The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival has been taking place this past week in Toronto, Canada, which means that the usual slew of celebrities (and some unexpected new faces) got their red carpet moments as their films were screened for fans, critics and industry insiders alike. In reviewing the weeks’ events I have compiled a list of my favorite looks. The festival, although not quite as prestigious in the fashion world as Cannes or Venice arguably is, provides some of the best fashion of the fall season.

1) 

Keira Knightley – Since I’m doing this on a ranking system, there is no doubt Keira Knightley gets top marks. Her Elie Saab Haute Couture gown hit all the right notes. Not only did it feel incredibly film-premiere-worthy, but it also fit Keira’s style and aesthetic.

If anyone should start pulling off the sophisticated princess look more often (hear, hear Taylor Swift) it should be Keira. The black short-sleeved embellished sheer lace gown had a stunning low back and was complimentary at every curve. Ms. Knightley skillfully accessorized with a loose low chignon with face-framing pieces to show off her diamond studs. Her makeup was the perfect accent to the breathtaking beauty of the dress, and of course she finished it off with a gorgeous smile.

2) Kate Hudson – My next few all come in a close second, but Kate Hudson may have pulled ahead in this category due solely to the fact that she actually figured out how to wear a white floor-length form-fitting dress and make it look good. Kate showed up in head to toe Alexander McQueen. The gown had a slim line of embroidered bead detail running down the front bust and bold shoulder pads to match. The peekaboo slit was just the right amount of classy and fabulous.

By keeping her hair down, but out of her face, and all her accessories white, she managed to make the look the ultimate embodiment of clean sleek elegance. White may have never looked better. And it would undoubtedly be hard to top such a unique dress, and entire look.

3) 

Kristen Stewart – Whatever is going on in this girl’s personal life, Kristen Stewart definitely did one thing right by showing up to her film’s premiere in this captivating Zuhair Murad creation. This was actually Ms. Stewart’s first press and red carpet outing since news of her scandal broke.

If looking good is the best revenge, she did herself proud…although I’m not sure she has anyone to seek revenge against. The dress kept true to Kristen’s general style with its black lace, giving it an edgy feel, but was a departure from her usual red carpet style. It had delicate colorful flower accents and a definite overt femininity.

Her hair probably could have been somehow manipulated up into a more flattering style, but she kept it out of her face and let her makeup and simplicity shine, which was a smart move nonetheless. Altogether, the look was absolutely beautiful and definitely worthy of what was touted as a big red carpet return for the star.

4)

 Gwyneth Paltrow – Since it’s probably expected there be at least one LBD on the list, Gwyneth is deserving of the spot in her Tom Ford black satin cocktail dress. From the front, the dress was pretty and complimentary, but the backside is actually what gave it all its pizzazz. The open cowl back of the dress allowed for draping black straps, accentuated by buckles, to show off the actress’s toned features.

Without revealing too much in the front, the dress was a smart and age appropriate look for Gwyneth, who proves time and again that she really knows what works for her and how to show off her assets with class and elegance. And the icing on the cake was her fun and flirty decision to pair sky-high Giuseppe Zanotti red and yellow accented cheetah print heels with the classic black look. It added the one pop of color the outfit needed. Gwyneth, true to her style, left her hair sleek, straight and parted down the middle.

5) 

Emily Blunt – Ok, so Emily Blunt didn’t do anything we haven’t seen before and she didn’t take a huge risk. However, I think she looked picture perfect in Toronto mostly because of how well she executed her entire look…and because the color of her dress is just that awesome. Emily wore a Resort 2013 deep cranberry red Roland Mouret cocktail dress, and she could not have looked better. The wide straps and light V-neckline were incredibly flattering on her.

I love that she went for color, that she kept her hemline relatively long and that she paired the entire look with shoe-envy worth Alexander Birman open-toe pumps. The pumps were tan suede accented by colorful python print straps. They pulled the whole outfit together flawlessly. Her best accessory, though, was probably her adorable husband, John Krasinski, who accompanied Ms. Blunt to the premiere.

 

Contact writer Abby Wallman here.