2016's Most Incredible Red Carpet Dresses

As 2016 is drawing to an end, we are using this as an excuse to look back at the most iconic looks from the last 12 months on the red carpet. One thing is for certain, there has been no shortage of exquisite, innovative and unexpected (Bella Hadid, we're thinking of your almost naked Cannes dress here) gowns. 

The year started with Alicia Vikander and Brie Larson leading the best dressed lists during award season, and we then went on to see the stylish return of Kirsten Dunst at the Cannes Film Festival, Beyonce surprising us by wearing couture latex to the Met Gala and Michelle Obama wear a sure-to-be legendary sequinneed gown by Atelier Versace.

Scroll through the gallery below to see 33 of the most iconic red carpet moments of 2016, including Kendall Jenner, Natalie Portman, Blake Lively and more…

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(Image credit: Rex/DavidFisher)

Who: Brie Larson

What: 2016 Golden Globes

Wear: Calvin Klein Collection.

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(Image credit: Getty/Andreas Rentz)

Who: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

What: The Cannes Film Festival

Wear: Alexandre Vaulthier.

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Who: Alicia Vikander

What: 2016 Academy Awards

Wear: Louis Vuitton.

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Who: Amal Clooney

What: 2016 Cannes Film Festival

Wear: Atelier Versace.

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(Image credit: Rex/DavidFisher)

Who: Alicia Vikander

What: 2016 Golden Globes

Wear: Louis Vuitton.

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(Image credit: Getty/Pascal Le Segretain)

Who: Katy Perry

What: amFAR Gala at the Cannes Film Festival

Wear: Marchesa.

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Who: Jourdan Dunn

What: 2016 Cannes Film Festival

Wear: Ralph & Russo.

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Who: Kirsten Dunst

What: 2016 Cannes Film Festival

Wear: Gucci.

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(Image credit: Rex/Greg.E.Mathieson )

Who: Blake Lively

What: State dinner in honour of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Wear: Ralph and Russo.

Related: I'm Not Much of a Dress Fan, But These 21 Styles Stopped Me in My Tracks

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(Image credit: Rex/ Andrew.H.Walker)

Who: Beyonce

What: 2016 Met Gala

Wear: Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci.

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(Image credit: Rex/Andrew H. Walker)

Who: Gigi Hadid

What: 2016 Met Gala

Wear: Tommy Hilfiger.

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(Image credit: Rex/DavidFisher)

Who: Jennifer Lopez

What: 2016 Golden Globes

Wear: Giambattista Valli.

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Who: Emma Watson

What: 2016 Met Gala

Wear: Calvin Klein Collection.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Who: Gemma Arterton

What: The Venice Film Festival 2016

Wear: Stella McCartney.

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Who: Margot Robbie

What: 2016 Academy Awards

Wear: Tom Ford.

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Who: Kim Kardashian

What: 2016 Met Gala

Wear: Balmain.

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Who: Lady Gaga

What: 2016 Academy Awards

Wear: Brandon Maxwell.

Related: Emma Watson's Stylish Guide to Shopping Sustainably

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Who: Cate Blanchett

What: 2016 BAFTAs

Wear: Alexander McQueen.

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Who: Charlize Theron

What: 2016 Academy Awards

Wear: Dior.

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Who: Dree Hemingway

What: 2016 BAFTAs

Wear: Erdem.

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Who: Saoirse Ronan

What: 2016 Academy Awards

Wear: Calvin Klein Collection.

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(Image credit: Rex/Andrew.H.Walker)

Who: Elle Fanning

What: Neon Demon New York premiere

Wear: Gucci.

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(Image credit: Rex/Andrew.H.Walker)

Who: Blake Lively

What: 2016 Met Gala

Wear: Burberry. 

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(Image credit: Rex/DavidFisher)

Who: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

What: 2016 Golden Globes

Wear: Saint Laurent.

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Who: Suki Waterhouse

What: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies London premiere

Wear: Reem Acra.

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Who: Beyonce

What: MTV Video Music Awards 2016

Wear: Francesco Scognamiglio.

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Who: Kate Bosworth

What: 2016 Golden Globes

Wear: Dolce & Gabanna.

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Who: Michelle Obama

What: Matteo Renzi's visit to the White House

Wear: Atelier Versace.

Related: Olivia Palermo's Style 180—Documented Outfit by Outfit

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(Image credit: Rex/James Gourley)

Who: Bella Hadid

What: The Cannes Film Festival 2016

Wear: Alexandre Vauthier.

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(Image credit: Rex)

Who: Brie Larson

What: 2016 SAG Awards

Wear: Atelier Versace.

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(Image credit: Rex/ David Fisher)

Who: Natalie Portman

What: 2016 Venice Film Festival

Wear: Dior.

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(Image credit: Rex/ DavidFisher)

Who: Dakota Fanning

What: 2016 Venice Film Festival

Wear: Miu Miu.

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(Image credit: Rex/Beretta)

Who: Kendall Jenner

What: 2016 Cannes Film Festival

Wear: Elie Saab.

Inspired to shop for a party dress? See our edit of the 22 most showstopping looks for the festive season…

Emma Spedding