Unfortunately we have to wait nearly a whole year to see Carey Mulligan star as Daisy Buchannan in Baz Luhrmann’s remake of the Great Gatsby. While a handful of on-set photos have been circulating the net, we predict it will be a fair while before we can see Carey look lovely in more feminine Daisy inspired dresses. Luckily, the young British star has a handful of other film releases coming up, including the hotly anticipated drama Shame, which of course means an opportunity to lust over her premiere perfect wardrobe. We take a look at some of our favourite Carey looks that proves she is not only a first rate British actress, but a style star too.

Still finding her style feet, Carey experimented with a bold floral print at the premiere of ultimate fashion film, The September Issue, back in 2009. While the playful Thakoon dress really suited Carey’s petite frame, we much prefer her pixie crop dyed a bright platinum blonde. When it comes to awards shows, you can’t go too far wrong with a Lanvin gown. Carey wore a pink, one-shouldered Lanvin cocktail dress to the Director’s Guild awards in 2010. The outfit is undeniably adorable on Carey, but it was those statement strappy heels that really caught our eye.

If one dress made the fashion press start to take notice of Carey, it was the monochromatic floral evening gown she wore to the 2010 BAFTAs. The asymmetrical hemline and graduated print was genius and really complimented Carey’s unique style. Starting to cement her style niche, Carey’s hair was died a bright blonde, the most complimentary colour for her fair skin tone. Another 2010 fashion winner was the gorgeous lace and leather Christopher Kane A-line dress, worn to The Independent Spirit awards. Still looking feminine while rocking an edgier statement piece, it was great to see Carey wearing a fellow Brit’s design.

Perhaps one of our favourite Carey looks was a sequined Chanel couture number she wore to the Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in 2010. The stunning dress was a real showstopper which she ingeniously paired with a pair of casual booties. We also loved Carey’s grown out crop; slicked back it is the perfect accompaniment for an ultra-glamorous gown.

2011 was certainly a fashionable year for Carey. Continuing with her penchant for classic luxury designers, she stepped out in a gorgeous lace Valentino frock at the Junior Spring Benefit for the Lincoln Center. The institute brings the creative arts (dance, music, theatre and visual arts) from a broad range of cultures into the public school curriculum. At the Hollywood Awards Gala, Carey dazzled in Bottega Veneta, a dress that perfectly depicted Carey’s brand of classic quirk. We cannot wait to see what 2012 has in store for the stylish star!