Hard to believe 2012 is at its end already! The Daily Shift’s Orlaith Farrell presents the most stylish of the year…

Taylor Swift appearing on Good Morning America earlier this year

1. Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has not only taken the music industry by storm this year, but she’s gone and just about taken over the fashion industry too. Taylor has been a regular on our TV screens ever since she exploded into stardom with “Love Story”. She has quickly climbed the fashion ladder, straight to the top. 2012 marked an incredible year for her, both fashionably and musically. Taylor has a reputation of sporting an understated look of black eyeliner and red lipstick. Keeping it simple and elegant is a must in her fashion books. Yet she took an interesting twist this year, branching out into new areas of fashion and style. Taking a leaf out of Audrey Hepburn’s stylebook, Taylor has opted for sophisticated chic this year. She’s brought midi skirts and pussy-bow shirts right back onto the front covers of glossy magazines. Taylor has definitely trumped the style awards for 2012, let’s hope 2013 will follow suit.

Rita Ora (via Wikimedia Commons)

2. Rita Ora

Inheriting the title of “the new Rihanna” has certainly shot this budding starlet into the public eye. With her edgy songs and daring outfits, Rita Ora has become one of this year’s most stylish stars. Reinventing the whole modern grunge look, Rita is definitely an individual. With her trade mark Snapback hat (which is damn hard to pull off, especially if you’re a girl), she’s made herself an idol in the eyes of thousands of teens across the world. While she doesn’t go to the extent of the Lady Gaga meat dress, Rita has definitely shown her high fashion credentials. Whether it be a chic white suit or  a killer party dress with deadly heels, she’s blown up in the fashion world and she is most definitely here to stay.

3. Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne (via Tumblr)

Being the face of Burberry probably would make you something of an icon in the fashion world. The fact that Cara Delevingne is only 20 probably makes her the icon of the year. Commonly known for her trademark eyebrows, Cara has appeared on covers of both Vogue US and Vogue UK. Not bad for a kid who hasn’t even hit her 21st birthday yet. Cara laid-back, carefree style epitomises 2012, and makes the rest of us green with envy. Also the fact that she’s been linked with Harry Styles on numerous occasions makes us that even bit more jealous. Most likely to be seen in a drop-dead gorgeous dress, leaving little to the imagination, on the catwalk or simply rocking Cons and cut off jeans during the day, Cara has become the “cool kid” of the fashion scene.

4. Olivia Palmero

Olivia Palermo (via Wikimedia Commons)

Seriously, this woman can do no wrong when it comes to fashion. Always spotted in the best dressed section or “why didn’t we think of that” parts of magazines, Olivia gets an A+ every time in the style grades. While she keeps out of the Hollywood mainstream, Olivia never falls short on the red carpet. Always banging out the latest trends, on form with the latest designers and being uber chic 24/7, Olivia is a true fashion icon. She generally goes for a sophisticated look, however she is never afraid to show a bit of colour… or a little bit of leg, just to shake things up. She definitely keeps the fashion world on their toes.

5. Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart (via Wikimedia Commons)

Now now, before you put me in front of the firing squad for even suggesting this young lady, hear me out. That’s right, even you diehard Edward fans need to take a little breather and listen. When Bella Swan first appeared on the red carpet, many of us gagged at the sight of her dirty Converse under an even more gruesome dress. She had no style, no idea and for God’s sake, I don’t think she even knew how to smile. Since then, K-Stew has completely transformed. Dare I say it… She may just be fashionable. (Well, at least her stylist is, anyway.) After the whole scandal with R-Pattz (easy kids, take it easy now), Kristen threw herself completely into the ball game and once she appeared on the red carpet at the premiere of Breaking Dawn 2, many of us were shell-shocked. The awkward, rude teenager had up and left and in her place she had left a beautiful, charismatic young woman. K-Stew, you’ve done us proud. Keep it up.

What do you think? Any fashionista Orlaith has forgotten? Let us know in the comments below!

*Lead image via Wikimedia Commons