It's hard to explain what year-defining red carpet moments are -- we just know them when we see them. Our jaws drop, our breathing pauses and we take in the superb yet brief style for a split second, knowing that that dress, necklace, outlandish fascinator or manicure will live on in an unforgettable photo.
As 2013 comes to a close, we've rounded up some of the best instances of awe-inspiring red carpet gloriousness.
![j law sarah]()
![jessica]()
![sofia]()
![j law]()
![cara]()
![emmy]()
![jen aniston]()
![rihanna]()
![anne hathaway]()
![katie holmes]()
![kate and will]()
![olivia]()
![nicole]()
![kristen]()
![rosie]()
![kimye]()
![jessica]()
![anna]()
![katy]()
![jon hamm]()
![jane]()
![zoe]()
![natalie]()
![scarlett]()
Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.
As 2013 comes to a close, we've rounded up some of the best instances of awe-inspiring red carpet gloriousness.
























Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.