These Were the 17 Breakout Red Carpet Stars This Year

While awards season certainly hasn’t slowed down over the past two years, 2022 saw a return to especially splashy red carpet events—and there were tons of stellar style moments as a result. Hollywood’s A-listers all brought their fashion A-game on the step and repeats, but there was a particular crop who brought a more unique fashion energy to the scene. Call them the year’s breakout red carpet stars: These were the risk-takers who embraced individuality and stood out from the pack with one-of-a-kind styling approaches.

Some of Hollywood’s freshest talents burst onto the scene this year with distinctive fashion perspectives. When Taylor Russell embarked on her Bones and All press tour, for instance, the actress proved she’s a true fashion girl, sporting everything from Schiaparelli’s wide-brimmed hats and corsets to Tom Ford-era Gucci pieces. Amber Midthunder—who starred in Prey, Hulu’s most-streamed film to date—also brought special Indigenous style to the carpet, including a traditional ribbon skirt made for her by her friend, Kylei Big Bow. House of the Dragon star Emma D’Arcy, meanwhile, captivated the carpets with their cool, edgy aesthetic; one of their best ensembles included leather pants and a glittery gold vest, both by Acne Studios.

Hollywood men were equally daring with their fashion choices. On more than one occasion, singer Conan Gray embraced striking skirts and dresses, including a graphic Chopova Lowena piece, as did Oscar Isaac with a Thom Browne skirt suit. Sure, men in skirts may not be a groundbreaking concept, but it was refreshing to see gents rebuke the traditional suit in favor of looks that felt more modern and unexpected. That was precisely the mood for this year’s best fashion choices overall: Stars chose clothes that you simply could not have predicted. (See also: Emma Corrin’s JW Anderson goldfish dress.) Here’s to hoping that the 2023 carpets will continue to keep us on our toes—because this year’s style stars made fashion fun again.

Below, the 17 breakout red carpet stars of 2022.