Top people in style for 2011

It's been amazing year for fashion -- from the return of tailored, sophisticated styles for men and women to pop-culture icons sparking trends we rushed to follow.
In spring, we embraced the "hippie chic" vibe by donning floppy hats, breezy maxi dresses and groovy 1970s accessories. In the fall, we showed off those cinched waists and sharply tailored blouses, slipped on ladylike gloves and buttoned up our statement coats.
In between, we longed for sapphire engagement rings and elegant lace-overlay cheap wedding dresses, and we reconsidered our stance on bridesmaids wearing white.

And thanks to our favorite celebrities, we clipped feathers and tinsel in our hair, rushed out to pick up a piece or two of their clothing lines, added a few designer names such as The Blonds and Margiela to our vocabularies, and nudged the men in our lives to try a skinny suit a la Ryan Gosling or Justin Bieber's short, tousled 'do.
As we bid adieu to 2011, we've assembled a look back at some of the top style influences.
May the fashions be even more fabulous in 2012.
Kate and Pippa Middleton: From their glossy, long brunette locks to their impeccable taste in clothing, these sisters from across the pond definitely left their mark on 2011. As the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate has inspired women across the world to dress with more ladylike elegance (hats and sheer pantyhose included), while Pippa has gathered quite a following in the blogosphere for her chic, girl-next-door style.
Sarah Burton: The creative director for Alexander McQueen became a household name after designing Kate Middleton's wedding dress, her reception gown and Pippa Middleton's bridesmaid gown. All three gowns received rave reviews from the fashion world and had the tongues of brides-to-be wagging for the inevitable release of replicas.

Matt Sayles, Associated PressKanye West, left, has long been a trendsetter. Now teamed with Jay-Z on tour, he's had an even larger impact on fashion this year.

Kanye West and Jay-Z: Their "Watch the Throne" album dropped more luxury-house names than a trust-fund baby at Fashion Week, and their wardrobes draw just as much attention at concerts as their music (fans are salivating for a release date for the Nike Air Yeezy 2 sneakers West's been wearing on tour). West has long been a trendsetter and drew favorable reviews for his debut collection at Fashion Week in Paris. West joining forces with Jay-Z has further embedded high fashion in hip-hop.
Lady Gaga: The masses might not be donning armadillo-armor bodysuits or gluing skin-tone horns to their heads, but Lady Gaga has certainly inspired her fans to be a little more fearless with fashion. The pop star's bizarre but often beautiful ensembles help push her messages of tolerance, acceptance and freedom of expression.
Ryan Gosling: This actor is quite possibly the best dressed man in Hollywood. In his sharply tailored suits and with his Brando-esque appeal, he's inspired men to put a little more class in their wardrobes.
Kesha: This pop star's contribution to 2011's wedding dresses trends was too huge to ignore. The feather extensions she wore quickly became the hottest accessory of the summer (and part of fall). Salons had trouble keeping them in stock, and craft and sporting goods stores sold out once girls figured out how to make their own.

Jason Redmond, Associated PressHelen Mirren topped many best-dressed lists this year.

Helen Mirren: At 66, Mirren earned acclaim for her acting as well as her elegant style and fit figure this year. A regular on critics' best-dressed lists, she inspired women of all ages to show off their assets and proved that fabulous fashion isn't just for the 20-somethings.