Grace Kelly. Photo: Getty Images
Through the years, America has had no shortage of great beauties, and to celebrate
July 4th, StyleList readers have picked the fairest of them all, in our quest to pinpoint the "
Most Beautiful American Woman of all Time."
America's Beauty Queen is, drumroll, please,
Grace Kelly.
Over 52,000 StyleList readers voted on a list of 24 contenders hand culled from old and new Hollywood, and an overwhelming 28 percent of the vote went to Grace Kelly.
Jaclyn Smith was first runner up with 10 percent of the vote, followed by
Halle Berry with eight percent, Ava Gardner with six percent and
Marilyn Monroe,
Angelina Jolie,
Jennifer Aniston and Rita Hayworth tied for fifth place with five percent each.
StyleList readers are enamored with the Princess of Monaco -- the idea for this contest sprang from the indignant feedback we received after comparing
Charlene Wittstock, Prince Albert of Monaco's new fiancée, to Kelly, who was his mother.
"She was as gracious as she was beautiful," says commenter Joe Spelta. "She represented America splendidly."
"Grace Kelly is above and beyond," voiced another commenter.
In celebration of this American beauty, we put together a gallery of Grace Kelly's most gorgeous style moments, below. And for more gorgeous screen sirens, check out out collection of the
most iconic bathing suits of all time.
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Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Check out one of America's most iconic beauties through the years.
Popperfoto / Getty Images
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Grace Kelly at age 21. Born in Philadelphia, Kelly was a cool, elegant beauty, who starred in such films as "High Noon" and "To Catch A Thief" before she gave her film career up to become Princess Grace of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier in 1956.
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Grace Kelly strikes a sultry pose.
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Grace Kelly and actor James Stewart starring in a scene from the film "Mogambo."
She told Hollywood columnist Hedda Hopper that "'Mogambo' had three things that interested me. John Ford, Clark Gable, and a trip to Africa with expenses paid. If 'Mogambo' had been made in Arizona, I wouldn't have done it." The role earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Grace Kelly in a still from the film "Green Fire."
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Portrait of Grace Kelly in a strapless gown.
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Anthony Dawson sneaks up behind an oblivious Grace Kelly in a tense scene from the film "Dial M For Murder," directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Grace Kelly wraps up after a swim.
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Grace Kelly with classic red lips and a posh pompadour.
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
>Grace Kelly with her Academy Award as Best Actress for her role in "The Country Girl."
Grace Kelly Style Evolution
Grace Kelly in a lace-trimmed top.
Grace Kelly Style Evolution