Lupita Nyong'o

I just love the gold braiding in this. The whole thing looks so graceful.

Lupita Nyong'o

At first I was afraid this dress's pattern was orgasmic unicorns, but I think it's actually just... swirls. Regardless, she manages to wear it without looking silly even if it HAD been orgasmic unicorns, and her makeup is really playful as well.

Lupita Nyong'o

Another dress she elevates -- I'm not sure it works on its own merits, but I like it on HER. Which is a key to styling, I guess. Find the outfits that the wearer can complete.

Lupita Nyong'o

This was a bit bridal for me, but is an example of how she went bold with the shoe to counteract that vibe. The effect is that she takes away any preciousness.

Lupita Nyong'o

This it the same event, but does not appear to be the same dress underneath? Is this a belted coat, or an actual dress in and of itself? Regardless, I LOVE IT. It's totally dashing on her.

Lupita Nyong'o

I might've preferred it without the bow, but again, she keeps it from looking twee.

Lupita Nyong'o

That neckline is nifty.

Lupita Nyong'o

Love the spin on an LBD, and love the red lip.

Lupita Nyong'o

This is very cool on her, and the event was a tribute to Tilda Swinton, so the whole "I don't know if that's a coat over a dress or a jacket-skirt-dress or a choker with a dress or WHAT but I'm not mad at it" vibe of happy confusion is apt.

Lupita Nyong'o

She is wearing a black jumpsuit (or shirt and pants) under this that I do not love, BUT the shoes are really fun and this coat is GREAT. I'd have left it on all night.

Lupita Nyong'o

So freaking posh.

Lupita Nyong'o

I love this color on her, with the animal-print shoes. AND...

Lupita Nyong'o

... the back ruffle adds a little parting interest. I wish I'd seen a full shot from behind, but we can't have everything this Christmas time.

Lupita Nyong'o

She looks wonderful in this cut and color.

Lupita Nyong'o

Ditto.

Lupita Nyong'o

It takes a great face and some courage to pull off a sweater that consuming and vibrant. And that's basically what this slideshow was about: Even when things weren't perfect, there is an assertiveness there that's eluded starts who've been around way longer. It's nice to see her taking color chances, or picking cool cuts or opting for nifty details, and even if it doesn't always work, it's a pleasure to see and dissect. Can't wait to see what she brings us in 2014.

It Was A Very Good Year: Lupita Nyong'o, The Newbie

Before we get into 2014 in earnest, we decided to take a more focused look back at a couple people who put together very nice fashion years in 2013. These aren't absolute choices, nor exhaustively researched ones; just the people who, when we were looking for our favorite and least-favorite single looks, seemed to pop up a lot in our "win" columns. Jessica declared Lupita her official style crush of the year, which is pretty good considering that we'd never heard of her until about September. Of all the red-carpet newbies, Lupita Nyong'o jumped out the most, gracefully navigating the end of 2013 -- and its onslaught of 12 Years a Slave events and assorted other invitations -- with bright and bold and pretty clothes complemented by great makeup and/or smart shoe choices. They aren't always perfect choices, but they're always intriguing, and so enviably self-assured. We're a TINY bit scared what will happen once all the really fancy couture designers realize what a muse she could be, but let's hope her obvious natural good sense reigns for years.