NET-A-PORTER Limited
NET-A-PORTER Limited

Most Stylish Teens of 2011 – Our Top 5

Kids these days ... are, well, pretty much on fire.

Whether it's the popularity of youth-geared films like Twilight and The Hunger Games or the fact that today's teen stars are just light years ahead of everyone else, there's no denying that the next generation of actresses, models and muses really came into their own this year.

True, some of them may be banned from the runway, but that won't stop them from commanding the front row, dominating major fashion campaigns, and hitting the red carpet in the latest collections.

Check out which under-20s turned our heads in 2011 with their sartorial sense.

And no, Bieber didn't make the cut.


Frances Bean Cobain
Photo: Rocky Schenck / www.rockyschenck.com

Frances Bean Cobain

Frances Bean Cobain

Insert obligatory "Smells Like Teen Spirit" joke here. Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love's 19-year-old daughter transitioned from rock royal to fashion muse when she starred in a gritty and enigmatic Web photo series for Hedi Slimane as well as a breathtaking portrait session with Rocky Schenck. The latter's vintage-looking images prove the budding beauty's chameleon-like range—she goes from edgy rebel to perfect lady seamlessly.


Hailee Steinfeld
Photo courtesy of Miu Miu

Splendor in the grass: Hailee Steinfeld in Miu Miu’s Fall 2011 ad campaign

Hailee Steinfeld

A Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination helped score the 15-year-old True Grit star a gig as the face of Miu Miu's Fall 2011 ad campaign (never mind that some of the images were banned in the U.K. for posing a danger to her life). A fan of Marchesa and Prabal Gurung, the brunette beauty also nabbed a Vogue fashion spread (co-starring fellow top teens Chloë Moretz and Elle Fanning). All that and a Love cover—not bad!


Chloe Moretz


Chloë Moretz rocks the cover of Love magazine.

Chloë Moretz

Like Steinfeld and Fanning, this 14-year-old covered Love, and riffed on Jodie Foster's Taxi Driver role for a Harper's Bazaar tribute to Martin Scorsese. And though the Hugo star admits her mother won't let her splurge on too many designer fashions, she is no stranger to Dolce & Gabbana, Kenzo, Valentino, and Calvin Klein, whose Spring 2012 fashion show had Moretz in the front row.


karlie kloss
Photo courtesy of Dior Beauty

Karlie Kloss shows her softer side in Dior Beauty's Spring 2012 ad campaign.

Karlie Kloss

It's been a breakout year for the 19-year-old, who has landed work with Victoria's Secret, fronted Dior Beauty campaigns, walked countless runways, and graced numerous magazine covers, including her controversial Vogue Italia shoot. Billed as a "fashion star" by Life Magazine, the St. Louis native continues to shine as she makes the transition to full-fledged (and occasionally polarizing) supermodel. Watch your back, Kate!



Fanning Sisters
Photo: Mario Sorrenti / courtesy of W

The Fanning sisters give each other some lip in W's December issue.

Elle Fanning

With all due respect to big sister Dakota (a fashion force in her own right), 2011 really was 13-year-old Elle's time to shine. In addition to her ethereal Love cover, the blonde beauty was chosen by Rodarte to star in their fashion film, The Curve of Forgotten Things. After being named the second-best-dressed sister act by Vogue, Elle and Dakota also landed a W cover and fashion spread that saw them rocking haute couture designs from the likes of Valentino and Givenchy. Sure beats homework!

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