Luckily, this annual event has provided us with numerous opportunities to do that, and we are gracious enough to share that joy with you this third time around as well. Go on, put your stylish judgy cap on, and take a browse.
Too Much Puff?
Gigi Hadid made an extra bold statement when she attended the 2022 Met Gala. She paraded a somewhat seductive and overly striking Versace ensemble. The supermodel wore a deep red outfit that consisted of a boned corset over a skintight latex jumpsuit, which was topped off with a massively voluminous and oversized puffer jacket.
She finished the look with knee-high boots and, before we forget, the matching neckpiece to go with it. The whole look was really daring and landed her on a lot of best and worst-dressed lists. From us, she gets a bonus point for taking such a huge risk, which we think kind of worked out in her favor in the end.
A Bit Much?
It's not every day that one sees the male half of a star couple as the one wearing the more adventurous and outrageous fashion look at a red carpet event. But it also doesn't really come as a big surprise when that male counterpart is Taika Waititi, who has a reputation for pulling a stunt like this one.
At the 2023 Met Gala, the star sported a rather peculiar outfit that definitely got him noticed by many. We do admire the whole vibe of his outfit, but we aren't really for the long string of pearls or the slouchy pants that he wore on that night. So overall, he doesn't get a stamp of approval from us since the whole look just seems like he's trying a bit too hard.
Not Afraid to Turn Back Time
The "My Body" author and supermodel Emily Ratajkowski took a chance on the archives when she attended the Met Gala in 2022. She instantly turned a lot of heads as she arrived at the party in a multicolored and textured dress that went perfectly with the "Gilded Glamour" theme of the party.
The dress came from the 1992 Versace archive, and the key elements are a beaded bodice with a high front and a low front skirt. She wore her hair in a high bun to accentuate the look and fully show off the details of the neckline. Ratajkowiski clearly has a thing for bold entries, and she did not disappoint at that year's Met Gala.
Beautiful Boy
Timothée Chalamet has proven that he has a knack for fashion on more than one occasion. It was no different in 2021 when the "Beautiful Boy" actor pitched up to the Met Gala as one of the event's youngest-ever co-chairs. He had a pretty nonchalant approach to the "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" theme, but he still managed to rock the red carpet in all the right ways.
He may even be the only star who can wear sweatpants and high-top All-Stars to such a pristine event and get away with it. The star told one of the events reporters that his outfit paid homage to a handful of designers, including Chuck Taylor with his shoes and Haider Ackerman with his suit, and he accessorized with two vintage Cartier brooches from the 20s. We love Timothée and his unique style.
So Bare and So Fun!
There's always a lot of talk and chatter when it comes to Met Gala gowns and getups, and rightfully so - the night revolves around fashion and who "wore it best." There was especially a lot of talk when Cara Delevigne revealed that she was wearing, or rather the lack thereof. The model and actress sported a satin red Dior number, and a lot of the talk came about when she removed her jacket to unveil her daring gold-painted bareness.
She clearly took the "Gilded Glamour" theme more seriously than most of the attendees, as she covered her body from the neck down in metallic body paint. She also wore red platforms and some gold jewelry, but no one was really paying attention to that. We love this daring look and give her a 10/10 for having the courage to pull something like this off!
Why The Cap?
Memes started streaming into the internet when Kylie Jenner's 2022 Met Gala look was revealed to the world. She wore a wedding-ready voluminous white gown from Italian luxury brand Off-White, which featured a sheer corset bodice and ruffled skirt on the bottom half.
She also wore chandelier earnings and see-through stilettos, and the one thing that wasn't exactly approved by the internet was her white baseball cap and its attached veil. Besides the silly cap, it also looked like her outfit was inspired by a wedding. Who was she going to marry on the red carpet that night? We don't know either, but as one of the glamorous girls that she is, we expected something better.
Look Mom, No-Pants
Kendall Jenner sported one of her most dramatic looks when she attended the Met Gala in 2023. She ravished the "no-pants" trend with a glitzy black fully sequenced Marc Jacobs bodysuit. The statement piece also included a glimmery silver collar and extra long sleeves with white lining that trailed behind the star like a cape as she worked the red carpet.
Her lace-up platform boots were a nice touch to the whole look, and with a look like that, you can't go wrong with a high ponytail to accentuate all the features. Despite the fact that we like this look, Jenner received a lot of mixed reviews from critics and fans alike.
A Theatrical Transformation
If there is a blonde beauty who knows how to make an entrance, then we rate that it's got to be Blake Lively. Standing out in the Met Gala crowd is no easy undertaking, but the star caught everyone's eye at the 2022 red carpet event thanks to the dramatic dress she donned on the evening. The dress code was "Gilded Glamour," and Lively, who was on the team of the hosts for the evening, went in an Atelier Versace design inspired by NYC.
Miraculously, the star's dress underwent a major transformation on the steps, as the bow was lost to reveal a stunning blue train. That wasn't the only change that happened to her outfit. She also lost her golden gloves to reveal blue gloves. It was an absolute theatrical outfit transformation that got raving reviews from many onlookers, including us.
Yes, There's a Cat on the Red Carpet
Jared Leto never rarely disappoints when he hit red-carpet events, and when he attended the 2023 Met Gala, it was another wow moment for the star. In honoring the late legendary Karl Lagerfeld, Leto wore a life-size cat costume that resembled the designer's cat- Choupette. The feline fashion look at first confused onlookers, but when he removed the cat headpiece to reveal his identity, it was an aha moment for everyone.
Nobody could have pulled a stunt like this better than Leto himself! Later on in the evening, the star fully removed the suit to reveal another dazzling outfit. This time, it was a lot tamer as he sported an all-black ensemble. We love Leto and his daring fashion moves, and besides that, who doesn't love to see a cat on the red carpet?!
Parading an Actual Priceless Relic
That one time that Kim Kardashian sported Marilyn Monroe's "Happy Birthday" dress on the red carpet event at the 2022 Met Gala, the star got slammed by reports stating that the historical artifact increasingly deteriorated throughout the process. This was the very same frock that Monroe wore during the 1962 John F. Kennedy fundraiser.
Not only was Kim quick to receive a lot of disdain from the media, but when reports came out that a replica could have been worn instead, the media went into a complete craze, and rightfully so! Kim hit the theme on the head, but all things considered, this wasn't the star's finest moment if we're being completely honest.
Classy and Cool
"The Devil Wears Prada" star Anne Hathaway slayed on the annual Met Gala's red carpet in 2023. As a nod to Karl Lagerfeld, the star wore a body-hugging cream gown made of tweed by Versace. Tweed was, of course, one of the late designers' most used fabrics throughout his career in fashion.
The strapless number included voluptuous cutouts on the torso, with one opening extending into a thigh-high slit. The cutouts were held in place by Versace's iconic safety pins. The star is accessorized with matching opera gloves, a lavishing diamond choker by Bulgari, and white platforms. Anne looked mighty fine in this feminine and stunning piece, and from us, it's an undoubted yes!
Giddy Up!
A long braid ponytail, a giant floral dress, and the big ol' horse head. If there's one thing that screams "America" at the 2021 Met Gala, it was probably the ludicrous outfit that Kim Petras donned to the event. Sadly, she didn't wear any horse-inspired shoes to go "clompity clomp" on the red carpet, but everything else about her outfit was rather horsey to us.
The star was accompanied by her dear friend Hillary Taymour, a creative director who was also in charge of the equine look. Taymour also wore a matching headhorse, and the two made a rather funny appearance on the red carpet. Of course, Petras received a lot of mixed reviews for this look, which we totally get, but we secretly love the whole equine vibe she had going on... YEEHAW partner!
Channeling Her Inner Doll
In 2022, when Billie Eilish graced the Met Gala's carpet, she stunned everyone with a stunningly classic look. The 20-year-old at the time appeared in a custom corseted gown by Gucci. The stunning frock featured green lace and an ivory skirt, and let's not forget the padded bustle, of course.
The star rocked her usual black hair, which she had tied up in a bun to accentuate the features of her outfit. She was bejeweled in a black choker with embroidery, and she wore beige shoes made from vegan materials to advocate that aspect of her life (we guess). It was a beautiful transformation, considering she sports oversized streetwear on the regular.
For the Love of White
Bad Bunny always knows how to put on a showstopper when attending red-carpet events, and the rapper and singer's appearance at the 2023 Met Gala was no different. For one of fashion's biggest nights ever, the star wore a monochrome white tweed suit with a bold open back from designer Jacquemus. He paired this look with leather platform derby shoes and a slick hairstyle, which was a contrasting look compared to his usual hairstyle.
He accessorized with a 26-foot all-white rosette cape. We love the femme and masculine elements that he brought together so simply. The whole sleek vibe was a far cry from his Met Gala debut the year before, in which he wore a Burberry boilersuit and an actual bouffant hairpiece. We definitely think that the star gave a better look at 2023's event!
Go Team, Go!
Once again, Gabrielle Union and her hubby, Dwayne Wade, proved to everyone that they were one of the most fashionable pairs in Hollywood when they both rocked dashing looks at the 2023 Met Gala. The "Bring it On" actress wore a monochromatic red ankle-length dress with a long red leather duster, while Dwayne perfectly matched his partner in crime with a black leather ensemble that included a sleeveless vest.
His look reminded us a bit of "The Matrix" movie, and we love that he managed to pull that off so seamlessly. The two looked sleek and received a lot of rave reviews from critics for their refined look. We love it when couples manage to make a stark entrance such as this one! #couplegoals!
A Look to Remember
Jessica Chastain put on an extra special show for everyone when she attended the 2023 Met Gala. The star debuted a full head of platinum blonde hair for the first time since we can remember, and boy, oh boy, did she look classy. She wore an elegant black tiered dress with sheer gloves and black sunnies that stayed on topic with the "Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" theme.
It later came out that the star was actually wearing a wig, which made more sense since her Broadway play "A Doll's House" was still running at the time of this event. Real or fake hair, she looked stunning and created a look that won't be easily forgotten!
One for the Books
Florence Pugh got a lot of eyes on her when she headed to the 2023 Met Gala. The star's look was made up of a sleek white gown featuring a plunging neckline and an open back feature. The Valentino custom gown was held together with a delicate black tulle bow, and it had a long train that flawlessly flowed down the Metropolitan Museum of Art's steps.
It didn't stop there, though. She also donned a towering headpiece, elegantly fitted with black feathers, which was the cherry on top of the whole look. Another thing that got the star a lot of looks was probably the fact that she debuted a buzz cut for the first time.
Bare Glitz and Glamor
The music star Lil Nas X turned up the wow factor on the Met Gala red carpet in 2023. Most guests of the event wore stunning vintage pieces to honor the late Karl Lagerfeld, but Lil Nas took on a more outrageous approach. To be frank, he didn't even wear much except for a booty-baring men's thong from Dior and a pair of platform boots, but despite the lack of garments, he still looked fabulous.
The star paraded the carpet with silver metallic body paint covering just about every exposed bit of skin, encrusted with crystals and pearls. He finished off the look with a cat-esque mask, which mostly came from the cat whiskers. Was it a nod to Karl Lagerfeld's kitty? Probably. We love this look and allude to the star for his innovation when it comes to being an odd one out at such an iconic event.
School Boy Schooled Everyone
At the 2023 Met Gala event, Pedro Pascal attended in style with his Valentino attire, which may have broken some fashion laws according to some fashion heads. "The Last of Us" star gave some real school-core vibes in his schoolboy socks and shorts that he paired with lace-up boots, a red dreamy structured coat, a power stache, and a slick back hairdo.
It was a lot, but he certainly managed to execute the whole thing beautifully. This look also certainly brought about a lot of talk regarding the actor's newfound hero status. It was maybe a tad controversial, yes, but it also worked so well, so we give the star a big yes for this 2023 Met Gala look!
A Vision
It was pretty clear that Lupita Nyong'o and her team brought their A-game in 2021 when the star attended the Met Gala. It was difficult for onlookers to miss this look that included an epic hairstyle and a fabulous Versace Jeans Couture number. The star claimed that she got inspo for her denim dress from Versace's 90's Jeans Couture collection.
It would be an absolute disservice, not to mention the star's multiple diamond rings from De Beers, which, by the way, one of them was 10.31 carats! Everything about her look complemented the "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" theme, with its intense glamor yet playful elements that married together perfectly for the occasion.
That Edge Though
Tessa Thompson swung into action on the 2021 Met Gala red carpet. The dress was one of Iris van Herpen's works of art. As you can see, it was an intricately designed piece with a futuristic edge, including a combination of metallics, lace, and some translucent fabrics.
The "Thor: Ragnarok" star paired the flowy dress with a pair of knee-high boots that almost resembled something out of a western flick, except for the tiny heel. She was accessorized with minimal jewelry and a black woven cowboy hat. The whole look was simple but, at the same time, complex, so we've got to give it to the star for managing to pull something like that off.
Getting Cozy on the Red Carpet
Has Rihanna ever had a bad moment on the red carpet? We'll leave that to you to decide. In 2021, when the star was accompanied by her partner A$AP Rocky at the Met Gala, there were a lot of mixed reviews about the pair's attire on that night. Rihanna wore an all-black Balenciaga number (which sparked rumors of a hidden baby bump under the poofy gown), but it was Rocky's technicolor ERL quilt that got the whole world talking.
Not only did "Fashion Killa" himself outshine the queen on the red carpet, but he did so with a multicolored blanket that looked like it was stolen from his grandmother's house. But hey, if his ability to outdo "bad girl Riri" on her own turf isn't worthy of a round of applause, then we don't know what is.
Jenny on the Stairs
Everyone knows her as Jenny from the Block, but she has also been Jenny from the stairs a number of times at the Met Gala's red carpet events. That was especially true in 2023 when Jennifer Lopez attended the annual event in a sophisticated and sexy dress from Ralph Lauren. The star donned a pink-and-black frock with a velour cutout core and a slightly risky halter neck that flowed into floor-sweeping tails.
The lower part of the dress consisted of a blush-colored silky skirt with a slight train. The "On The Floor" singer accessorized with a gothic headpiece that included a sculpted fishnet detailing, black velvet gloves, and studded flower earrings. She kept her makeup pretty simple with a pair of smokey eyes and nude lips. JLo got a lot of positive feedback for the look, and it's clear to see where that came from.
Glammed in Gucci
Serena Williams described her 2021 Met Gala as "Superhero-inspired." One does have to admit that she does look sort of like an out-worldly creature with her feather-laden cape, which blended from white to pink and red hues and ended up with black at the bottom. Underneath the fluffy cape, she wore a silver bodysuit from Gucci that was adorned with red stars.
The tennis icon's hair and makeup were pretty toned down compared to the rest of her look, which gave way for her outfit to shine, and she accessorized with a silver handbag that matched her platform heels. She absolutely rocked the "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" theme out of the park!
Can We Maybe Not See Your Toosh?
The award for the most risque Met Gala outfit has got to go to Zoe Kravitz when she attended the 2021 annual event. The stunning actress wore a Yves Saint Laurent halter dress made up entirely of rhinestones, and with a lot of bare skin in between, there wasn't much left to the imagination.
Underneath the dress, she wore a matching rhinestone thong, which is most likely the cause for a lot of the mixed reviews she got for this outfit. We get that you want to be a shining star on the red carpet, but not everybody is keen on seeing your backside! She looks gorgeous, but we feel like the thong desperately went a little bit too far!
Classy and Elegant
In 2017, Priyanka Chopra made her Met Gala debut. The Hollywood and Bollywood icon graced the carpets with a tailored Ralph Lauren trench coat dress that made an extended train that most certainly got the star a lot of gasps of admiration. She was bejeweled in a pair of dramatic earrings and a weighty ring.
The 2000 Miss World pageant winner wore minimal yet effective makeup with black-heeled boots. The star's ensemble was a high state of style and grace, and her entrance alongside Nick Jonas definitely caused a big stir (as they had just started dating back then), but her stunning outfit was the actual thing that got everyone talking!
Rocking a Floral Headpiece from a Different Place
"The Girl on the Train" actress Haley Bennet is known for wearing peculiar outfits to red-carpet events, and we love that for her! At the 2017 Met Gala, the star rocked a theatrical floral headpiece, which pretty much consisted of an entire bouquet of faux flowers. The spectacular headpiece matched her lacey floral dress.
The star embraced the avant-garde theme beautifully in her Dolce and Gabbana piece. The only thing that may have let her look down a bit was perhaps her granny curls, which gave the 29-year-old at the time a few extra years. Besides that aspect, we pretty much think that every other aspect of her look, including her makeup, was top-notch!
Who Brought Their Violin to The Met?
The director and star of "Don't Worry Darling" took a vintage approach to the Met Gala in 2023. Olivia Wilde wore a classical Chloé dress designed by Lagerfeld. The evening paid tribute to the iconic Karl Lagerfeld, and this little number definitely paid its dues to the theme, but we can't help but wonder if the original black, shorter version of the dress would have done more justice to the theme.
For some reason, this one seems a bit out of place at this event. The outfit was from a 1983 spring collection, which was entirely inspired by the shape of a violin. As one can see, the instrument is shaped in gold over the chest area. That's fine, but we aren't sure what relevance the violin holds at this occasion.
Ice Ice Baby
2019's Met Gala theme of "Camp" was really open for interpretation for most and definitely caused confusion for some, but Gigi Hadid went big and channeled her inner ice queen on this special evening. The supermodel bedecked the carpet in a catsuit of white, silver, and gold-streaked tones with a matching headpiece and platform shoes.
Her coat consisted of the same fabric as her catsuit, but it was adorned with white feathery bits. The look was put together by Michael Kors, who was also the star's date for the evening. Hadid went even further with her makeup as she wore elongated white eyelashes to create an over-the-top look. The star clearly has a thing for creating dramatic red carpet looks, as we have seen more than once, so we have to give it to her for her courageousness!
One from the Archives
For the singer Dua Lipa's second Met Gala event in 2023, she opted for something classic. The predominantly white tweed dress with hints of black by Chanel resembled a ballgown dress that Claudia Schiffer sported for the fashion brand in 1992's fall. The singer exemplified this chic vintage look, which definitely paid homage to the "Karl Lagerfeld" theme, with Tiffany & Co. diamonds set in a necklace.
The pendant paid homage to Audrey Hepburn, Lady Gaga, Mary Whitehouse, and Beyonce, who had similarly adorned yellow diamonds in the past. So, just as much as the dress was a part of history, so was her jewelry. The whole look affirmed Dua Lipa's status as an iconic fashion icon.
Avant-Garde
We really aren’t too sure What was going on with the whole puffed-up look at the 2017 Met Gala, with the theme "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between"? Solange Knowles chose this extra-long puffer coat, with a dress-like train behind, over puffy pants, and a white button-down.
Granted, the theme was avant-garde, so she adhered. Especially when it comes to her shoes. And we have to admit that we love the no-make-up look, But she’s also been compared to a sleeping bag in the interesting getup. Hey, at least she looks comfortable, which is more than can be said about nine out of ten looks on the list!
Stiff Catwalk
The “Big Little Lies” actress Shailene Woodley’s 2018 Gala getup seems as though it’d be really tough to walk – and sit down – in. And it’s also certain that not everyone can pull off this sort of look, but Woodley was feeling extra daring on this special occasion.
It’s giving a lot of shining armor and knight vibes. But we guess she must’ve thought the Ralph Lauren design worked well with the "Heavenly Bodies" theme. In fact, two other celebrities showed up in outfits that looked very similar and nodded to Joan of Arc. Unfortunately, hers earned her a spot on several worst-dressed lists for that year’s event.
Insta-Classic
2014 has been rated as one of the ‘worst-dressed’ Met Gala events on more than one occasion, so while it may have been rough for several celebrities in terrible outfits, but Blake Lively was undoubtedly not one of them. Her custom, form-fitting Gucci gown looks gorgeous, from the color and details to the way it drapes and flows. She chose to accentuate the look with classic old Hollywood pin curls.
Her husband, Ryan Reynolds, has described her getting ready for the Galas as “an athletic event.” “I’m not even sure how shoes got in the freezer; there’s Kung Fu involved, it’s really intense,” he jokingly told "Glamour" magazine. Whatever she’s doing, it's working!
Altar Man
Well, you can’t say that actor Chadwick Boseman didn’t adhere to the whole "Catholic Imagination" aspect of that year’s theme when he arrived at the 2018 Gala dressed like, well, like this. The custom white Versace tux and a cape are covered in symbolism of gold crosses and definitely stand out against the crowd.
The Met Gala has been called the “Oscars of Fashion,” so one must really dress for the occasion, we suppose. We also have to mention that he, along with other daring stars like Jared Leto, did manage to land themselves on best-dressed lists for the event that year.
Give us a Twirl
Zendaya clearly nailed her look for the 2015 Gala, which had the theme of "China: Through the Looking Glass." She looked gorgeous in an interesting and embellished Fausto Puglisi dress, which featured sun designs against the long trailing skirt, along with a simple pair of black stilettos. Quite simple yet elegant.
Her long hair, topped with a matching crown-like headband was the icing on the cake, and of course, her bracelet matched the whole look to perfection. Jessica Alba could take a few notes from Zendaya about how to pick an outfit to walk the stairs at the Metropolitan Museum of Art!
Walking Saucer
When Solange Knowles arrived at the 2015 Met Gala, she stopped many people in their tracks – but many were probably just trying to figure out what exactly it was they were looking at her wearing. The Giles dress has an odd shape that makes her look like some kind of vehicle you’d see on "Star Trek" or "The Orville."
It also seems to be an optical illusion if one has a close look at the print of the dress, so it was a very daring move to wear this outfit. The star clearly likes to be the odd one out as she also donned a strange outfit at the same event in 2017. But hey, if ever there were a time to dress like a flying saucer, it’d be at the Met Gala, right?
Kilting It
Alan Cumming made Vogue’s best-dressed men at the Met Gala list in 2001 when he appeared at the "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years"-themed event in his tartan kilt. Just three years prior to this event, the star wore a metallic lamé silver suit with a pair of casual sneakers, so he definitely is one for taking huge leaps when it comes to dressing up for big events.
This also isn’t the first (or last) time the Scottish-American actor and comedian has paid homage to his roots and arrived at events in kilts. Still, the pose he was snapped in here seems a bit questionable.
Dressing in the Dark
Designer John Galliano appeared at the 2006 Gala looking like he’d be up drinking the night before with a group of pirates who went crazy with a Bedazzler, passed out for a few minutes, and been woken up and told he had to hit the carpet. Obviously, that’s not the case, but rather, the star really just wanted to make a bit of a splash at the event with his questionable look.
His date, Charlize Theron, opted for a flowy, deep-red Christian Dior dress, which looks nice but pretty mismatched with her date's attire. Though, that seems to be on him. We have a feeling that Theron looks back at this look with a pretty desperate sense of regret.
3L-What Were They Thinking?
The members of the girl’s group 3LW confused everyone a little bit when they showed up to the 2001 Met Gala in neon, skin-tight, and short attire. And do you blame them? No one’s entirely sure what those outfits have to do with the theme of "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years." And secondly, their outfits don’t really match each other either.
Since they came as a group, you’d at least hope that there was some sort of a theme going on with the trio, but nope, there was none of that on this occasion. Do you care to wager a guess? Well, they turned heads alright, but probably not in the way they’d hoped.
Trailing Behind
The Czech model and actress Karolina Kurkova showed up to the 2005 Gala in this long white gown, which included a large, “I love you,” sewn across in bright red. Other images from the night reveal the dirty, wet steps outside of the museum, so who knows what the bottom of the dress looked like by the end of the evening!
While she may have been trying to nod to the House of Chanel, who was being honored with that year’s theme, it was more of a swing and a miss than a home run. Yikes! At least she did manage to redeem herself in the 2016 Met Gala with a gorgeous white floral dress.
Not Patriotic Enough
With a theme like "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity," we would have expected to see something a little bit more patriotic. But perhaps January Jones wasn’t in the mood to play with the rules on this particular year’s event. While her eyeshadow is blue, and her hair is red (well, orange), we can't really see how her dress fits the theme.
You can’t deny that She always looks stunning, but this purple Yves Saint Laurent dress didn't really leave an impression on us. Sadly, it was quite forgettable if you compare it to other looks that she has donned in the past.
Teal Lilies
The 2019 Met Gala was one of the best ones yet, simply because its theme, "Camp: Notes on Fashion," allowed for some of the craziest outfits we have ever seen. "Riverdale" star Lili Reinhart attended the ball with her then-boyfriend, Cole Sprouse.
We are undecided about this dress (if you can call it that); while the color suits Lili and her hair and makeup are gorgeous, something about the proportions of this dress is a little bit off. More than a dress, it seems like tailored track shorts with oversized sleeves on top with a floral headpiece. But she still manages to look spectacular in it, somehow.
God is a Woman
Rihanna is the kind of woman who knows how to pull off a look, no matter how insane it is. In this case, the dress and the hat look like they weigh more than the Barbadian singer herself. She wore a jewel and pearl-encrusted dress, with matching mitre and necklace, hoop earrings by Mari Tash, other jewelry pieces by Cartier and of course Christian Louboutin shoes.
The whole look was put together by Maison Margiela, which marked the first time that the singer paraded this designer to the Met Gala. But the seasoned performer totally nailed 2018's theme, Catholic Imagination. Her dress makes her look like an opulent, godly pope. Work it, girl!
Marked With a White Dress
Ashley Frangipane, otherwise known as the famed singer Halsey, wore white from head to toe in a garment inspired by '80s cult classic "Blade Runner. " The dress was designed with the movie's female lead in mind and was tailored out of old jackets and dresses.
The theme for the iconic event in 2016 was “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” so you can’t deny that the star hit the nail on the head with this theme. With cotton satin and stretch silk, Halsey looks classy and edgy at the same time. She has DKNY designers to thank for this successful design.
A Cross Across
When it came time to dress for 2018's Met Gala, saint J.Lo knew exactly what to do. Leave it to the star to gleam a holier-than-thou radiant dress that most definitely turned a lot of heads on this night and for all the right reasons. She went for a literal interpretation of the theme “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” wearing a giant cross across her chest.
The bejeweled Balmain dress was made especially for her by Olivier Rousteing. The gown was inspired by an '88 "Vogue" cover, and it took over a month to make! It was definitely worth it, this one.
The Wrong Color
This look that the singer and actress Selena Gomez wore to 2018’s Met Gala event scored her a shameful place in many of the year's worst-dressed list. Not only was it considered a failure, but it has also sparked some controversy.
Many complained that her tan and makeup made her look as if she was from a different ethnicity. While the dress is not great, it isn't as bad as the hair and makeup. Some critics even bashed the star, claiming that she went through a horrible “tanning failure.” Yikes! Selena is a natural beauty, and we're sure her next Met Gala look is going to be spectacular.
The Corporate Look
Karlie Kloss is an American supermodel and has been declared by Vogue Paris as one of the “top 30 models of the 2000s.” Her job as a model is to take pictures wearing elaborate garments. Maybe this is why she chose such a simple look for the Met. The dress is inspired by something one would wear to the office, only, you know, not actually.
This take on office attire is a bit too revealing to be worn in a business meeting. Either way, while this is a nice look, we were underwhelmed by both the dress and the hair and makeup.
A Hot Mess
In 2017's Gala, Jake Gyllenhaal's sister, actress Maggie, donned a sequined ensemble in green and purple. We think the dress has a floral theme to it, but honestly, it is so shiny it's hard to tell. The two-time Oscar-nominated star may be great on-screen but somehow her fashion sense let her down quite a bit on this year’s event with the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” theme.
While the hyper-embellished garment may appear to be a dress, it is actually a wide pant. This look is our definition of a hot mess! We hope she gets the opportunity to redeem herself at another red-carpet event further down the line!
Shoulder Hair
When the theme is "Camp," and the attendee is RuPaul, the campiest drag queen out there, we'd expect to be blown away. RuPaul’s criteria for putting on his full drag attire is quite similar to the supermodels of the 90’s criteria for getting up and out of bed: only if there’s money involved. “I do it if someone is paying me to do it,” he said to Marketplace.
We do applaud the "Drag Race" host and producer for not taking the easy way out and showing up in an enormous dress. On the other hand, his striped sequin suit just wasn't enough.
Red & Blue
This dress is pretty and would work great for a red carpet or a movie premiere, but not for the Met Gala. Don't get us wrong, Jessica Chastain looks divine in this Prada gown. You can't really go wrong with blue silk, right?
The dress is beautifully constructed, and Jessica's makeup and hair are also spot-on; we just think she could have done more. Luckily, the star really managed to compensate for this at the 2023 “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” themed Met Gala. She exchanged her signature ginger head for platinum blonde, and she sported a stunningly sleek black dress.
Pretty in Pink
"Scandal"'s Kerry Washington adorned a Prada gown at the 2015 Met Gala. In a pink princess dress with embroidery on its train to somewhat match the ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’ theme. The actress looked absolutely flawless as she paraded the red carpet-event. The voluminous frock was just the best choice to impress everyone at the Gala.
The dress featured a low back and a bow where vast sections of the train rendered an enchanted silhouette. Kerry's jewel-toned emerald green accessories added an element of quirkiness that goes with the Prada vibe, and her smokey eye sealed the deal and made this look unforgettable.
Liquid Gold
This dress is gold! It literally looks like Hathaway is wearing liquid gold. The cape-like dress was custom-designed for Anne by no other than Ralph Lauren. The story behind the dress is just as exciting. Apparently, the gown was inspired by Buddha.
The star told Vanity Fair, “I found a number of contemporary Chinese artists that I liked, and I sent the ideas over to Ralph Lauren, and this one was what we decided to interpret - we interpreted Buddha with a hoodie.” The actress knocked 2015's (China: Through the Looking Glass) theme out of the park. And if there ever was a time that a celebrity managed to make a hoodie look extra classy, then it’s got to be this time.
Viva Liberace
This gorgeous garment was designed by "Project Runway" season four winner Christian Siriano. The sparkly bejeweled orange tuxedo and the magnificent cape both took two months to make. "American Horror Story" and "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy reported the garment celebrated child prodigy Liberace.
The star told People, “But it’s rooted in a real costume that Liberace donned called the Neptune.” He also added that he loved the “camp” theme because it’s a great, joyful, tender, and ironic word to play around with. The outfit weighs over 100 lbs, and apparently, it took a hefty five people to support the procedure of getting the thing on, but no pain, no gain, right? This look is a winner!
Ombré
As one of the world's highest-paid actresses, Scarlett didn't have to save money on a Met Gala dress. In 2018, she decided to spoil herself with a Marchesa ombré gown. It was rather controversial that she wore this fashion house’s dress as it recently went from an A-list favorite to a name that Hollywood stars are too afraid to be associated with, given the aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
Georgina Chapman is one of the co-founders of the fashion brand, and she is also the ex-wife of the aforementioned Weinstein. Either way, that didn’t seem to faze the star at all. This off-shoulder look isn't our favorite, but we trust Johansson's judgment. As one of Hollywood's leading ladies, she knows what she's doing!
Little Black Dress
Kylie Jenner, dubbed "Forbes's" youngest self-made billionaire in 2019 (or it later came out that she made it out to be that way under false pretenses), was dressed to the nines in 2019's Met Gala. In a long gown designed by Alexander Wang and bejeweled sunnies, she looks like she's ready to take on the world, though, let's admit it, she already kind of has.
This look is not only tame compared to what we're used to seeing at the Metropolitan Museum Gala, but it’s also tame for Jenner herself, who has been seen with almost every shade of hair color, but it still works.
Eyebrow Game
Kristen Stewart ascended to fame when she portrayed Bella Swan in the "Twilight Saga" movies. Her 2019 Gala look was all about the hair and make-up. Her Chanel outfit is monochromatic, letting her hair orange hair and eyebrows shine. Kristen mentioned she was inspired by David Bowie, and it shows.
We love how edgy this look is. And you can’t deny that only Stewart (with the help of the best glam squad in the industry) was able to pull this Bowie-esque “camp” look off so brilliantly. The neurotic hair was the work of colorist Danila Moon and stylist Adir Abergel and they couldn’t have done a more stellar job than this.
Double Trouble
Do you guys remember back when the Olsen Twins used to be everywhere? Nowadays, the two are lying low and almost completely out of the spotlight. That doesn’t mean that they are forgotten, though. Just before the two launched their very own fashion line, “The Row,” in 2006, the two made their first appearance at the Met Gala in 2005.
The Olsens didn't get the memo about the night's theme. While the Gala was celebrating Chanel, Ashley wore Oscar de la Renta while Mary-Kate donned a vintage piece. Despite these looks being so bluntly of the early noughties, we still enjoy them.
Put a Bow On It
This Prada frock might seem strange at first, but when the theme is camp, there's no such thing as too much. "The Great Gatsby" actor enrobed an elegant evening gown made out of various fabrics and textures.
With red sequins and black stain, the pink sash was really needed in order to somehow tie the whole look together, and Carey Mulligan looks great in it. In 2022, the star also attended the annual event, and this time, she wore a Schiaparelli Couture robe, which allegedly took an embroiderer 4000 hours to make. She obviously takes the saying “go big or go home” seriously when it comes to getting dressed up for big events.
Big Bird
We have to admit that we expect a lot from the woman known as "Vogue's" editor-in-chief. While the Met's theme changes every year, Anna Wintour usually chooses to go with something classic. And it was no different when she attended the event this particular year. It also goes without saying that the star is an unrivaled icon in the fashion industry.
Her cape makes her look like a high-fashion bird. She always wears a Chanel couture dress, and her hair is always in a bob. But at least in 2019, she gave us a little more, which makes sense with a theme like "Camp." Wintour has also served as the chairwoman of the Met Gala event since way back in 1995, so we think she kind of has a pass to wear whatever she pleases, even if she looks like a bird.
Full Metal Dress
Swift is known as a master songwriter, and her style tends to change to embody the mood of her latest album. In 2016, she had not yet released her album "Reputation," but she already knew it would be filled with snake imagery.
This could be the reason why she chose to wear this snake-scaled metallic dress by Louis Vuitton. Taylor bleached her hair, especially for the event. Social media wasn't a fan of the look, which was edgier than most of Taylor's looks. But hey, if you’re Taylor Swift, who is basically the queen bee right now, then we guess that anything goes.
Emma's Armor
We won't blame you if you forgot, but Emma Stone was a brunette for a short while. Don't worry; she dyed her hair back to her iconic red. But this event was where she debuted her chestnut-hued hair for the first time, so we feel like she deserved her own post despite what she was wearing.
For the Met Gala, The "La La Land" actress went for an armored white dress, which did fit with the night's theme of "Fashion in an Age of Technology." This look wasn't our favorite look of the night, but we are still huge fans of Stone, regardless of what she chooses to wear to this event.
All Eyes on Ezra
"Fantastic Beasts" star Ezra Miller came up with an outfit we couldn't keep our eyes off of. He is one of the industry's most interesting stars on the red carpet of late, so really, this whole look didn’t really surprise too many onlookers, but it did certainly bedazzle many.
As if his Burberry suit, rhinestone corset, and shoes weren't enough, he also had a mask of his own face. But that wasn't even the creepy part; behind the mask, he hid an array of eyes. Miller was inspired by artists like Dali and Magritte, and he does look like a work of art in this outfit.
A Beautiful Monster
Musician Janelle Monae presented this wonderfully whimsical dress at the 2019 Met Gala. She cooperated with Christian Siriano to create this gown, which Monae says was inspired by science fiction as well as the duality of the feminine and masculine. It’s also quite clear that the whole look also hit high notes of exaggerated glamor and art-historical pomp.
The dress embodied a balloon-hipped piece with a blinking eye covering one of her breasts. The star claimed that she wanted to bring out Picasso’s work when he went through an African Period in the early 1900s. Whatever she was inspired by, it worked; this dress is to die for. It is a unique piece that could have only been worn at the Met Gala.
Feathered Up
"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," star Liv Tyler showed up to the 2011 Met Gala in a white and yellow Givenchy gown. Don't get us wrong, we do think the dress is gorgeous, but it does feel like it could have worked for any red carpet.
It just doesn't have that "WOW" factor we were looking for. We have to admit, though, that it was a lot better than the look she rocked at the 1999 Met Gala in which she wore a plain black skirt and a white off-one-shoulder top that read “ROCK ROYALTY.”
A Bright Beret
Back in 2003, the Met Gala wasn't as prominent as it is today, which is the only explanation as to why Dunst showed up in this look. We do get that berets were trendy back in the early noughties, but the bright hat just doesn't go with Kirsten's black dress at all.
Especially since we know that it’s an actual Marc Jacobs dress after all. Don’t think that he would be too impressed with this pairing if he saw it now. Luckily for Dunst, she's had many years to make up for this look, and most people have probably forgotten it by now.
Floral Gown
In 2013, model Karlie Kloss wore a Louis Vuitton dress, but her Monique Pean necklace almost stole the show. Her bright pink lips look fabulous, though we are not sold on the hair and overall styling. While we love all of the elements of her outfit, we are not sure they all fit together to make a cohesive look.
Fortunately, the fashion model has had a lot of other opportunities at other Met Gala events to out do this look. In 2023 the star accessorized her a stunning black velvet dress with the sweetest baby bump that she debuted at the event.
A Train to Remember
A train will always steal the show. Endless trains have been a recurring theme in this prestigious ball and for a good reason. They have an impact that can't be denied. Beyond that, they most certainly have the ability to make stars shine brighter as they acquire so much space around them, so it’s a given that any celeb with a long trail is bound to stand out in the crowds of people.
And For Cardi B, there's no such thing as overdoing it. A sparkly cap? Sure. Feathers Galore? No problem. A 10 feet train? Bring it on! This $250,000 dress was worth every penny.
The Wrong Party
As we already mentioned, after-parties got big in recent years. Kim Kardashian wasn't about to let anyone outshine her. While this look can't be ignored, we are not sure it's a good thing. Maybe she thought it was Halloween? In a skintight blue dress and a shiny wig, Kim is obviously giving a nod to Cher.
While she did go all out, we are not fans of the look. On the red carpet, before the 2019 Met Gala afterparty, the star donned a skintight tan frock with crystal ornaments dripping down to resemble water. That look was great, so we’re not too sure why she went and changed into this after that stunning little number.
A Cinderella Moment
Zendaya smashed 2019's theme. What's campier than an over-the-top Disney-inspired princess gown? Nothing! The dress was designed by legendary Tommy Hilfiger. The actress's stylist, Roach, accompanied her on the red carpet dressed as the fairy godmother. She also had a bag shaped like Cinderella's pumpkin carriage, and if that's not enough, her gown lit up on the red carpet.
The star has a great track record of religiously sticking to the event’s theme, and This enchanting look gets her an automatic ten out of ten. At the same event the year before, the star rocked up in a Joan of Arc-influenced Versace custom-made gown, which also bang on hit the theme of the party of bang on the head.
Would You Like Fries With That?
The Met has become so huge in recent years that celebs sport different looks in the main event and in the after-party. If you thought the after-party outfits would be a little bit more chill, think again.
For instance, Katy Perry went the extra mile and she clearly takes parties very seriously, so in 2019 she wore a full-on hamburger costume for the one that came after the main event. She obviously took the “Camp” theme of the party to the next level with this head-turning outfit. Perry always slays it when it comes to the Gala, and we gotta admit we love this quirky look.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Katy Perry is never one to do things lightly when it comes to creating an over-the top look. It, therefore comes as no surprise that she made our list, and she will probably do it again at some point in the years to come. Oddly enough, she’s literally wearing lights. Back in 2010, she had lights look that was slightly more subtle, if that’s even possible, for dresses created with lights.
She’s decked out like a full-blown chandelier – headpiece and all. The outfit was designed by Jeremy Scott from the brand Moschino. We admit, it doesn’t look so much like an outfit as a Halloween costume - but the theme for that year was Camp, and that year saw the Gala go wild.
Ages Past
Supermodel Amber Valletta has attended many Met Gala events throughout her modeling career and often parades some of the most prominent designer names in the industry. She also holds a special place in her heart for the Models as Muse Met Gala since some of her own work was being commemorated, so the entire event really hit home for her.
But at 2004’s Gala, she arrived in this Maggie Norris Couture corset and John Galliano skirt that really nailed the "Dangerous Liaisons" theme. In no other place in the modern world would this look make sense than the Met Gala…
Too Much Fluff
At the 2017 Met Gala, anticipation was pretty high for Rihanna’s look, and given the event dress code, she did not let anyone down. Rhianna arrived in a costume that was beloved by many at the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between” themed event.
We aren’t too sure about the whole look and don’t know if it’s just that we're really not a fan of the avant-garde or what, but we can’t see what anyone finds appealing about this kind of poofy, bizarre style. However, she did stick to the theme beautifully, showing up in a look done by Rei Kawakubo herself.
That’s a Wrap
As per the usual Met Gala tradition, some attendees of the event always manage to make headlines for the things they choose to wear, and by this, we’re referring to none other than Madonna. She has a thing for baring it all on the red carpet, which was extra apparent when she showed up to the 2016 Met Gala in a Givenchy Haute Couture dress.
But it was the black tape that she donned all over her body that really made the look. But when you’re Madonna going to the Met Gala – you can pretty much get away with wearing anything or nothing at all.
Nun Other Than
If there ever was a Latin star that everyone wanted to see at the annual Met Gala then it’s probably got to be this one. "Baby Driver" actress Eiza Gonzalez, of Mexican descent, completely nailed the "Heavenly Bodies" theme at the 2019 event when she arrived in this daring Prabal Gurung ensemble.
It had a little bit of a naughty and nice flair to it, between the black, cutout front, and trailing white cape. She may not look like any nun that will be teaching Sunday school anytime soon, but she definitely wins for the best looks of the evening.
Who Wore it Best?
Donatella Versace is a noteworthy representative of her iconic Italian fashion house’s style of opulence and jubilance. She is easily recognizable thanks to her lush platinum blonde locks and has been slaying in the fashion industry since the late 70s when she took charge of Versace’s advertising campaigns.
Well, you may most likely recognize this dress as worn by another certain singer at another major event, but long before J. Lo donned it; Donatella Versace herself wore the Versace gown to the 1999 Met Gala. The theme that year was "Rock Style," and Tommy Hilfiger sponsored the entire event. Well, the dress looked great both times, so it’s no wonder Lopez chose to wear it the following year to the Grammys.
What the Puff
The look on the faces of everyone standing behind and looking at Pharrell Williams’ wife, Helen, on the red carpet, says it all. It’s the same look that’s probably on your face right now as you’re trying to figure out what on earth she’s wearing, too. Even Pharrell doesn’t look too comfortable himself as he stands beside his wife and her daring dress for the 2017 Met Gala.
The outfit, a look created by Comme des Garçons, looks like an odd-shaped puffer jumper. Granted, that year’s Gala was based on the avant-garde designer, Rei Kawakubo, the face behind the line. Still, we say, “Why?” Or maybe, “What?”
Classic Hollywood
The stunning supermodel Taylor Hill was only 23 years old when she walked the carpet at the 2019 Met Gala. She was turning a lot of heads while looking lovely in a Ralph Lauren dress adorned in Butani and Yvan Tufenkjian jewels. Everything about her look, from the gown to the jewelry to the gloves and hairstyle, screamed “old Hollywood.”
She earned herself a spot on many best-dressed lists that year for her choice in attire. Hill is both a model and actress and has been known for her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, which she started in 2015.
See You Later
It’s not every day that we get to see Anne Hathaway with newly bleached blonde hair, but at this particular event, the star was feeling extra daring when it came to not only her outfit but also her hair. It’s easy to see why Anne Hathaway landed on numerous best-dressed lists in 2013.
"The Devil Wears Prada" actress walked the red carpet at the Met Gala in a sleek black semi-sheer dress by Valentino. It was a look that worked perfectly for the "Punk: Chaos to Couture" theme of the year. She accompanied the zig-zaggy dress with a small, black clutch from the same designer and a platinum-blonde pixie.
Stun Guns
The Brazilian born Supermodel Gisele Bündchen’s look at the 2008 Met Gala has not only landed her on several best-dressed lists of the evening but also lists of some of the best looks she’s ever rocked in her history as a public figure, and that’s saying a lot!
And this was certainly not the first or last Gala event in which the star stunned audiences across the globe. She showed off her lovely figure in a form-fitting, pink satin Versace dress with strategically placed cutouts. The model chose a few classic accessories to adorn the look, along with a fresh-faced glow.
Swimming in Plaid
Julie Macklowe blended into the rest of the over-the-top looks at the 2017 Gala, even though she looked like a tablecloth mixed with someone who was throwing on random things they found in a Halloween bin in their attic. We are not too sure where exactly her arms went.
But That’s the thing – no one really knows. It remains a mystery to this day. The American socialite used to be in finance, working for JPMorgan Partners in Asia, but she later founded vbeaute which is now a former beauty and skincare line for women. In 2008, Macklowe was dubbed Vogue magazine’s “It Girl.”
Flower Power
Jennifer Lopez is under no circumstances unfamiliar with the Met Gala ceremonies. Since her first attendance at this exclusive event, she has consistently been glamorizing the evening with her extravagant presence. This eye-catching, fuchsia-colored Gucci gown turned all heads towards Jennifer Lopez as she walked the carpet at the 2011 Gala.
Some say that the shrug overwhelms the look a bit, but it received mixed reviews, as others said she carried it well and didn’t let it distract from the overall beauty of the flowy dress. She kept her hair sleekly pulled back and chose to carry a small clutch so as not to overpower the attire.
Layer Cake
Cameron Diaz looked like a breath of fresh air when she arrived at 2007’s event in a layered Christian Dior gown in bright fuchsia color. For the "Poiret: King of Fashion" theme, she accentuated her bright-colored, shifty dress with a large, matching turquoise necklace and earrings set. This was the actress’s first appearance at the event, and boy, oh boy, did she leave her mark on this particular night.
This was also around the time that the star was at the height of her fame, and she certainly knew how to dress up for the party on this particular night. Apparently, layered dresses were in that year, as the other woman seen here on the red carpet is wearing one as well.
Bell of the Ball
The “Romeo + Juliet” actress Claire Danes rocked a Cinderella-esque Zach Posen dress at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2016 Met gala event. The drapey blue gown is stunning on its own, but it’s a fact it glowed in the dark that made it particularly spectacular.
Later, Posen revealed that, even though it may look heavy, it’s actually hollowed out on the inside and, therefore, super lightweight. She wins for that year’s theme: "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.” One can also see the dress’s outer shiny layer that gives it a whole electric look, which goes perfectly with the party’s theme. Well done to her and her dress designer!
Twins
Jared Leto turned heads – two of which belonged to him – at the 2019 Met Gala when he showed up in this bright red, bedazzled getup. But it wasn’t so much the outfit that landed him on our list, but the fact he was toting a one-of-a-kind accessory that made little sense: a life-like replica of his head.
The look was a nod to Alessandro Michele’s “Cyborg” runway show in 2018, where he sent his models down the runway carrying their own “severed heads.” The “30 Seconds to Mars” singer wore a red Gucci-designed suit to go with his banging accessory. The adorning diamantes over the capey suit really pulled the whole off nicely.
Material Girl
When it comes to the one-time queen of pop, Madonna, everyone knows that her fashion sense can be fabulous but at the same time outrageous from time to time. The outfit Madonna pulled out for the 2009 Met Gala confused people everywhere. Was she trying to channel her "Like a Virgin" self?
The short, puffy dress, thigh-high boots, and strange accessories all screamed, “I’m going to shoot a music video – in the ‘80s.” The look was a big miss for the night’s theme: "The Model as a Muse: Embodying Fashion." Unless, perhaps, she was traveling back in time to embody the fashion of decades past.
A Hairy Situation
Celebrities tend to accessorize with some bizarre stuff at this annual event. Like Jared Leto, who we saw a few moments ago with his identical twin head. Sometimes these accessories work, but other times they just leave audiences wondering what they were thinking.
Just take Jaden Smith, for instance, who walked around on the carpet in 2017 with a handful of his dreadlocks, which he’d chopped off not long before. The Louis Vuitton suit he wore and some gold chains looked nice, but the hair kind of threw things off. So, let’s say he lands in the gray area of our list.
Mix and Match
Sarah Jessica Parker’s 2006 fusion dress was a perfect choice for the Met Gala theme: "Anglomania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion." The outfit was designed by the legendary Alexander McQueen and looked just like something her character, Carrie Bradshaw, would wear to go out on the town in the streets of New York in her iconic series and movies "Sex and the City."
It was most definitely a controversial frock, but we think it was pulled off quite nicely. SJP rarely lets us down with her Met Gala attire, and this year was certainly no different. It’s been noted as one of her best of all time, according to "Allure" magazine.
First Time’s a Charm
When Celine Dion stepped onto the red carpet at her very first Met Gala in 2017, she was determined to make it count. With a “go big or go home” attitude, The singer later reported that when she was getting ready, it felt like a lot, “it’s like getting ready to kiss for the first time, this is huge!”
She opted for a wrap-style Isabel Marant dress that made a remarkably sexy slit starting at the waist, with a dark headpiece and matching smokey eyes. And let’s not forget the flashy sliver bodysuit. Choosing a pair of shoes couldn’t have been easy for her since she claims she has over 10,000 pairs.
Yellow There
It’s impossible to forget the time that Rihanna made a lot of heads turn when she appeared at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2015. She graced the red carpet in a yellow Chinese couture getup by Guo Pei, complete with a long, flowing, imperial yellow cape.
The designer is incredibly popular with stars in China, and, since the pop diva reached for her garments, it has started to rise in popularity in the States as well. We think that she absolutely rocked this look, but later on, the star admitted that she felt a bit over-the-top. But anyway, who said that there’s anything wrong with an over-the-top look when it comes to the Met Gala?
Cinderella
The New York native designer Zac Posen is the magical godfather behind Doutzen Kroes’ Cinderella-like 2010 Gala gown. The dress was designed for the theme: "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity." Aside from the gorgeous blue gown, sleek curls and red lipstick were a perfect touch to complete this classic look.
There were hardly any naysayers, and comments were, for the most part, raving about the beautiful look. “Now that’s a ball gown,” said one reviewer. Doutzen Kroes is a supermodel of Dutch descent. She began her modeling career in her native country but quickly got noticed and sent to New York, where she was instantly cast by Victoria’s Secret lingerie brand.
Gold Rush
We all know that Cate Blanchett is an A-lister who rarely disappoints when she attends red-carpet events. She has attended many throughout her reign and is no stranger to having iconic fashion designer moments. On this particular red carpet event, Blanchett’s golden fringe gown by Balenciaga was a showstopper at the 2007 Gala.
She perfectly tuned in to the royal theme, "Poiret: King of Fashion," and accessorized just beautifully, with a golden clutch and turquoise earrings. The actress rarely disappoints when she makes her red-carpet appearances, so it should come as no surprise that she’s landed on the best-dressed list.
Far Out
Elle Fanning probably couldn’t handle much of anything herself on the night of the 2019 Meg Gala when she appeared in this ‘70s-styled Miu Miu bell-bottom and wing-sleeved salmon-colored outfit. Each of her nails was done up in something that extended a good inch from her fingertips.
But she did do the theme, "Camp: Notes on Fashion," justice with the overall look. We definitely think that the color of her outfit popped with her gorgeous locks of blonde hair. However, we do feel like she could have easily lost the tacky necklace, which kind of seems like it threw her whole outfit out of the window.
Pieced Together
Model Gigi Hadid seemed to be channeling a bit of French maid with this odd Tommy Hilfiger look that combines a choppy, nude-colored dress with black fishnet thigh-highs. The whole thing just screamed “mess” and landed her on several worst-dressed lists from the event.
Of course, there were a few people who thought the dress, sans the fishnets, looked appealing. We aren’t sure if it’s the actual dress that caused all the controversy or the color tones, which clearly didn’t work too well with the star’s hair and skin tone. Maybe, just maybe, the same dress with a few shades darker would have been a better fit.
Fruit Basket
Cara Delevigne was definitely not playing it safe when she attempted to channel Chiquita Banana with her bright-colored getup at the 2019 Gala. She mostly certainly hit the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" theme on the head, but whether the whole thing went according to plan or not, we aren’t so sure.
It wasn’t so much the striped rainbow-colored dress or even the scepter. It was the hat that turned heads. The headpiece she was wearing was covered in fake teeth and eyeballs – one of which she said afterward weighed 10 pounds. Apparently, her scepter broke in the lobby of her hotel on the way to the event, and a stranger lent her a glue gun.
Walking Tall
Lady Gaga should win some kind of award for being able to walk in insanely high-heeled and often odd-shaped shoes. At 2016’s Gala, she unsurprisingly nailed the "Manus x Machina" concept in a sparkling Versace jacket and sky-high heels. But there was one part of the outfit that seemed to be missing since she opted for the unitard instead of pants.
She is famously known for her bold, eclectic, and sometimes outworldly fashion choices and has a knack for incorporating many different elements into her style. She is no stranger to extravagant, sometimes over-the-top, and most times bizarre looks, but she mostly manages to pull something spectacular off.
Punk and the City
Sarah Jessica Parker, much like the character she played on the hit series "Sex and the City," is known for her ability to dress well. Sometimes, she likes to do something a little eccentric, and this was definitely one of those times! She nailed the "Chaos to Couture" aspect of the punk theme in her gold-splattered leaf-print gown from the Giles fall collection.
She totally could’ve added a mohawk, but instead, she opted for an interesting headpiece and velvet Christian Louboutin boots that pulled the whole look together. SJP for the win once again! But we're not all that surprised, are you?
Queen Bey
Beyonce is no stranger to turning heads at events, and the 2015 Met Gala was no different. She slayed in a sheer-looking Givenchy dress after arriving at the carpet fashionably late (like her lyrics say, “I’m so reckless when I rock my Givenchy dress.”)
She’s wearing a nude bodysuit underneath the sheer outing so as not to risk exposing anything to the crowd. This marked this fifth year in a row. She chose Givenchy for the Gala. It comes as no surprise that the star made it onto several best-dressed lists with her glitzy and glamorous look on this occasion.
School Dance
We haven’t seen Jessica Alba in a good while, but before she went missing in action, she was donning the red carpets of New York in what sometimes appeared to be a very down-to-earth look. While many stars take their outfits way over the top at the Met Gala each year, actress Jessica Alba decided to roll towards the other end of the spectrum.
While she looks decent, it also appears as if she’s gotten dressed to go to a high-school prom rather than such a major event. It probably cost her an arm and a leg, but if we’re being honest, it looks like something any teenage girl could go pick up at her local boutique to head to the homecoming dance.
Borrowed from Grandma
Gwyneth Paltrow’s pale yellow Jimmy Choo dress that she chose for the 2019 Gala has been compared to a “nightgown out of grandma's closet,” with some reporters quipping, “grandma wants her fancy nightgown back!” We also aren’t too sure if this dress really fits the whole memo of the "Camp: Notes on Fashion" theme of the evening. The strange neckline that appears almost clown-like doesn’t help her case, either.
We will say that this color does wonders for the actress and founder of the wellness brand Goop. Also, it was quite a surprise that she even attended the event since she slammed the organization back in 2013, stating that she never wanted to attend the event ever again due to the hot, ‘un-fun’ and crowded vibes that the night gave way to. Nonetheless, she showed her face at the event again, six years later.
Winging It
We did warn you that this singer loves to go the extra mile when it comes to getting dressed up for parties. The theme of 2018’s Met Gala, “Catholic Imagination,” inspired plenty of angelic and devilish attire. Once again, Katy Perry did not disappoint when she showed up in a dazzling gold Versace dress with a giant pair of wings.
When she was asked by reporters how she felt in the outfit that night, she responded, “I feel very angelic. Celestial. Ethereal.” It is a stunning look, but it also looks like it’d be heavy – and extremely hard to sit down in.
Unisex Black Dress
Well, there have been plenty of stars to grace the red carpet at the Met Gala throughout the years in black lace/sheer dresses – though, for the most part, they’ve been women.
But designer Marc Jacobs decides to mix things up at 2012’s NY event by showing up in this long, see-through shirt dress over a pair of white boxers. And might we add that he may have won the prize for the most controversial male outfit for that year? Just saying. But, hey, it looks a hell of a lot more comfortable than the majority of other looks on our list, that’s for sure!
Back to the Future
You know, Woodley’s look also seems like it may have fit in better at the 2016 Gala, with its Star Trek-like feel. Katy Perry arrived in this fitted, black, and gold Prada gown. The dress is pretty lovely, but it’s the hair and makeup that throw the look off.
With the combination of a beehive and black lipstick, it’s hard to want to nominate her for any best-dressed awards. In fact, the getup landed her on several worst-of lists. Perry is no stranger to taking risks when it comes to over-the-top fashion, and this may be one of those occasions that the risk didn’t work out in her favor. Oops!
Curtain Call
Most of the time, the Kardashians know how to turn heads with the looks that they create for big events. Sometimes, heads are turned because they look immaculate, and other times, it's due to poor wardrobe decisions. Perhaps this time was the latter. Kim Kardashian’s 2013 Met Gala getup is reminiscent of curtains you’d see hanging in grandma and grandpa’s place.
The pregnant celebrity chose this busy, floral print, which didn’t suit her very well, and drew an array of negative reviews from commentators after the event. Later, she admitted that she “cried the whole way home” over the poor response to the Givenchy gown.
Condiment Gown
At the 2014 Met Gala, actress Katie Holmes arrived in a super-bright, mustard-colored yellow dress by Marchesa. Perhaps she was trying to channel Belle from "Beauty and the Beast." However, something just got lost in translation, and the off-colored, off-the-shoulder dress scored her a spot on several worst-dressed lists that year.
In fact, that year’s event has been called the “worst-dressed met Gala ever.” The theme was “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.” Charles Wilson James was one of the most prominent fashion designers of the 20th century, but since the theme was quite dated, it may explain why it was dubbed one of the worst-dressed Gala events.
Golden Goddess
Nicole Kidman may not be the most regular attendee of the Met Gala since she’s only attended about four times, but when she does decide to pitch, she’s usually one of the most notable stars to grace the event. She was stunned in this nude-colored, form-fitting embellished dress by Tom Ford for Gucci at the 2003 Gala.
The event was governed by the theme, "Goddess: The Classical Mode," so the gown was a perfect choice for the evening. Her sleek ponytail, a simple clutch, and drapey earrings add nice touches to the ensemble as well. She also attended the event in 2005, 2016, and more recently in 2023, in which she wore the same dress that she wore in the Chanel No.5 commercial.
Glow Getter
As if Katy Perry doesn’t garner enough attention on the red carpet, she wears a spotlight dress at the 2010 event. This is just another one of the many remarkable appearances that the star has brought to the red carpet event. She has attended almost 10 of the Met Gala evenings and every time she manages to make it onto some or other rated list.
This time, the dress, which on its own was fairly simple, done in pale pink with one shoulder, was lined with rope lights that glowed in different colors. Again, the getup received mixed reviews, with many saying they liked the dress, but the large necklace she chose to accessorize with was overkill. What do you think?
Side Show
Stars take some calculated risks when they choose certain designs to wear out to events. And any woman will let you know when you’re choosing a risky outfit for a grand night out, it's crucial to examine the look from all angles, but apparently, this actress forgot to do an obligatory twirl in front of her mirror before this event.
A sheer dress, or Gwyneth Paltrow’s slinky purple Prada mini dress she wore to the 2012 Met Gala, may make for some embarrassing moments on the red carpet – depending on how you feel about flashing the world. Still, the dress itself, while fairly simple, looks stunning on her, even if parts of her are pretty exposed.
From Top to…Feathers?
Beyonce’s Givenchy couture gown looks beautiful on her – from the shoulders to the thighs, anyway. The purple feathers just destroy the outfit which she chose for the 2012 Gala in New York. The theme for that year was “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations. We all know about Prada, but incase you didn’t know Elsa Schiaparelli was a fashion designer from an Italian aristocratic background who set up shop in Paris in the late 20s.
The star’s dress got mixed reviews, with many not only disliking the feathers but also claiming that it was too sheer in some areas. Her sleeked-back ponytail and classic makeup look nice – and perhaps the dress would’ve too, sans the feathers. Especially purple feathers! Yikes!