Red carpets are all about drama, glamour and all things sparkly. But behind the drop-dead gorgeousness lies a world of pasties, safety pins and sometimes, pain. So as we bid 2017 adieu, it's only fair to take one last fond look at the year that was. We have to concede that when it comes to the red carpet, a few celebs really did put their best feet forward, and even if the others didn't quite manage to pull it off each time, we know they really, really tried. From plunging necklines to sequins galore, and from Kareena Kapoor (of course) to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, these are the women who made it to our picks for the best that the daunting red carpet had to offer this year.
1. Kareena Kapoor in Galia Lahav
All hail the queen. Bebo stuns us every single time. In a Galia Lahav gown, she set the Filmfare Glamour And Style Awards red carpet on fire. With those curls and cheeks that were contoured by the hand of god, there's nothing about this look we're not head over heels in love with.
2. Jessica Chastain in Armani
Wearing Giorgio Armani, Jessica shone bright in a satin gown on Day 7 at the Cannes. Finishing her look with contrasting Piaget earrings, she captioned this 'sunshine dress'. And with that luminescent glow, we're inclined to agree.
3. Alia Bhatt in Zuhair Murad
Bollywood's leading ladies really do take their awards nights seriously. At the IIFA Awards this year, Alia chose to wear a Zuhair Murad gown. With a plunging neckline, this gown made her step out of her comfort zone and yet maintain her own personal style -- our favourite combination. How could that not earn her a spot on this list?
4. Emma Stonein Givenchy
Best Actress winner for La La Land this year, Emma wore a Givenchy to the Oscars this year and we're blown by her choice. With all the movement from the fringe, complemented perfectly with Swarovski embellishments, we honestly didn't know gold could look this good. Fun fact, she was the first woman to win an Oscar wearing a Givenchy dress since the legendary Audrey Hepburn.
5. Sonam Kapoor in Elie Saab
Considering her stop-in-your-tracks-and-look-at me appearance in Ralph & Russo at Cannes last year, this year's expectations from the inimitable Sonam Kapoor were sky-high. And boy, did she live up to it. In a custom-made Elie Saab gown, Sonam truly dazzled, securing her spot in this list by a long, long shot. In a beautiful pink blush gown with lace and swarovski embellishments, and a haath phool, she definitely left her mark on us.
6. Natalie Portman in Prada
Natalie's look was inspired by Jackie, the movie she was nominated for at the Oscars. And boy, she really did look hauntingly similar (and we mean this in the best way possible) to Jackie Kennedy. In a maternity Prada gown and a metallic clutch, she was channeling some major 60s' vibes. Portman's bold twist on a classic style made sure she strutted her way into this list, sans competition.
7. Deepika Padukone in Marchesa
In a tulle gown with an embellished bodice and sheer inserts, DP stuck to her signature style for Cannes on Day 1. And even though it wasn't new or unusual by Deepika's high standards, the Marchesa gown, maroon lips and carefully tousled hair, definitely won us over.
8. Priyanka Chopra in Ralph & Russo
In a Ralph & Russo for Oscars this year, Priyanka looked absolutely out of the world. The geometric dress fits just so beautifully, and with the sleek hair and glossy lips, she lit up the red carpet, like always.
9. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Michael Cinco
This, here, is why we can all unanimously agree that Ash really is one of the most beautiful women that ever existed. In a Michael Cinco gown for Cannes, she looks like a Disney princess come to life. She wore this stunning gown for the red carpet at Cannes and left us drooling in envy.
10. Charlize Theron in Dior
Charlize showed up in a gold lame Christian Dior gown with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit for the Oscars this year. As stunning as the gown was, it was her Chopard earrings that truly stole the show. Even Twitter went crazy wondering how she kept those ultra-gorgeous earrings on for so long, considering how atrociously heavy they looked. Love, love, love.
Well done, 2017. Can't wait for a bolder, brighter, more stunning 2018 on the red carpet.
