Kate Winslet, Michelle Obama Top Best Dressed List

Sept. 17, 2009— -- For this year's 10 best-dressed women, People magazine pulled out yearbook-style superlatives, choosing Kim Kardashian for "best bikinis, Nicole Richie for "best maternity" and Michelle Obama for "best accessible glamour."

"We decided to shake it up," said style editor Clarissa Cruz. "When you hear best dressed, you typically thinking glamorous red carpet. We wanted to open it up more."

Leading the pack of 10, in the area of typical glamorous fashion, was Kate Winslet, chosen for Best Red Carpet.

"She had a big year," said Cruz. "She was all over the award-show circuit. It's hard to get it right every time, and she did."

She also took home in Oscar in February for her performance as a dour Nazi guard in "The Reader," and a Golden Globe in January for playing a frustrated '50s housewife in "Revolutionary Road."

People also singled out Reese Witherspoon for "best short dresses," "Slumdog Millionaire" actress Freida Pinto for "best use of color" and "High School Musical" star Vanessa Hudgens for "best hippie chic."

"Vanessa has great personal style," Cruz said. "It's bohemian with an edge. She's adorable."

Teen country darling Taylor Swift was dubbed "best sparkle."

"Anything that glitters hypnotizes me," Swift told the magazine, describing her red-carpet signature style. "It's always an attention grabber."

The first lady got a nod for her oft-talked about style – one that is easy for other women to emulate.

"She mixes it up," Cruz said about Obama. "She will wear up-and-coming designers like Jason Woo and throw in a sweater from J Crew that you can pick up at the mall."

Like Obama's look, People's special double issue is meant to be accessible to readers.

"We have jeans and street chic in there," Cruz said, referring to Cameron Diaz, who was named for "best jeans," and Beyonce, who earned "best street chic."

Not everyone earned kudos for their looks. Renee Zellweger, who was included in the section "chic at any age," proves that even a Hollywood starlet can have an off day.

Zellweger was one of six women, including Paula Abdul, Holly Madison, Sandra Bullock, Mel B. and Leighton Meester, cited for having the year's biggest red-carpet flop. Zellwegger's dress at the Golden Globes was too transparent and Abdul's bright yellow gown at the Grammys was way over the top.

People highlighted some of the most memorable "style moments" of the year. Kate Gosselin made the list for her asymmetrical bob.

"It was a hairdo that became a hair don't – a kind of asymmetrical reverse mullet," Cruz said. "No one was rushing out to copy it. But the wig version is in stores right in time for Halloween."

Jessica Simpson was also called out for her January appearance in unflattering high-waisted "mom jeans."

"Some people have a bad hair day," Cruz said. "She had a bad jeans day."

The best-dressed men also got a mention in the magazine. They included Brad Pitt in a Tom Ford suit, because "he was man enough to wear pink," as well as hottie of the moment Bradley Cooper, "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson and Will Smith.