Cheryl Vs. Dannii: X Factor Fashion Special
Rex FeaturesIt may be over for another year, but we all enjoyed settling down on a Saturday night to watch the biggest battle on the X Factor. No, not the one between the wide-eyed contestants – we’re talking about the fashion face-off between judges Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole. Let battle commence!
Written by Sharon Forrester
Rex FeaturesDRAMA QUEEN: Cheryl pulled out all the fashion stops for Saturday’s X Factor final, choosing a sensational white strapless gown with cascading black paillette embellishments from new hot label, Zuhair Murad. However, fashion comes at a price it seems, as Cheryl found it quite a chore to manoeuvre herself around the stage in her close-fitting couture dress.
Rex FeaturesWhile she’s quite partial to a flamboyant maxi dress or two, there was nothing dramatic about Dannii’s Saturday night look – hers was a failsafe gorgeous outfit: an asymmetric grey maxi from Osman Yousefzada perked up with Grecian-inspired gold touches.
Rex FeaturesFASHION FINALE: Perhaps Cheryl was already mourning the loss of this year’s X Factor, as the star hit the stage for the last show on Sunday in a sumptuous black gown by designer Georges Chakra. Featuring a voluminous skirt made of layers of lace, we're sure this was a lot easier to move in compared to the previous night’s outfit. Dark and decadent, like Cheryl’s act Joe McElderry – this dress is a winner!
Rex FeaturesShowing just how far she’s come since last year’s X Factor show, Dannii went out with a bang in a confident and edgy look. Wrapping her curves in a body-conscious gold dress with a thigh-high slit and an asymmetric skirt, Dannii proved that this year’s show was all about the hair for her with a statement rolled quiff.
Rex FeaturesSHORT AND SWEET: While a short hemline is nothing new for Cheryl (this time she wowed the crowd in an asymmetric mini dress from Chapurin), what we were surprised about on Saturday’s X Factor was her new shorter hairdo. Releasing her barnet from her usual heavy extensions, Cheryl still managed to do L’Oreal proud with bouncy shoulder-length waves that took years off her already youthful face. Expect to see plenty of copies of this ‘do around this winter.
Rex FeaturesDespite it being nearly mid-December, Dannii managed to bring a touch of the Australian summer onto our screens with a dazzling orange gown from Aussie designer label, Aurelio Costarella. While the colour is obviously fab and Dannii has been more than capable of carrying off maxi dress styles this season, the extensive swathes of material around the middle and on the shoulder do little to flatter the star’s petite figure.
Rex FeaturesGOING GAGA: Cheryl’s look took another unexpected turn on Sunday night too as she came over all gothic in a black puff-shoulder mini dress from Stéphane Rolland, featuring a dramatic long train at the back. While this is far and away from Cheryl’s usual funky style, her minimal jewellery, sleek hair and smoky eye make-up ensure she pulled it off with gusto; her look completed with edgy chain detail platforms from Pierre Hardy.
Rex FeaturesObviously influenced by the appearance of Lady Gaga, Dannii chose a look that was a little more eccentric than her bright orange maxi for Sunday’s live show - topping off her embellished silver mini dress from Aurelio Costarella featuring a keyhole cut-out detail on the front, with an edgy rolled quiff in her hair. We’re sure Lady G herself would have approved of this look!
Rex FeaturesLPD VS LBD: Sunday night was the evening of the little dress, while her style adversary Dannii opted for an eye-popping pink number, Cheryl stuck to classic black. It’s not the most jaw-dropping outfit we’ve seen the nation’s favourite starlet in, but then again she’s not committed any fashion faux pas either. Come on Cheryl, you can do better than that.
Rex FeaturesWOW! Dannii pulled out all the stops on Sunday night in a super cute J’Aton Couture dress that features a structured hem-line and one-shoulder strap. Full marks for the directional Japanese-style bun and her black tights and platforms combo. Cheryl who?
Rex FeaturesSATURDAY NIGHT FEVER: There’s no denying it, Cheryl Cole is upping the ante with her X Factor outfits as Dannii’s fashion status climbs higher. Cheryl opted for a cheeky metallic gold and black asymmetric dress by Stephane Rolland Haute Couture complete with cute black shoe-boots and a side-swept hair ‘do. Could this be the most perfect party dress, like, ever?!
Rex FeaturesWe’re constantly in awe of Dannii’s ever-changing hair styles and self-styled wardrobe full of sassy cocktail dresses. Saturday night’s plunge-neck peplum white gown by J’Aton Couture won our vote. Note how her monochrome ensemble is made extra special thanks to an edgy waist-belt and über on-trend hair band. Top of the fashion charts for Dannii.
Rex FeaturesPARTY TIME: Cheryl Cole took the typical girlish party dress to new heights as she hit Sarah Harding and Kimberley Walsh’s joint birthday bash after Saturday’s X Factor show. Obviously influenced by the retro theme running through the show’s Wham! and George Michael homage, Cheryl wore an ‘80s-inspired, bright orange mini dress from Giles, with a cleavage-boosting bustier top and cut-out sides which left little to the imagination.
Rex FeaturesDannii Minogue was joined backstage by the ever-glamorous Joan Collins who made an unexpected visit to Saturday’s X Factor show. While Joan went all-out on leopard print sporting a surprisingly trend-led puff-sleeve dress, Dannii went for accents of the print with a multi-coloured maxi dress from Ralph&Russo featuring a jewel embellished halterneck. Great for Ibiza in the summer, but perhaps not so ideal for the UK in November.
Rex FeaturesVERY BERRY: Cheryl ditched the girlish party style for a much more refined – but no less revealing – dress for Sunday’s live show. With a bold fuchsia colour, plunging neckline and unusual cut-out cap sleeves, Cheryl’s Jean-Pierre Braganza mini dress is certainly a head-turner, but there’s something that just seems to fall a little flat with this outfit – perhaps it’s that old-fashioned up ’do that doesn’t really fit?!
Rex FeaturesLike Cheryl, Dannii chose a much more chic style for Sunday’s results show, emphasising her curves in a sleek jersey dress from Donna Karan. A much better choice than Saturday’s flamboyant maxi, we are absolutely head-over-heels for the deep purple colour of this dress – it goes perfectly with her glossy side-swept hairdo and vampish dark nail polish. More of this please Dannii!
Rex FeaturesQUEEN OF THE NIGHT: Cheryl Cole really returned to top fashion form this week as she showed off her style credentials on Saturday night in a sparkly creation from designer-of-the-moment, Alexander Wang. Steering well clear of the disco dolly look, we love how Cheryl has kept things fresh and modern with a super-slick ponytail and just a chunky cocktail ring for jewellery. Take note ladies, this outfit is one for your Christmas party style file.
Rex FeaturesDannii Minogue has really been making the most of the thigh-high slit of late; having worked the style for the past two weeks she stuck with her winning formula once again for Saturday night’s X Factor live show, teaming her breezy, sand coloured gown from Lisa Ho with a statement silver disc necklace. Sweeping her hair across into a flirty fringe, Dannii’s effortless look says low-maintenance can still equal gorgeousness.
Rex FeaturesFUTURE-PERFECT VS BOHO: The Sunday night results show and Cheryl proves that it’s not only her hair that can get its mojo back (with the help of L’Oreal of course)! Hitting the trends in a nude, strapless corset dress from hip young designer Richard Nicoll, the strategically placed sequin embellishments give this dress a fun futuristic vibe that is so very now - and Cheryl looks luminous in it.
Rex FeaturesWe were SO not expecting this outfit from Dannii when the results show rolled around! A real testament to the star’s confidence in her own personal style, Dannii really shook things up on Sunday wearing a bohemian tie-dye dress from Lisa Ho, anchored with purple patent platforms and a chunky cuff. However, all this pales into insignificant when faced with the most unexpected part of her look; Dannii’s hair has already been a huge talking point this series (mostly for the good) but that retro crimped ponytail is sure to divide fans up and down the country.
Rex FeaturesTHE LONG AND SHORT OF IT: The style battle really heated up this weekend as Cheryl and Dannii took to the X Factor stage in opposing looks. While Dannii stole the spotlight in a sumptuous cream maxi dress by Ralph&Russo with a thigh-high slit and a jewel encrusted waist belt, Cheryl kept it simple in a sombre black shift dress from Jean Paul Gaultier. It seems as though the star is playing it safe following last week’s controversial David Koma dress, also worn by Beyoncé at this year’s Europe Music Awards.
Rex FeaturesSUNDAY SHOWDOWN: Sunday night and we’re so glad Cheryl decided to break away from sombre black! Bringing a bold shot of bright orange to our screens on a dull November evening, Cheryl showed off perfect pins in a fitted dress from Marios Schwab, wearing her glossy hair in soft curls for girlish finish. Simple yet effective.
Rex FeaturesWhile Cheryl went for a fuss-free outfit with a classic shift dress shape, Dannii overdosed on asymmetry with an overcomplicated Sunday night look, working a nude coloured strapless dress from J’Aton Couture with an edgy bodice print on the front. If the tulle overlay on one side of the skirt was not enough, Dannii also matched her asymmetric dress with an uneven bob hairdo for a bit of a lopsided look. Like Simon Cowell, we’re on the fence about this outfit - perhaps it should go to the public vote?!
Rex FeaturesROCKING OUT: While we were half expecting skinny leather trousers and tousled bed hair in honour of rock week, Cheryl surprised us all with her statement-making black mini dress by David Koma. Featuring an unusual silver tube breastplate, her dress managed to draw almost as many comments as the contestants, but Cheryl held her own and let the dress do the talking with matching black over-the-knee boots from Tabitha Simmons and her hair pulled back into a sleek bun.
Rex FeaturesLike Cheryl, Dannii also left behind the rock clichés, instead opting for a sophisticated evening dress that wouldn’t look out of place on the red carpet. Drawing confidence from the dark and divine long grey number she wore on last week’s show, Dannii worked a similar look with an asymmetric gown from J’Aton Couture; the bare shoulder and thigh-high slit adding some sex appeal to the heavy fabric.
Rex FeaturesDIAL IT DOWN: Following reports that Simon Cowell has allegedly said Cheryl and Dannii are taking attention away from the contestants with their head-turning outfits, both judges toned things down for the Sunday show – although Cheryl couldn’t resist a bit of sparkle with sequined trousers from cult brand Les Chiffoniers, which she teamed with a slash neck top and chunky bangles for a fitting rock-chic look.
Rex FeaturesWhile Cheryl sneaked in a bit of sequin, Dannii seemed to have taken Simon’s comments a bit more to heart and got serious in a smart black shift dress with structured shoulders and a metallic waist belt. It’s just a shame her outfit change was not enough to save her act, Rachel Adedeji, from exiting the show on Sunday night.
Rex FeaturesHOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR: It was Big Band night on this Saturday’s X Factor and both Dannii and Cheryl got suitably dressed up to the nines in outfits that wouldn’t have looked out of place in vintage Hollywood. Dannii chose to go dark and divine with an opulent patterned dress, with twinkling sequin embellishment and structured shoulders for a modern appeal, while Cheryl brought a touch of the dolce vita in a fresh, floor-length white dress from Italian label Atelier Versace featuring a sexy thigh-high slit. And we had to spare a moment to take in their gorgeous hair and make-up too – the X Factor beauty team have really out-done themselves this week, 10 out of 10.
Rex FeaturesFUTURE PERFECT: From Balmain to Marc Jacobs, this season’s catwalks were full of Star Trek-inspired, structured yet sparkly dresses, and both Dannii and Cheryl prove they are right on top of the trend with these statement-making stunners! While Cheryl shows just how fashion-forward she is in a silver paillette embellished mini dress from Julien Macdonald’s spring 2010 collection with Rupert Sanderson platform heels, Dannii wraps her gorgeously curvy figure in a dazzling nude dress that is still bang on-trend. Top marks ladies!
Rex FeaturesSTAGE STYLE: Big hair, a mini length and a gorgeously individual look, Cheryl is back to her best on the X Factor live show. Atelier Versace seems to be the singer’s go-to label for this series, and she positively glows in this structured red dress from the designer brand, made up of intricate large paillettes for a bold and striking look.
Rex FeaturesSince she hit UK turf for the new series of the X Factor, Dannii has steadily – and successfully - been finding her style niche, sporting some increasingly individual outfits. This raspberry-pink strapless dress is one such piece: while the bustier shape and short hemline is a no-brainer in showing off her trim figure, the textured pleat detail on the skirt makes for an unexpected twist that really works with her rock ‘n’ roll hairdo.
Rex FeaturesHAT's OFF: While we love Cheryl’s cute nautical jumper - not to mention how that cool Doma leather jacket lends just the right amount of edge – unfortunately, clashing prints and patterns make this outfit an unnecessarily over-complicated affair. However, the real focus of this ensemble has to be that outlandish grey trilby hat, matched with Aviator sunglasses for a vintage look; one that we’re not sure really works with the rest of her very modern outfit.
WennStaying cosy in a plain black coat as October begins to bite, Dannii follows Cheryl with her own hat and sunglasses combo, heading into the X Factor studios in an old-fashioned baker boy cap and oversized retro frames for a slightly mis-matched pairing.
PA PhotosIN ON-TREND EMBELLISHMENT: Flowing curls and cherry red lips make the perfect accompaniment to Cheryl Cole’s sweet mini dress. Embellished with miniature studs for an edgy touch, the pleated square panels in contrasting blue colours are a fresh design detail that work with Cheryl’s new, breezy lower-maintenance look.
Rex FeaturesPre-empting the season’s massive sequins trend Dannii Minogue hits the X Factor auditions in a black knit dress, provocatively scattered with silver sequins for a glam twist. While Dannii’s career has been all pop, she proves what a rock ‘n’ roller she really is with a retro quiff, chunky chain necklaces and cool metallic shoe-boots.
Rex FeaturesROCKING MICRO-MINIS: If we had legs like Cheryl, a sudden downpour wouldn’t stop us showing them off either! Braving the less-than-perfect weather conditions, Cheryl makes the most of her trim figure in a sweet blue mini skirt from Tibi teamed with purple stiletto heels from Rupert Sanderson. And that’s no office-staple pinstripe blouse either – note the padded wide shoulders for an extra style boost.
WennBack in sequins once again, Dannii’s embellished blue mini skirt just pips Cheryl’s bow detail number to the post. Teamed with a grey jersey top to dial the look down a notch, Dannii’s drape-front choice gives a nod to the summer’s Grecian trend too. Throw on a boyfriend blazer and you’ve got a great day to night option here.
Rex FeaturesIN PUNCHY PATTERNS: OK, Cheryl is on to a winner here! The pretty starlet has been stocking up on all the hottest labels of late, and this sweet patterned dress from hip New York brand 3.1 Phillip Lim must be among the jewels in her crowning wardrobe. A head-turning piece without being too OTT, the cute bow belt and demure neckline contrast well with its thigh-skimming length.
Rex FeaturesAhead of the curve once again, Dannii anticipates the trend for leopard print with this figure-flattering black and grey shift dress. Cinched at the waist with a slick patent belt to show off her enviable curves, Dannii’s ensemble is, in a word, fierce. Which makes us wonder why she toned it down with that grey Alice band? Sometimes it’s so easy to over-accessorise.
Rex FeaturesMOSTLY MONOCHROME: Demonstrating her recent weakness for more edgy labels, Cheryl adds a tough twist to summery white denim with a spine print vest top from Alexander McQueen and slick patent platforms from Rupert Sanderson. Even out of her usual thigh-skimming hemlines, Cheryl still manages to make the most of those enviable legs.
Rex FeaturesA razor-sharp haircut calls for an equally graphic look. Proving that a classic monochrome colour palette needn’t be boring, Dannii layers an asymmetric white top over a black boob tube and leggings to create an angular look that really accentuates her sophisticated new ‘do. This striking daytime outfit calls upon Dannii’s past days as a disco diva and could easily work for a night on the tiles.
Rex FeaturesMAXI-MUM IMPACT: It may have been all work for Cheryl as she took the X Factor boys to her retreat in Marrakesh to meet Will Young, but she certainly had the holiday look nailed with this gorgeous patterned maxi dress, featuring intricate bead embellishment around the bust. Keeping the rest of her outfit effortlessly simple with just a glowing tan and natural-looking make-up, Cheryl matches her ‘70s-style maxi with glossy waves to create the perfect glam-boho look.
Rex FeaturesRight from the start Dannii was destined to earn some serious style kudos by jetting in her older sis’ Kylie to help choose her three female finalists in Dubai. While Kylie went short and sweet in a green one-shoulder mini dress from Ungaro, Dannii championed Australian designer J’Aton Couture with an elegant yet energetic patterned maxi dress to rival Cheryl’s own.
Matrixphotos.comHAIRDO OR DON’T?: Her trademark glossy brown locks have even managed to score her an advertising deal with L’Oreal, so it was quite a shock to see Cheryl sporting this bold, cherry-red hair colour that got GLAMOUR.COM users talking up and down the country. However, after clocking Cheryl’s fresh face and radiant complexion, it’s not hard to see how she was seduced into trying this daring shade.
Bigpicturesphoto.comCheryl was not the only X Factor judge known for a glossy brown mane – no, not Simon, Dannii of course! But following an onslaught of less-than-positive comparisons to Mrs Cole during last year’s show, Dannii has gone for the chop, stamping her individuality all over her punky new hairdo with a series of rock ‘n’ roll quiffs as well as more demure and girlish styles.
Rex FeaturesGRECIAN GODDESSES: The Grecian look was big this summer, and Cheryl works the style with a girlish polish by tucking a drape detail top into a dusty pink, box pleat skirt. With her hair tied back in a fuss-free bun, we love how she fittingly completes the look with a couple of precision braids at the front.
Bigpicturesphoto.comWhile Cheryl works the Grecian trend with pastel shades and a girlish feel, Dannii goes back to basics with graphic monochrome; standing out in a white drape-front top teamed with cute black shorts for a tomboyish look. She finishes by giving her outfit a glamorous edge with a choice selection of gold jewellery and strappy heels from Kurt Geiger.
WennSHADY LADIES: She may be the girl-next-door from Newcastle, but somehow Cheryl Cole still manages to work LA glam like she’s been living and breathing it her whole life! Oversized shades, big bouncy hair, and a stand-out daytime ensemble most Valley girls would kill for, Cheryl looks primed and ready for Hollywood.
WennThe serial over-accessoriser has struck again! While her glamorous outfit stylishly references this season’s Dynasty-inspired ‘80s trend, Dannii takes her outfit into overkill with huge oversized sunglasses paired with massive earrings - giving her a chilly and unapproachable look that we know the bubbly Aussie is a world away from.
WennIT’S A CINCH: She may be toning down the WAG-ish excesses, but like a true footballer’s wife, Cheryl Cole seems just as seduced by labels as we would be in her designer shoes! Working top-to-toe Alexander McQueen, Cheryl’s military-inspired outfit is completed with a statement-making chain detail belt for a tough flourish.
Rex FeaturesTaking the less-is-more approach to accessorising this time, Dannii looks fabulous in an asymmetric white dress, paired with nude peep-toe heels and a waist-cinching white belt that sharpens her silhouette and expertly pulls her whole look together.
Bigpicturesphoto.comSHE'S ALL THAT: Working a thigh-skimming Louis Vuitton mini skirt with high heels from Christian Louboutin and a bold blouse with a wide-shouldered twist, this sexy look is A-grade Cheryl. We could all learn a thing or two from this gorgeous Geordie lass – recognise your best assets and make the most of them at every opportunity!
Rex FeaturesWith a new ‘do, a new man and possibly a winner in her group of X Factor finalists, Dannii Minogue has plenty to smile about. When it comes to her style, less is certainly more; a razor-sharp cut, classic colour palette and a waist-cinching belt is all the disco diva needs to get the party started.
