It may not have been a big win for models this month, but it was certainly a win for under-the-radar names. Lily James, Halsey, Vanessa Kirby and Jenna Dewan are just a few of the fresh faces gracing major glossies this month. For the most part, these newbie cover stars could learn a thing or two from the models who did grace covers this month, including Lara Stone, Naomi Campbell, Edie Campbell, Doutzen Kroes and Anja Rubik.
On the fashion front, Serena Williams had one of the most timely covers, posing in a seriously oversized hat (in this case by Eric Javits), which has been a major Instagram summer fashion trend. See all these and more in our roundup of the best and worst August 2018 magazine covers.
All the August 2018 Magazine Covers We Loved and Hated
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LOVE
This shot of Adwoa Aboah and Naomi Campbell couldn't be more adorable.
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Harper's Bazaar UK
There’s a lot going on with this Dolce & Gabbana dress, but Ashley Graham oozes the confidence it takes to make it work.
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ELLE UK
It's impossible to get a bad shot of Lara Stone when she's giving the camera her signature glare.
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Vogue UK
An impeccably styled shot of the ever iconic Oprah Winfrey.
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Harper's Bazaar
Did it take anyone else more than a second to recognize Taylor Swift here?
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ELLE
Even without all of her usual fashion and makeup frills, there's something artificial and decidedly not high fashion about Ariana Grande's look. Maybe it's the too long extensions?
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Glamour
It's been said before and it couldn't be more true: this shot of Kate McKinnon looks like a passport photo.
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InStyle
Serena Williams killing it once again as she shows off the oversized hat trend that has been dominating Instagram feeds this summer.
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Vogue
It's refreshing to see someone with indie roots like Saoirse Ronan get such a major cover, but it's hard to get over how bland the styling is.
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V Magazine
Even if you're tired of seeing Gigi Hadid everywhere, it's hard not to love this bold cover and the Fendi-accented jet ski!
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Vogue Germany
What's better than one top model cover? Four, of course! Doutzen Kroes, Naomi Campbell, Edie Campbell and Anja Rubik all kill it this month.
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Vogue Japan
While there's nothing groundbreaking about this close, huddled shot of Faretta, Joan Smalls, Amber Valletta and Anna Ewers, they look fresh-faced and beautiful. Though, it's worth noting there isn't much in the way of fashion in the sea of black-on-black Prada.
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Vogue Poland
While it's usually more impactful to have a cover star looking at the camera, this is a nice, fresh, clean (albeit forgettable) shot of Kasia Smutniak.
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ELLE Australia
If this Jenna Dewan shot has a more fall/winter feel, it's because the seasons are reversed in Australia. Despite that, the mag could have given her something more vibrant to wear as she's somewhat lost in a sea of jewel tones.
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Marie Claire
There’s something cheesy and totally unnatural about this shot of Halsey in Chloe.
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Cosmopolitan
Marissa Webb usually hits it out of the park, but unless you're a 6-foot-tall seasoned supermodel, you really shouldn't wear a strapless denim jumper and expect a great result, even if you're Mila Kunis!
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Marie Claire UK
This looks like a test shot of Vanessa Kirby, not the actual cover!
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Vogue Australia
Again, the fall/winter vibes of this Katy Perry in Saint Laurent cover have to do with the reversed seasons in Australia. That said, the singer looks seductive in her floral dress.
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Allure
Lily James looks mesmerizing in Antonio Marras (though our forum members don't quite agree).
