be stylish. At 84, she still makes pieces sell out.
“Whether it’s at Cheltenham Races or a food launch, she’s always chic and has become the grande dame of the trophy jacket.
“She’s not scared of wearing brands such as Zara and is a huge inspiration for women of all ages – very few people can do that.
“I’ve interviewed the likes of Demi Moore and I’ve never been as starstruck as the day I met Mary. I adore her!”
27. Jenna Coleman, 33, actress
BETH says: “Boy, has Jenna come a long way since Emmerdale.
“Today, she is on of the country’s most in-demand and highly regarded actresses and has emerged as a bona fide style queen.
“Favouring elegance with a vintage twist and conscious not to sap her 5ft 2in frame, Jenna works with stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray and loves to wear Erdem and Emilia Wickstead.
“Her barely there make-up and simply hair add to the English rose look she has perfected.”
28. Florence Welch, 33, singer
KAT says: “Florence always manages to combine cutting-edge outfits with a vintage twist.
“She does it from head to toe, and every single element of what she puts together is clearly something she loves.
“Florence is an amazing advocate for dressing for yourself – if you really adore what you’re wearing, it will show and it will work. She takes pieces that shouldn’t go together and pulls it off. That poise!
“She also has a massive hair advantage – there’s no denying that her mane is the most incredible accessory. She’s the sort of person who, in another life, I’d love to dress like all the time.”
29. Felicity Hayward, 29, model
TRACEY says: “Ms Hayward always brings her A game. This super-sexy Curve model, creator of #Selflovebringsbeauty and presenter on Channel 4’s Naked Beach, is a body-positive force to be reckoned with.
“In 2012 she was spotted dancing to Diana Ross in an east London club and asked to do a shoot impersonating Anna Nicole Smith shot by Miles Aldridge. And the rest is history.
“She’s helped change the industry’s narrow view on what sizes are seen as acceptable in the modelling world.
“Felicity always brings the fun to a shoot and her personal style is as flamboyant, fabulous and fashionable as she is.”
30. Rochelle Humes, 30, Singer & presenter
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BETH says: “Over the years, we’ve watched Rochelle find her fashion feet, going from pop princess to stylish TV presenter.
“She’s perfected her classy post-Saturdays look with the help of stylist Angie Smith and knows exactly what works.
“That means shorts and trouser suits, statement midi dresses, skinny jeans, and cosy knits teamed with sexy slip skirts. Plus, the mum of two’s walk-in wardrobe gives us serious Insta envy.”
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