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From Lady Gaga to Rihanna, Here's Celebrity Style to Watch in 2010

Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Michelle Obama, Ke$ha and Blake Lively Will Set 2010 Trends; How Can We Learn from Them?

Erin Ashley Darling
Editor's note: Erin Ashley Darling is the founder of THEPOPFIX.com, a site devoted to L.A. lifestyles, fashion and celebrities.

Navigating the fashion world can be tricky, especially when trying to stay ahead of the trends. But with a little inspiration from our favorite celebrity fashionistas, we can all be prepared when we update our wardrobes. Here are five celebrities to watch in 2010, and how we can steal their style and make it our own.

FOR HIGH FASHION: Lady Gaga

All self-proclaimed pop culture experts know 2009 was clearly the Year of the Gaga. Lady Gaga's style is just as interesting as her mysterious persona and as dynamic as her infectious chart-topping tunes. Gerardo Mendez, fashion writer for THEPOPFIX.com, describes the Lady Gaga's affect on popular culture: "Since Madonna, there has not been an artist who truly embodies his or her times. Lady Gaga does. She brings haute couture to the masses and shamelessly struts not only her sexuality, but her deep knowledge of fashion and trends, incorporating it all in an image so well-styled that even I have been amazed by how she pulls it off!"

Gaga's unique approach to fashion solidifies her spot as one to watch in 2010. From sky-rocketing shoulder pads to thigh-high latex boots, Lady Gaga's loud clothing choices have influenced designers and sparked something in the mind of trend-setters everywhere. What else could possibly explain the popularity of the leotard in 2009? You too can look like Lady Gaga by incorporating a few simple pieces into your wardrobe; try a hooded leotard, tan booties, a studded bra or Lennon-esque round sunglasses. Don't forget about interesting silhouettes and shapes while trying to dress like Gaga. She's never afraid to use clothing and props to enhance or distort her body shape.

FOR CASUAL, FUNKY TRENDS: Ke$ha

Joining the ranks of Amy Winehouse and Courtney Love, electro-pop ingénue Ke$ha is mastering the hung over rock star look. With her messy blonde curls, casual style and face paint, she's a welcome departure from the perfectly polished pop stars we're used to seeing. Her use of t-shirts, sneakers, cowboy boots and leggings all contribute to a look that's easy to wear and most importantly, comfortable. Everything about Ke$ha's persona indicates that she doesn't care what we think, and I predict this confident and fun attitude will make her a fashion maverick to follow in 2010.

Luckily for fans of her style, Ke$ha's look is relatively easy and inexpensive to achieve. The trick lies in a few statement pieces with an emphasis on piling on tons of amazing accessories. To recreate Ke$ha's "Animal" style, you can't be afraid to wear an ostentatious outfit consisting of zebra-print leggings, a vest with fur details or cut-off denim shorts. Accessorize with feather earrings, gold Ray Ban sunglasses, bright colored sneakers, big turquoise rings -- and don't shy away from layering on the gold bangles. Remember, no party-girl look is complete without a little bed head.

FOR ALL THINGS HAIR AND STREET WEAR: Rihanna

When it comes to hair and street wear, Rihanna is one fearless fashionista. This singer has made some surprising style choices in 2009. She shaved half her head this summer and showed up at the MET Costume Institute Gala in a Dolce & Gabbana puffed-sleeve tuxedo, both choices done with complete confidence. Other than her bold fashion sense, what I admire most about Rihanna is her ability to mix and match her clothes like a pro, embodying the perennial trick of the trade we always read about in Elle and Vogue and pairing high-end items with pieces you pick up on the cheap. Most of Rihanna's clothing is on the expensive side. But she wears pieces that the average person can easily find while perusing through the racks at the local mall.

If you're in the mood to splurge, take a tip from Rihanna and spend your money on bags and shoes. You can save on just about every other element of your outfit and still rock Rihanna's style. Next time you're in Forever 21 or H&M, look for acid wash jeans, fitted one-shoulder dresses, basic solid-colored tank tops and corset-style tube tops.

FOR THE PROFESSIONAL: Michelle Obama

It's been a long time since a first lady has captured the fashion world's attention like Michelle Obama. Obama masterfully blends a unique sense of contemporary style in a professional and dignified way. She often wears pieces from up-and-coming designers such as Jason Wu and Sophie Theallet, making her a trend-setter and a key figure to watch if you're interested in seeing a departure from the well-known labels and fashion houses. It's been a year since we first fell in love her in the feminine, flowing Jason Wu gown she wore for the Inaugural Ball, but Michelle Obama still remains a fashion icon for the older or more professional set.

Dressing like the fashionable first lady is as simple as incorporating classic and sophisticated staples into your wardrobe. Think pearl necklaces, belted cardigans, floral prints on silk dresses and knee-length fitted skirts. Also, keep in mind that Michelle Obama wears bright colors, and she isn't afraid to mix them together. This means pairing that a canary yellow sweater with a body-conscious, knee-length dress is encouraged!

FOR THE RED CARPET: Blake Lively

Blake Lively proves herself as not only a shining star on the small screen as the scandalous Serena in "Gossip Girl." She's also establishing herself as a standout on the red carpet. Lively has a classic and effortlessly glamorous style that other Hollywood starlets her age have yet to hammer down. This may be, in part, due to her enviable physique (Lively stands at 5 feet 10 inches with impossibly long legs), but it's undeniable she looks her best wearing gowns and cocktail attire in formal settings. Blake Lively should be who young women emulate at special events and red carpets in 2010.

To channel Blake Lively's fashion spirit, think jewel tones and body-hugging cuts. Although we've seen her hit the town wearing a black gown, her most memorable style moments have been in vibrant red, turquoise and purple tones. Remember that your dress will be the center of attention if it's form-fitting and in a gorgeous color, so let it speak for itself and don't overdose on accessories. In fact, when it comes to jewelry, Lively is the poster girl for "less is more." So keep it simple with a stunning bracelet, necklace or earrings that won't detract too much attention from the dress.

Published by Erin Ashley Darling - Fashion and Celebrity Expert, Founder of THEPOPFIX.com

Erin Darling is a Los Angeles-based TV host, web host and multimedia journalist. Erin got her start in hosting at the age of 17 as the host of a local San Francisco bay area show "Spotlight TV." Since then s...  View profile

  • Your dress will be the center of attention; keep accessories simple
  • If you splurge, spend your money on bags and shoes
  • No party-girl look is complete without a little bed head

6 Comments

Post a Comment
  • Wiley Vaughn10/9/2010

    I think the meat dress ruined the "style" thing for GaGa!

  • Dusty2/1/2010

    Love feather earrings. The coolest ones I've seen are by a brand called edge of urge. They are all handmade and you can check them out at edgeofurge.com

  • F.M. Grand1/25/2010

    this is great list of trends to watch, thanks!

  • Jan Corn1/23/2010

    Thanks for sharing how fans of Lady Gaga, Ke$ha and others can create similar looks.

  • Maureen B1/21/2010

    Love the article on " Celebrity style to watch in 2010" The women featured are all diffrent and wonderful style role models who have something to offer every age demographic.

  • AC Cassie1/20/2010

    Thank you for your submission. Your article has been featured on AC's news category.

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