Big buttons at Derek Lam Fall 2015

From button-up skirts to double-breasted coats, it is all about the big button this fall. The bigger the buttons, the quirkier the effect, but the statement button works for girls of every style.

Check out big button looks on the runway, and shop cool pieces below!

Buttons on the Runway

Victoria Beckham | Derek Lam | Calvin Klein | Adam Lippes | Edun

Shop Statement Buttons:

Will you be rocking the big button look this fall?

On the final day of 2014 we bid adieu to 365 days full of ups and downs and memorable moments. We also celebrate the top It Girl of 2014, a coveted title only one starlet can possess. Last year saw Jennifer Lawrence reign supreme, but this year a brand new name has earned the top spot.

What exactly is an It Girl, though? What do I look for when compiling my annual year-end list? She's got to have name-recognition, of course, and a number of successes and achievements throughout the year; 2014's list consists of the top actresses, models, singers, and even an international lawyer and human rights activist. As this is a fashion blog, she's got to be a fashion girl and a trendsetter. And she can't just wear whatever is the most popular—no, she must have a unique style that reflects her individual personality.

In other words, an It Girl has to have influence. Over her respective industry, over fashion, over the world. Celebrities have an incredibly unique power in order to enact change because they are so well-known and in the public sphere, and I think there's something to be said for a celebrity who takes advantage of those opportunities to make a difference.

It's been a turbulent year to say the least. I don't speak politics on this blog very but you'd have to be living under a rock if you disagree with that statement. I'm no celebrity but I try to make a difference where I can, in whatever small way I can impact the world, and I am envious of celebrities who truly have the star power to make a true difference.

There's the notion that an It Girl has to be cool and effortless, but I have begun to find a lack of effort incredibly overrated. Why can't we value hard work and strong ambition and the desire to want something? And why must an It Girl only be someone who wears floppy hats and looks impeccably stylish wherever she goes? Why can't she be fashionable and influential in that regard, but also something more than that?

It is for all these reasons that there is no better choice for 2014's Top It Girl than Lupita Nyong'o, the breakout star of last year's 12 Years a Slave and one of the most influential young actresses that I have ever seen.

Photo Source: Marie Claire UK October 2014

When I first watched 12 Years a Slave I was instantly drawn to Nyong'o's character of Patsey. By the time I had watched the film Lupita was already garnering plenty of Oscar buzz (she later took home the little golden statue and a number of other awards for her supporting role) and I was eager to see her  performance. The character of Patsey is probably only on screen for about 15 minutes, but Nyong'o's portrayal was so beautiful and sad that afterwards I immediately went to research the fate of the real-life Patsey. The most frustrating part: her life after Solomon passes through remains a mystery. But that Nyongo's portrayal of the character had me researching Patsey and Solomon and their stories in the wee hours of the night was truly an accomplishment. It is not often that I am so deeply moved by a film.

During awards season, Nyong'o proved that she was just as moving off the screen as she was on it. She deservedly won countless awards for her role in 12 Years a Slave and dazzled the world with her bright red carpet looks and her dazzling personality. I was moved to tears during some of her acceptance speeches, where she both acknowledged the hard work and drive that got her to this point and encouraged others to follow their dreams. And I know that many actors and Hollywood types have encouraged younger generations to do the same, but it felt distinctly genuine when coming from Nyong'o.

Here is a woman who has proven to be a role model in every sense of the word. And really, that seems to be the theme of the Girls of 2014 list. Nyong'o has taken her newfound celebrity status as an opportunity to make a change and serve as a role model for women and for people of color. She's given powerful speeches on women's rights (check out her keynote speech at the Massachusetts Conference for Women) and she's taking a public stand on cases of police brutality and discrimination. In all those instances she speaks of the topics she is addressing with intelligence and poise.

Givenchy | Calvin Klein Collection | Christian Dior Couture | Prada | Ralph Lauren | Gucci

Of course, Lupita Nyong'o has had a stellar year in terms of becoming a major fashion player as well. Like I said, she could do no wrong during awards season. Her Cinderella-like Prada gown at the Academy Awards was one of the best looks of any celebrity this year, and her dainty headband sparked a revival of the hair accessory once reserved for reigning Queen Bs on the steps of the Met.

Julien Macdonald | Alice + Olivia | Romona Keveza | Zuhair Murad | Michael Kors | Calvin Klein

No matter how hard you tried, Taylor Swift was one name you simply could not shake off this year. The girl was literally everywhere. Her new album 1989 debuted to phenomenal commercial and critical success and with it came a new, even poppier sound and a brand new Taylor. Gone are the acoustic guitars and cowboy boots and curly ringlets. The 2014 Taylor is urban, stylish, and sleek, and she's ready to rock.

I'll be the first to admit that I haven't been the biggest fan of Swift's past music or personality. Country pop is so not my thing, and I kind of can't stand when celebrities are continually "surprised" by their own success (see: Jennifer Lawrence). However, Taylor Swift has grown into a confident and empowered young woman and she is owning her fame and success now. She's not crying about boys that got away anymore; she's singing songs about going Amy Dunne on their asses and poking fun at the way the media paints her as a serial dater. She even poked fun at critics who say she can't dance in the video for her hit single "Shake It Off", so haters continue to hate (hate, hate, hate, hate) but know that Taylor really doesn't care what you think. She's totally rocking it no matter what the critics say (also, "Shake It Off" is likely going to bring Swift more Grammy glory come February).

In regards to style, T-Swift definitely upped her fashion game this year. With a new look and plenty of fashion friends like BFF Karlie Kloss, Swift is appearing more glam and modern both on the red carpet and out and about in her new hometown of New York City (Have you seen what she wears to and from the gym??). The crop top has become one of her signature looks and it's never seemed so polished as it does on Swift. She also totally made the matching set trend catch on this summer. Talk about a trendsetter!

Her lob has become one of the hottest hairstyles of the moment, and her signature red lip has never seemed so stylish. She can go from a sexy lace romper at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show to a cat-print Kate Spade frock in a second and look cool and fun in either one. Now that's something that will never go out of style.

So pump up the volume and bust a move to 1989 and just accept the fact that this is Taylor Swift's world now, we're all just living in it. And frankly, I'm okay with that.

Who will be the Number 1 It Girl of 2014? Check back tomorrow to see!

Delpozo | Lanvin | Lanvin | Calvin Klein | Lanvin

There's something to be said for the elusive style chameleon, who can be dainty and girly one day and fierce and sleek the next. Rising star Gugu Mbatha-Raw expertly transforms from one look to the next with ease, and each look is an absolute delight.

The British actress has had a huge year on both the red carpet and on the silver screen, with two big films this year (the groundbreaking period drama Belle and the fame-exploring Beyond the Lights) and several other projects currently in the works.

Mbatha-Raw is just as stunning with her fashionable looks as she is in her films. A lover of Lanvin, she's not afraid to try a bold print or an unusual silhouette, but she'll stun just as well in a simple colored sheath. Her hair and makeup looks are also fabulous, and I love how she can rock a bold pink lip just as much as a nude makeup look.

When one thinks of a rising It Girl, there is no one better than Gugu Mbatha-Raw. She's had a fantastic 2014 and 2015 looks to be just as bright!

Antonio Berardi | Cushnie et Ochs | Proenza Schouler | Miu Miu | Mary Katrantzou

J. Mendel | Prada | Ralph Lauren | Calvin Klein | Gucci