So this week, rather than choosing a specific celebrity whose style I admire, I decided to give an ode to awards season by picking out some of the best red carpet looks of the season and explaining why these starlets succeeded in looking amazing.

You may not have any red carpet events coming up (What? You weren’t invited to the Oscars?), but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn a thing or two from these fashion experts.

Anne Hathaway looks lovely at the SAG awards in this amazing Grecian-inspired Azzaro gown. The cut complements her figure, the white – a shift from basic black – makes a statement, and the detailing is glamorous without being over-the-top. You can’t take your eyes off of her and that is what embodies red carpet glamor.

Kate Winslet is one of my favorite actresses, and she also happens to be a consistent winner on the red carpet. She’s got curves and she isn’t afraid to show them off, as she illustrates with this beautiful electric blue Narciso Rodriguez dress.

Another curvaceous babe who brazenly (and beautifully) flaunts her fabulous womanly figure and puts all those skinny minnies to shame, Christina Hendricks (of Mad Men) rocks the red carpet in a lovely emerald green Todashi Shoji gown.

Carrie Underwood glows at the Grammys in this stunning Zuhair Murad gown. It’s a classic cut, but the beading adds the glitter and glitz of old Hollywood, making her a true shining star.

Taylor Swift looks phenomenal in this Kaufman Franco gown. You can’t go wrong with basic black, but the patent leather straps and detailing give the gown a modern twist and make her look sophisticated and chic.

Despite a traumatic year, Jennifer Hudson looks better than ever and proves she’s a winner both at the Grammys and on the red carpet by wearing this risky origami pleated dress (designer unknown). Wearing avant-garde/unusual looks can be a hit or miss, but this dress does a great job of accenting her curves and the color blocking makes the dress flow well and come together beautifully.

Penelope Cruz almost never disappoints when it comes to her red carpet looks, and she does a great job of playing up her beauty by choosing classic pieces. This gown is no exception to that rule and is the epitome of what you can do right by going with a seemingly basic gown. Her hair, make-up and jewelry choices only play up the elegance of the dress.

Another dress that is unconventional but is a total winner is this Reem Acra gown on Christina Applegate. With its powder blue color, gold flowers, one shoulder and dramatic bow around the hip, she’s a definite stand-out and showing off her unique style.

So, overall lessons in red carpet fabulousness (or general fabulousness, really) are:

-Take risks, have fun, but don’t go overboard or too wacky.

-If you’re going to go with basic black, choose something with a new and modern take (but again, nothing too off-the-wall).

-Picking an eye-popping color is a great way to catch eyes, but color choice is key. Make sure the color complements your skin, instead of simply picking the “in” color of the moment.

-Details are another way to have some fun, but subtlety is important; too much can really ruin it.

-Picking a cut that highlights your best features will win you style points every time.

Both in and out of the kitchen, Padma is looks consistently pulled together and fabulous. She’s a big fan of fun and flirty dresses, adorned with draping and beautiful details that are oftentimes inspired by her Indian heritage. She’s got gorgeous gams that she loves to show off in mini-dresses, but she also knows how to pull off (and totally rock) the menswear-inspired look. Lakshmi makes form fitting vests and classic trousers look ultra chic and feminine, which is not easy to pull off.

The most notable (and enviable) aspect of Padma’s signature style, though, is her love of bright colors that flatter her deep skintone. She looks fantastic in everything from bright yellow to hot pink, and she isn’t afraid to wear them. She also gets major bonus fierceness points for not shying away from pieces that expose the large scar on her right arm caused by a car accident when she was younger.

This girl is more than a Style Idol; she’s a freaking fashion hero.

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

My Style Idol this week is none other than the oh-so-lovely, Scarlett Johansson. Scarlett’s style has wowed fans both on and off the red carpet, though she’s most famous for her glamorous red carpet looks. (And, maybe, her hottie arm candy.) She picks perfect colors that compliment her fair complexion and blonde hair and cuts that accentuate her incredible… ahem… assets. She’s become such a fashion icon, she was chosen to be the face of Louis Vuitton, whose current designer is her good friend, Marc Jacobs.

While she goes out on a limb occasionally, she more often than not goes with classic styles, but puts her own twist with great selections of accessories, be it jewelry, hair pieces or shoes. She’s got a look that’s classic Hollywood and she plays up on that well. Overall, Scarlett dolls herself up in ways that make fashionistas ’round the world drool and that puts her way up there on my Style Idol list.

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

Charlize Theron is a not only a gifted actress and a natural stunner, she’s a fashion icon who is consistently placed on best-dressed lists for her ability to put together jaw-dropping ensembles that highlight her gorgeous face and body. She does a great job of wearing everything from vintage/classic to avante garde styles, and even when donning a casual look, she looks chic, put together and beautiful.

Dior is one of her favorite designers and I can’t imagine him having anyone better to show off his duds. Charlize accessorizes with very natural make-up and a shimmery bronzer to add a light glow to her lovely complexion. She’s worn her hair long, short, brown and blonde, and looked gorgeous with every different look.

Charlize has an essence about her that makes her look seem effortless and her statuesque presence is only highlighted by her beautiful fashion choices. The girl’s got a style that many women try to emulate, but few can pull off and that in itself makes her my Style Idol of the week.

And she uses that knowledge well.

What I love about Whitney’s style is that she’s not afraid to take risks; she mixes and matches trends and gives them her own personal take. She’s also a big fan of fun & flirty dresses and she’s not afraid to go for bright, over-the-top colors and prints. (Although, it’s not hard to look good when you are already blessed with perfect hair, flawless skin and zero percent body fat.) She does a great job of pairing “louder” accessories and/or shoes with simple frocks, and when it’s time to glam it up, she picks classic gowns with a modern edge, the perfect look for an early-twenties girl.

Adding to her personal wardrobe, no matter where Whitney is going or what she’s wearing she never overdoes it with her hair and makeup. She most often keeps her beautiful blonde locks loose and wavy, and her makeup always looks natural and beautiful. Whitney knows her stuff when it comes to looking great and is a Style Idol to young women everywhere.

For the last few months, every Monday I’ve highlighted a star who I believe epitomizes style, whether because she takes risks and sets trends, or because she puts together simple ensembles that perfectly highlight her assets. In honor of the new year, I thought we should take a trip down fashion memory lane and see some of 2008′s best dressed stars. These ladies are all style icons of our time for different reasons and I’d jump at the opportunity to invade their closets any day. (To see more of these ladies’ perfect fashion choices, click on their pictures!)

1. Anne Hathaway:

Anne’s a new one on best dressed lists this year; in the past she was never really a stand out when it came to fashion/style, but ever since her break up with that loser bf of hers, she’s been shining as bright as can be. Anne makes fashion choices that are edgy yet classic and the gir knows how to play up her beauty. She’s been a great example for women all over the globe that you can come out of a bad relationship better than before, and for that alone she gets major props.

2. Rihanna:

Rihanna is probably the edgiest star on my list. She has a style that’s all her own and she owns it. Even her edgy hair cut has been an inspiration this year. She wears bright colors, interesting cuts, and always looks smokin’. There’s a reason Rihanna was the first person I chose to be a Style Idol; she tells young women that it’s possible to play up your personal, unique style, to make it look fabulous and to have fun doing it.

3. Leighton Meester:

Leighton is another new comer on the fashion scene, but she’s come in with a bang. Known for her preppy Upper East Side look on Gossip Girl, on the red carpet and out & about, Leighton has a fun, flirty style that utilizes classic designers but puts a young & modern twist on their classic styles. Leighton is a gorgeous gal who knows just how to play up her fresh-faced good looks and her beautiful body.

4. Michelle Obama:

This has been a huge year for politics and for the Obamas and Michelle Obama has been in the epicenter of that, not only for her devotion to her family and her husband’s campaign and her calm and cool demeanor, but also for her keen fashion sense. She’s been touted as the Jackie O of our generation and what she plans to wear on inauguration night is the talk of the town. There is no denying that she consistently looks put-together and stylish, but also professional and well-suited to be the President’s wife. She’s also won praise for the fact that many of her fashion choices are in an affordable price range and easily accessible to the average American woman. I must admit that I, too, am eager to see what she dons on January 20th.

5. Heidi Klum:

Last but not least is Heidi Klum. Though she hasn’t been on my Style Idol list (yet), she is constantly photographed looking absolutely gorgeous and glam. Heidi not only has an amazing body for anyone, let alone a mom of 3 (!), she’s got a look about her that is stunning, but has a girl-next-door air that still makes her likable; she is the woman women want to be. She comes across as fun and funny, yet she always looks polished and stylish. It’s no wonder she hosts one of the top fashion shows on television; her personal style, whether in jeans and a tank or a gorgeous John Galliano gown, is one us mere mortals can only hope to obtain.

Who do you think was best dressed this year?

Being one of the most famous faces in the world means always looking camera-ready, and Jennifer Lopez has gotten that down pat. Whether out shopping in jeans and a casual top, or posing for the Oscars, J.Lo has got it goin’ on. She’s always seen in gorgeous designer duds (and is close friends with many of them), does a lovely job when it comes to accessorizing, and knows how to flaunt that kick ass bod of hers (even after twins).

She’s often seen wearing asymmetrical drapey numbers, but she also looks amazing sporting tight gowns that really hug her curves. Oh and let’s not forget those awesome hats and sexy knee-high boots, looks that most women can’t pull off (and lord knows I’ve tried!). As a whole, she almost always looks flawless and her fabulosity shines through no matter what the occasion is. And for that, Jennifer Lopez is my Style Idol this week. Maybe this honor will help lift her spirits as she (allegedly) handles a very public divorce.

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

Her hairstyle was one of the biggest fads of the 90’s, she’s dated (and married) some of Hollywood’s hottest hunks, and she’s known for her girl-next-door looks that continue to hold true even as she approaches forty(!). Jennifer Aniston typifies simple elegance, and is a style icon for many women because of her easy, casual and minimalist style. She doesn’t go for a lot of bells and whistles, but her streamlined shirt and jeans combo always accentuates her fabulous, athletic body.

Aniston even keeps it simple at red carpet events with sheath dresses or classic cocktail dresses in flattering shapes and neutral tones. She encourages women around the globe to play up their natural beauty, opting for loose, easy waves and natural makeup over the over-done looks of many other Hollywood celebs. This ability to look fabulous (even nearly nude!) without seeming to try too hard makes Jennifer Aniston my Style Idol of the Week.

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

Donning scrubs on her TV show, Grey’s Anatomy, Katherine Heigl is far from a fashionista. Off the set, though, she’s got a great, easy style that always looks polished (to go with that nice polished rock she’s got on her finger).

Katherine isn’t a big risk-taker or a trend-setter when it comes to fashion, but she knows how to put together an ensemble that highlights her curvaceous body without going over-the-top on the sexy factor. Add that with her magical ability to mix prints and colors and you’ve got yourself one fashionable lady. She’s often photographed around L.A. in adorable sweaters, flats and jeans, but when she hits the red carpet, she brings out the va-va-voom and plays up her blonde bombshell status with curve hugging, classically glamorous gowns. There is no need for a little lift or tuck in her wardrobe; this girl has got it going on.

Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

She is known for her teeny frame, perfect pout, oversized sunglasses and some of the hottest arm-candy on the planet: David Beckham. Victoria Beckham, AKA Posh Spice, is definitely a style icon of our era. Her style causes a stir everywhere she goes and women around the world try to mimic her look, from her towering heels to her ultra-short hems. Even her ever-changing hairstyle makes front page news, leading women to rush to their hairstylists to get the latest “Posh.”

Her style varies often and Posh does everything from putting her own touch on classic styles to wearing innovative pieces that other people wouldn’t dare to try off the runway. She breaks fashion rules (like matchy-matchy accessories), sets new trends, and even has her own denim line (DVB: Denim by Victoria Beckham). Whether strutting her stuff in mini skirts and Christian Louboutins or jeans, military jackets, and boots, Victoria looks nothing short of fierce and she’s certainly an inspiration to all fashionistas out there.