LONDON, Jul 17, 2011/ — Released last week, Cosmopolitan’s Best Dressed List shows Cheryl Cole has taken the top spot for the third year running, proving that despite her false start in the US style stakes, she is still setting the trend for UK women.

However, as a new entry in the annual poll, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (nee Kate Middleton) stormed the fashion world with her sell-out tailored dresses and favourite nude heels. The newlywed, who often flies in the face of celebrity protocol by wearing outfits more than once, was named 5th in the poll, firmly cementing her place as a new fashion inspiration for young women.

She beat off stiff competition from raunchy star Rihanna (6th), and Glasto goddess Beyoncé, who brought up the rear at number 10.

Cosmopolitan readers voted online at www.cosmopolitan.co.uk to bestow the ‘Best Dressed 2011’ honours upon this year’s most inspirational fashion icons.

Shelly Vella, Fashion Director, Cosmopolitan, says of Cheryl: “Winning us over for the third year in a row with her day-to-day gorgeousness, Cheryl’s had some style ups and downs but is still your favourite go-to for fashion inspiration!”

COSMOPOLITAN’S BEST DRESSED 2011 LIST APPEARS IN THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE MAGAZINE, ON SALE JULY 7.

Full Results:

1. CHERYLCOLE
“Cheryl always looks amazing. Even when she steps out in jeans and a T-shirt, she still finds a way of making it her own and looking gorgeous.”

2. BLAKE LIVELY
“When Hollywood was handing out the best frocks, Blake was first in line. Her red-carpet choices have been consistently hot and 99% of the time she’s showing off her finest asset… her incredible legs.”

3. FEARNE COTTON
“Here’s a girl who enjoys her clothes, reinventing her wardrobe daily. Sexy one minute, kooky the next, she effortlessly mixes high street with designer, and always gets it right.”

4. VICTORIA BECKHAM
“She’s got David, a fêted fashion label and the most covetable celeb wardrobe. Vicky B looks as cool pregnant as she does the rest of the time. We’re not jealous. Not at all.”

5. KATE MIDDLETON
“Kate won the nation’s heart when she chose an Alexander McQueen dress for her wedding. That, coupled with her high-street choices, makes her the one to watch as she grows even more style-savvy.”

6. RIHANNA
“Our cover girl plays with clothes like she does her vocal talents. Quirky, cool, sexy and inspirational, her style choices get the thumbs up.”

7. EMMA WATSON
“The short haircut elevated Emma to a new fashion status, and from the cute frocks to the studded Burberry trench, she’s now every inch the Brit ingénue.” Shelly Vella

8. JENNIFER ANISTON
“Not one to take risks, Jennifer sticks with more traditional choices for evening wear – maybe just a flash of colour or a hint of cleavage. She always looks great in jeans…”

9. DAISY LOWE
“Always sexy, always on trend. Daisy is the queen of sheer, making a risqué piece look sophisticated and cool. Hats off¬ to this style crush.”

10. BEYONCÉ
“Not one for shy and retiring fashion choices, Beyoncé rocks a Balenciaga leather jacket as easily as a Pucci hourglass creation. She puts the curves in clothes.”