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Video: BET.com Fashion Experts Choose the Most Stylish Stars of 2011

Beyoncé, Solange Knowles and Kerry Washington make the cut.

(Photos from left to right: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

There is no shortage of great fashion and style running through the entertainment business, but beauty maven Bevy Smith and a panel of style experts have selected the top fashion stars of 2011 for a BET.com exclusive. Judging this year's fashionable celebs alongside Smith are celebrity publicist BJ Coleman, Claire Sulmers of FashionBombDaily.com, fashion designer and Project Runway finalist Kimberly Goldson, and make-up artist Julia Jovone.
The Top 10 list starts off with Kerry Washington, who has claimed the title of The Classic.
"I really think that she is the best representation of contemporary Hollywood glamour," Coleman says. "I think she always brings full hair, full makeup and really represents a look of today's feminine Hollywood style. I think when it comes down to today's Black stars, Kerry Washington has been it, will be it, and is it."
Washington's penchant for diverse silhouettes and use of color made her a hot choice for the title. Her acid green Michael Kors gown that she wore to this year's BET Awards even topped some of Sulmers' own fashion lists.
Washington might have the classic look down, but risky Rihanna was recognized for having fun with fashion, making her mark on pop culture with her style choices, and pushing the bar as the Daring Diva.
"She takes risks and she sets a lot of trends," Goldson says.
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj's color splashes and whimsical style had some of the judges on the fence, but they all agreed on one thing: the fun-loving Barbie is definitely One to Watch.
"Nicki, for me, is trying to be avant garde, but people really misunderstand what avant garde really is," Goldson says. "It's not costume, it's not being ridiculous and over-the-top for over-the-top's sake. Avant garde is art. It's really art. So if she goes that route, then I think we can really appreciate her personality a little more."
And it might shock some, but the title of Frugal Fashionista went to none other than our First Lady Michelle Obama for sporting "luxe looks for less" and mixing high-end pieces with more affordable picks from J. Crew, H&M and Target.
Jovone gave sexy Kelly Rowland, 2011's It Girl, and her make-up "10 thumbs up."
"Her makeup up has gotten so much better. Her smoky looks are always on point, her lips, her glowy skin, everything."
Zoe Saldana
was chosen as this year's Red Carpet Queen, though Coleman suggested that it was probably due to her having so many movies to promote rather than having impeccable style. 
Another artist who turned heads was Jennifer Hudson, who after slimming down with WeightWatchers, has really shown off her figure and toned curves.
"She went from being a girl that wore clothes because they gave it to her to a girl that loves fashion now. You see the passion in her. I'm loving it and I'm taking notes!" Smith points out.
And ever since announcing that she and husband Jay-Z are expecting their first child, Beyoncé has seamlessly transitioned into pregnancy with finesse.
"The thing about Beyoncé is that even though she's several months pregnant, she's keeping it sexy. She's keeping the heels high, the face, feet, the hair radiant, luxurious. There's no stopping her," Sulmers says.
Coleman did interject with his own pick for Stylish Mom: Kimora Lee, who has three children but still manages to look flawless.
Beyoncé's little sister, Solange, also made her way into the 2011 list for going back to her natural roots.
"I love the fact that she had the balls to cut off the weave and have natural hair, and she really set some trends there," Smith notes. "But you know the best thing that she wears is confidence."
One man also managed to make the female-dominated best-dressed list: Idris Elba who was spotlighted for his refined style and "dripping swagoo."
Do you agree with the fashion picks for 2011? Who else should have been included? Sound off in our comments!

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