Dressed to impress: 2023's best and brightest fashion moments

There’s no denying it: 2023’s A-list fashion moments were large and in charge. From flamboyant feathers and acres of tulle to audacious colourways and eye-catching fabrics, Annmarie O'Connor combs the red carpet to bring you this year’s best-dressed celebrities.

Some of 2023's brightest fashion moments

MELISSA MCCARTHY

Melissa McCarthy attends the Australian premiere of "The Little Mermaid" at State Theatre on May 22, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

Actor and producer Melissa McCarthy serves effortless ease in a geometric gown by Dubai-based designer Dima Ayad. From purple sequin panelling to the breezy kaftan silhouette, this homage to one-and-done opulence is a breath of fresh fashion air.

VIOLA DAVIS

Viola Davis attends the "Monster" red carpet during the 76th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 17, 2023 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)

Do you hear that? It’s the collective sound of jaws dropping as Viola Davis shows us how it's done. Wearing a Valentino Haute Couture asymmetric gown and ostrich feather cape—a bespoke design by creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli—the result is a veritable fashion moment for the ages.

LADY GAGA

Lady Gaga attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

A black Versace gown seems an unusually safe choice for an iconoclast like Lady Gaga. Spoiler alert: wait until she turns around. Sometimes an unexpected detail—like an exposed bottom with an artfully positioned zipper—is enough to create endless drama. 

HALLE BAILEY

Halle Bailey attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

Actor Halle Bailey may be new to the red carpet, but her style game is solid. This turquoise tulle Dolce & Gabbana confection alludes to her role as Ariel in The Little Mermaid without slipping into sartorial cosplay. Frothy, yet formidable.

ANGELA SCANLON

Angela Scanlon attends 'An Audience With Kylie' at The Royal Albert Hall on December 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Fresh off the Strictly dancefloor, Irish broadcaster and tour de force Angela Scanlon dazzles in a sheer metallic paillette dress from London-based label Raey. Elegantly styled with side-parted hair and rhinestone earrings, the Meath native nails red carpet chic every single time.

CARDI B

Cardi B attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

Rapper Cardi B doesn’t do half-measures as evidenced by this year’s trifecta of Met Gala looks. Her standout black-and-white Chen Peng tribute to Karl Lagerfeld was no exception with its voluminous quilted rosette skirt - a homage to the iconic Chanel bag. Perfectly on point.

DONALD GLOVER

Donald Glover attends the 2023 GQ Global Creativity Awards at WSA on April 06, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for GQ)

Award-winning musician and actor, Donald Glover, masters the art of the unexpected, compliments of Versace. Whether it’s the pop of green or off-duty half-placket silhouette, his leather jacket makes a fresh foil to a backdrop of classic separates from the Italian brand.

MINDY KALING

Mindy Kaling attends the Michael Kors Collection Fall/Winter 2023 Runway Show on February 15, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors)

Wearing head-to-toe Michael Kors in commanding red, multi-hyphenate entertainer Mindy Kaling (actor, producer and screenwriter), makes an audacious argument for leaning into standing out.

BARRY KEOGHAN

Barry Keoghan attends the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 10, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

An unconventional look at the cost of authenticity is merely a costume. Our fella Barry Keoghan needn’t worry about that. His custom Louis Vuitton suit in powder blue is a masterclass in confidence—cool but considered. Bonus points for coordinating with his captivating eye colour. Spot on.

NICHOLAS HOULT

Nicholas Hoult attends the premiere of Universal Pictures' "Renfield" at Museum of Modern Art on March 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

A Tom Ford metallic moiré suit and glossy Chelsea boots isn’t the easiest pairing to pull off. British actor Nicholas Hoult proves otherwise with a pinch of devil-may-care charisma. Slick without being studied.