Personal style. It's one of those big, burning fashion questions of our times. The great Diana Vreeland once said, "(Style is what) helps you get down the stairs. It helps you get up in the morning. It's a way of life. Without it, you're nobody." The words ring true, even almost 30 years after her death. But how do they translate in the image-driven world of today, where all you need is a carefully created Instagram feed to tell a different story each day - none of them your own? What's personal style in the age of airport looks and batteries of stylists working round the clock to manage a celebrity's look so it can follow a publicist-approved narrative of their life? And yet, despite the painstaking orchestration and planning, if you look hard enough, personal style, much like a diamond in the rough, manages to make its presence known. Because, to quote another fashion great, Marc Jacobs, "Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them." So, as much as we enjoyed fashion-watching and Instagram-trawling for the hottest red carpet looks, public appearances and styling wins through the year, as true lovers of fashion, making this list was a special joy. With the year drawing to a close, here are our top picks of celebrities who wowed us strictly with their personal style.
Priyanka Chopra
How do you look like a world-renowned actress, beauty queen, singer, philanthropist, producer and global fashion icon, all at the same time, while never looking uncomfortable in any one of those roles? You ask Priyanka. If you're as nuts about Priyanka as we are, you'll know that her personal style, much like her public persona, is many things rolled into one - two parts comfort, one part fun, all served with a liberal dose of glamour. For never allowing herself to be defined by cliches and labels, Priyanka is definitely one of our top picks for personal style.
Sonam Kapoor
If fashion had a love child with itself, it would be Sonam. We love her unabashed love for all things high fashion, people's opinions be damned - be it on the streets of London and Mumbai, promoting her films or even just giving interviews. For writing and rewriting the rules of the game whenever she damn well pleases, Sonam is undoubtedly our personal style crush.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika might be getting mixed reactions, sometimes bordering on critical, for her public appearances, styled by Shaleena Nathani, but when it comes to personal style, we're devoted fans. Athleisure is the way DP likes it when she's off duty. Sneakers and a kimono or a lapel seem to be her go-to staples for every flight. Talk about chic airport dressing.
Monica Dogra
When it comes to style, the actress/musician is as edgy as they come. She keeps flirting with decades, from the 70s to the 90s, and from hipster to grunge, but she always makes a mark. If anyone can pull of a look that seems like it's come straight out a rap video, it's Monica.
Neha Dhupia
Neha might not have made her mark in Bollywood, but when it comes to fashion and personal style, she's right up there with the best of them. She's often androgynous with her choices and loves colour blocking, but no matter what she's going with, you can bet it's experimental. And the best part is, Neha is known to be her own stylist. Refreshing to have a celebrity have a fashion POV strong enough to take that risk. What's not to love?
Malaika Arora
Malaika is one of those people who exemplify the "keep calm and carry on" adage. At 44, she often wears clothes that many deem age-inappropriate. Malaika's response: to continue doing her thing, undeterred. We love that she knows her body well enough to carry sharp silhouettes and show off her curves to perfection. Malaika, you do you. Always.
Janhvi Kapoor
The quintessential new kid on the block, Sridevi's daughter might be young but has a distinct personality and preferences, when it comes to style. Edgy with a touch of feminine, her fashion choices so far have definitely piqued the interest of all fashion watchers we know. Definitely someone we're going to keep an eye on.
Kangana Ranaut
Kangana might have made several unsavoury headlines lately, but her personal style continues to remain on fleek. She's the perfect inspiration for - 'get up and dress up, no matter what'. A big fan of saris and all things feminine, we love how her strength and steel make their presence felt in her sartorial choices as well.
Masaba Gupta
This designer is mostly seen in her creations, and why shouldn't she be, with designs as experimental and eclectic as she is herself? Very modern and crisp silhouettes, with just a hint of the quirky desi vibe is how we peg both her aesthetic, both personally, and in design. Psst, judging by her instagram feed, Masaba loves her accessories, specially statement earrings. Also, her pictures want us to take a beach holiday, STAT.
Anushka Sharma
The newly married actress might be basking in her honeymoon glow, currently, but let's not get sidetracked. Her personal style is powerful, yet friendly as her 1000-watt smile. Her brand, NUSH, is an extension of her casual style and we love that it's simple enough to be appropriated by us, mere mortals. Simplicity is the key to Anushka's elegance.
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And that's a wrap for 2017. We can't wait for 2018 to come and surprise us. We hope you all have a powerful and stylish last few weeks of the year.
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