Behind the Scenes of Us Weekly’s 2026 Reality Star Style Awards

The Reality Star Style Awards return in the latest issue of Us Weekly, offering a look back at the best fashion and beauty moments. It’s just as exhilarating as watching your favorite friendships, rivalries, and spicy romances unfold on screen.

This collection highlights everything that’s captured our attention, from stunning reunion outfits to unforgettable personal styles.

No list is complete without Luann de Lesseps’ legendary fedora or Lindsay Hubbard’s flawless, Charlize Theron-inspired bob, which beautifully balances chic and aspirations.

Also noteworthy are Southern Charm star Madison LeCroy’s effortlessly graceful Southern belle aesthetic and the breathtaking $10 million diamond necklace worn by Love Island’s Olandria Carthen at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty.

Scroll on to check out the standout style and glamorous moments that continue to capture our hearts:

BEST WE-GOT-THE-MEMO REUNION LOOK

Real Housewives of Atlanta

Stormy skies at July’s season 16 finale couldn’t dampen the Georgia peaches’ vibe. Clad in shades of marigold, buttercup, chartreuse, and gold, (from left) Cynthia Bailey, Phaedra Parks, Porsha Williams, Shamea Morton, Angela Oakley, Kelli Ferrell, and Drew Sidora transformed lemons into delightful lemonade. Ferrell called her Kristina Kharlashkina creation “ocean goddess energy,” while Bailey humorously noted her sunny Jovani, saying, “Lord knows we all need the brightness.” Parks’ Le Than Hoa gown carried deeper significance, drawing inspiration from the cast’s journey to Grenada and celebrating the “powerful spirit of Grenadian women: resilient, graceful, and rooted in their heritage.”

IN MEMORIAM

The Countess’ Fedora

In February, Luann de Lesseps faced an unthinkable loss: her beloved headpiece was missing. “New York! I need your help finding my iconic Philip Treacy cabaret hat,” she pleaded with her followers. “If you’ve seen her, email me. A countess without her hat is simply not acceptable.” Dora, as she affectionately calls the fedora, has accompanied De Lesseps through many memorable moments. As of press time, Dora remains unaccounted for, and anyone with information was encouraged to reach out to her assistant. The “Chic C’est La Vie” singer added, “Your discretion is appreciated.”

DESIGNER ICON

Bronwyn Newport

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, 40, has a knack for making every setting, from confessionals to Fashion Week, undeniably stylish. Her flotation-device-inspired ensemble on SLC’s season 6 Below Deck crossover should be enshrined in the Housewives Hall of Fame. Newport embraces both playful and chic elements, demonstrating her boldness, such as when she showed support for the trans community in a Conner Ives “Protect the Dolls” T-shirt during Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in November. She consistently serves stunning looks, prompting our constant admiration.

BEST COMMITMENT TO A THEME

Alan Cumming

Cumming, 61, has triumphed in earning accolades like Tonys, BAFTAs, Emmys, and Oliviers for his screen and stage work. Yet, his most illustrious role is as the guide on The Traitors, always adorned in breathtaking styles curated by Emmy winner Sam Spector. Throughout the fourth season at Scotland’s Ardross Castle, Cumming showcased everything from traditional tartan to avant-garde chain mail trims. His coffin coat hinted at a challenge involving caskets, while a faux-fur-lined blue cape introduced a sense of intrigue. We can’t wait to see what spectacular pieces he unveils in season 5.

BEST DIVA RETURN

Rachel Zoe

We had no idea how much we missed this kaftan queen until she made a stunning return amid flowing fabrics. The Rachel Zoe Project wrapped its fifth and final season in 2013, but Zoe is back, gracing season 15 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills with her iconic style. Choosing a favorite from her wardrobe is a challenge, although this Reem Acra creation is simply breathtaking.

MOST ICONIC GLOW-UP

Whitney Leavitt

A little secret: Leavitt has always been a fashion standout. While most of MomTok has embraced a style of long waves, athleisure, and bodycon dresses since the 2024 premiere of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Leavitt, 32, has been daring with styles. She’s experimented with vibrant hair colors and cuts, unusual sock-and-heel combinations, and oversized headbands. Now she’s taking it up a notch. The Dancing With the Stars alum and Broadway star—currently dazzling as Roxie Hart in Chicago through May—exudes confidence. She’s still her authentic self, just elevated, as seen in a stunning Simkhai dress at the January premiere of The Beauty.

BEST HOMAGE

Lisa Rinna as Rob Rausch

Rinna demonstrates that imitation is the highest form of flattery. The former Real Housewife of Beverly Hills showcased her mimicry skills by dressing as her friend and co-star Erika Jayne in 2018. In February, Rinna, 62, paid tribute to season champion Rausch just a day after the finale: she celebrated his victory in his trademark look—overalls with one strap down (often paired with no top). Despite Rausch’s pivotal role in her elimination from the competition, Rinna honored him, even helping him secure a Birkin for fellow co-star Maura Higgins (also featured here).

BEST MOM BOB

Lindsay Hubbard

Hubbard welcomed baby girl Gemma in December 2024 and said goodbye to her long locks just four months later. “Oh my god!” she exclaimed in a video chronicling her haircut. “He’s still going!” By July, she revisited the salon for a refresh, drawing inspiration from Charlize Theron. A month earlier, on Watch What Happens Live!, Theron dramatically read Hubbard’s Instagram post marking the anniversary of her breakup with Summer House partner Carl Radke. “Charlize inspired me,” Hubbard, 39, shared about her new style: “So I channeled her!”

BEST SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY

Madison LeCroy

When LeCroy consistently graced Southern Charm in season 6, she entered with a bang. Fast forward to season 10, she had married and welcomed a baby with Brett Randle, emerging as the calm, wise voice of reason. She advised ex Austen Kroll on his relationships, including his rift with friend Shep Rose. LeCroy spoke candidly to Craig Conover when his demeanor needed a change. All while exuding the charm of a glamorous Southern belle. It’s no wonder Charleston socialite Patricia Altschul holds a special fondness for LeCroy; it’s evident she’s taken notes!

MOST CONFIDENT NEWCOMERS

The Real Housewives of Rhode Island

The new Housewives—(from left) Jo-Ellen Tiberi, Ashley Iaconetti, Alicia Carmody, Kelsey Swanson, Rulla Nehme Pontarelli, Liz McGraw, and Rosie DiMare—made quite an entrance with standout fashions. Since their April 2 debut, viewers have been dazzled by sequins, gold accents, and intricate beading. Many pieces, such as McGraw’s Akira brocade top and DiMare’s Bella Barnett tulle mini, are under $100. Even pricier items, like Nehme Pontarelli’s Michael Costello jumpsuit and Tiberi’s Susana Monaco strapless dress, remain accessible by Housewives standards. We love this for them—and for us!

BEST USE OF HATS

Maura Higgins

The Traitors contestant gave host Alan Cumming a serious run for his fashion money in the Scottish Highlands. Higgins, the Irish TV presenter, sported a variety of extravagant headpieces that might have been strategic (talk about distraction!). Her inspiration board drew from Jamiroquai to Carmen Sandiego, showcasing styles from millinery brands like Vivien Sheriff and Sarah Sokol. Although Higgins, 35, didn’t leave with a grand prize, she arrived home with a lovely Hermès Birkin that Traitor Rob Rausch promised her after a double-cross on Watch What Happens Live! in March.

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS

Kristen Kish

It’s hard to picture anything not looking fabulous on this talented tattooed Top Chef winner and series host (who also happens to be a former model), but Kish always delivers. Since taking over for beloved long-time host Padma Lakshmi in 2024, the chef, 42, has won over audiences and earned two Emmy nominations with her talent, kindness, and effortlessly stylish looks. Show stylist Charlotte Rose Coleman—who has been with the series since season 10 in 2006, which Kish won—has said her role is to help the host be her authentic self. That means plenty of suits with quirky touches, like high-waisted pants or bikini tops instead of blouses. Kish’s preferred outfits combine “artisanal, homemade” eye candy with “10/10 comfort.” Please unpack your slacks and stay!

BEST BLING

Olandria Carthen

Though she was the runner-up in season 7 of Love Island USA with boyfriend Nic Vansteenberghe, we see her as a winner. Carthen, 27, recently became a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, appearing in its March issue. However, her crowning moment remains her appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty, where she wore a stunning Pajtim Raci gown adorned with a breathtaking Azature diamond back necklace valued at $10 million. “I was scared AF the entire night,” she posted on X about the piece, “jumping every time people reached for a hug.” She had no need for concern—whether coping with the hot Fiji sand or cool Hollywood events, Carthen consistently shines.