Met Gala’s Best Looks Ever: See the Greatest Outfits of All Time

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May 6, 2024 8:30AM EDT
Blake Lively
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From Blake Lively to Beyonce – see photos all of the best Met Gala looks throughout the years.

The Met Gala is more important to the fashion industry than any show at New York Fashion Week and with good reason. Every year on the first Monday in May, countless celebrities show up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City dressed impeccably to fit a specific theme. It’s basically a costume party – albeit the costumes are incredibly expensive custom couture gowns and the partygoers are some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Some celebrities don’t go too hard with the theme, but others like Rihanna and Zendaya consistently shine on the carpet in perfect ensembles.

The 2024 Met Gala theme is “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” which celebrities, of course, will use as inspiration for fairytale looks.

Continue clicking to see some of the best Met Gala looks of all-time.

1 of 42

Kim Kardashian Dripping in Pearls

Kim Kardashian Dripping in Pearls
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Kim Kardashian dripped in pearls — just like she did for her 2007 ‘Playboy’ photo shoot — while attending the 2023 Met Gala on May 1, 2023. She was there celebrating the opening of the Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty exhibition.

May 1, 2023, 9:08PM
2 of 42

Sydney Sweeney Sparkles in Coral

Sydney Sweeney Sparkles in Coral
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Sydney Sweeney honored the Karl Lagerfeld-inspired theme at the Met Gala on May 1, 2023. She showed up wearing a gorgeous coral Miu Miu dress, which was encrusted with bejeweled embellishments throughout. The gown had a long, stunning train that looked like absolute perfection as she posed for photos. Sydney’s hair was styled in loose waves for the event, with a black bow atop her head. The bow matched a black bow on the bottom half of her dress, as well.

May 1, 2023, 9:10PM
3 of 42

Gisele Bundchen Floats Like a Victoria’s Secret Angel

Gisele Bundchen Floats Like a Victoria’s Secret Angel
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Gisele Bundchen wore a Chanel bridal gown she previously wore for a photoshoot as she smiled her way down the Met Gala red carpet on May 1, 2023. This was one of her first public events since her split from Tom Brady. 

May 1, 2023, 9:09PM
4 of 42

Beyonce Dreams Of The Future In Givenchy Dress

Beyonce Dreams Of The Future In Givenchy Dress
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Beyoncé wears a puff-sleeved, latex dress featuring a floral design for the 2016 Met Gala. The Givenchy dress is dotted with pretty pearls. 

May 1, 2020, 5:35PM
5 of 42

Beyoncé Dazzles In Givenchy

Beyoncé Dazzles In Givenchy
Marion Curtis/Starpix/Shuttersto

Beyonce Knowles covers herself in rainbow rhinestones in this elegant, sheer Givenchy dress for the 2015 Met Gala. The theme of the ball was “China: Through the Looking Glass.” 

May 1, 2020, 5:35PM
6 of 42

Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner Match In Gucci

Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner Match In Gucci
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/Shutte

Looking Gucci in Gucci. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner attend their first Met Gala as a married couple in avant-garde print ensembles, courtesy of Gucci, for the 2019 ball. The theme was “Camp: Notes on Fashion.”

May 1, 2020, 5:35PM
7 of 42

Camila Mendes Brings Out The Feathers

Camila Mendes Brings Out The Feathers
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Big Bird — but make it high fashion. For the whimwical theme of “Camp: Notes on Fashion” at the 2019 Met Gala, Camila Mendes wears a bright yellow ballgown with a feathered skirt (designed by Prabal Gurung). A pewter-colored ribbon and heels added a cool touch to the cheery dress.

May 1, 2020, 5:35PM
8 of 42

Priyanka Chopra Channels The Mad Hatter

Priyanka Chopra Channels The Mad Hatter
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Priyanka Chopra brings the imaginative fashion, pastel colors and fantasy themes found in Alice In Wonderland onto the red carpet at the 2019 Met Gala! Her dress — which took 1500 hours to make — was designed by Dior. 

May 1, 2020, 5:35PM
9 of 42

Lady Gaga Kicks Off Met Gala With Outfit No. 1

Lady Gaga Kicks Off Met Gala With Outfit No. 1
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Lady Gaga kicks off her parade of outfits at the 2019 Met Gala, which asked guests to dress to the theme of “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” The umbrellas seemed like a wink at Mary Poppins — the queen of campy musicals!

May 1, 2020, 5:35PM
10 of 42

Gisele Bundchen Shows Off Her Custom Dior

Gisele Bundchen Shows Off Her Custom Dior
David Fisher/Shutterstock

Gisele Bundchen holds up the pretty skirt of her pleated custom Dior dress at the 2019 Met Gala. The model opted out of flashy makeup and accessories, keeping the attention on her simple yet elegant belted dress. 

May 1, 2020, 5:35PM
11 of 42

Kim Kardashian Looks Like A

Kim Kardashian Looks Like A
Stephen Lovekin/BEI/Shutterstock

Kim Kardashian looks like she shipwrecked on a luxurious island, instead of the steps of the 2019 Met Gala! The KUWTK star channels a beautiful mermaid in this latex dress affixed with dangling crystals, which Thierry Mugler designed to make Kim look like a California girl who just stepped out of the ocean.

May 1, 2020, 10:29AM
12 of 42

Jennifer Lopez Takes The Spotlight In Atelier Versace

Jennifer Lopez Takes The Spotlight In Atelier Versace
Broadimage/Shutterstock

Jennifer Lopez dazzles in head-to-toe silver at the 2019 Met Gala for the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” theme. The singer wears a sequined gown designed by Atelier Versace.

May 1, 2020, 10:28AM
13 of 42

Kylie & Kendall Jenner Twin In Versace

Kylie & Kendall Jenner Twin In Versace
Michael Buckner/Variety/Shutters

Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner have a powerful sibling moment in these orange and purple orange Versace gowns at the 2019 Met Gala. Look at all those feathers!

May 1, 2020, 10:28AM
14 of 42

Emily Ratajkowski Transforms Into A Fantasy Character

Emily Ratajkowski Transforms Into A Fantasy Character
Broadimage/Shutterstock

Emily Ratajkowski looks like she fluttered right out of a fairytale (or a Lord Of The Rings Movie) in this sheer Dundas silver dress and winged headpiece at the 2019 Met Gala. An A-plus ensemble that showcased Emily’s creativity and legendary abs!

May 1, 2020, 10:28AM
15 of 42

Bella Hadid Has A Vogue Moment In Moschino

Bella Hadid Has A Vogue Moment In Moschino
Michael Buckner/Variety/Shutters

Bella Hadid exudes the same glamour of a ’90s supermodel in this Moschino dress with jeweled sleeves at the 2019 Met Gala. A tulle skirt adds a surprising touch to the black gown. 

May 1, 2020, 10:28AM
16 of 42

Naomi Campbell Combines Feathers, Lace & Tulle

Naomi Campbell Combines Feathers, Lace & Tulle
Broadimage/Shutterstock

Naomi Campbell ties in a number of pretty materials — lavendar tulle, feathers and white lace — into one elegant ensemble for the 2019 Met Gala. The supermodel is wearing Valentino.

May 1, 2020, 10:29AM
17 of 42

Constance Wu Takes A Cue From The Roaring ’20s

Constance Wu Takes A Cue From The Roaring ’20s
JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Constance Wu could’ve been mistaken for a partygoer at Jay Gatsby’s mansion in this flapper-inspired dress at the 2019 Met Gala. The actress is wearing Marchesa. 

 

May 1, 2020, 10:29AM
18 of 42

Halsey Turns Into Wonder Woman

Halsey Turns Into Wonder Woman
Broadimage/Shutterstock

Halsey is the superhero of the ball in this two-piece red satin ensemble designed by Prabal Gurung, paired with glimmering gold cuffs. The singer attends the 2019 Met Gala. 

May 1, 2020, 10:29AM
19 of 42

Met Gala, Meet Your Pope

Met Gala, Meet Your Pope
Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock

Rihanna emulated the Pope for the theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” at the 2018 Met Gala. She wore a stunning Maison Margiela look to the event. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
20 of 42

Zendaya Makes A Fashion Tribute To France’s Hero

Zendaya Makes A Fashion Tribute To France’s Hero
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock

Zendaya gave off major Joan of Arc vibes for the theme of “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” at the 2018 Met Gala. She showed up in an armor-inspired outfit by Atelier Versace. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
21 of 42

Taylor Swift Is Pretty In Oscar De La Renta

Taylor Swift Is Pretty In Oscar De La Renta
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/REX/Sh

Taylor Swift looked gorgeous at the 2014 Met Gala. She wore a pink Oscar de la Renta gown for the theme of “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
22 of 42

Selena Gomez Looks Lovely In A Dainty Coach Dress

Selena Gomez Looks Lovely In A Dainty Coach Dress
Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Selena Gomez wore a blush Coach dress with a delicate floral pattern to the 2017 Met Gala. The look was meant to fit the theme of “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
23 of 42

Kendall Jenner Makes A Bold Statement In La Perla

Kendall Jenner Makes A Bold Statement In La Perla
James Gourley/BEI/REX/Shuttersto

Kendall Jenner was practically naked at the 2017 Met Gala in a sheer dress by La Perla. The see-through gown also featured a massive cutout down the front, a thigh-high slit and an open back. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
24 of 42

Kylie Jenner Sparkles In Balmain

Kylie Jenner Sparkles In Balmain
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock

Kylie Jenner looked incredible at the 2016 Met Gala. For the theme of “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” the reality star opted for a silver Balmain gown. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
25 of 42

Kim Kardashian Suits Up In Balmain

Kim Kardashian Suits Up In Balmain
Andrew H Walker/REX/Shutterstock

Kim Kardashian looked like a sexy robot in a silver metallic Balmain gown at the 2016 Met Gala. The dress fit in well with the theme of “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
26 of 42

Hailey Baldwin Is The Princess Of The Ball

Hailey Baldwin Is The Princess Of The Ball
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock

Hailey Baldwin looked like real life Cinderella in this pretty powder blue gown by Tommy Hilfiger. The model dyed her hair pink and wore a flower crown to complete the ethereal ensemble. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
27 of 42

Rihanna Wins The 2017 Met Gala Theme

Rihanna Wins The 2017 Met Gala Theme
Marion Curtis/Starpix/REX/Shutte

Rihanna nailed the theme of “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between” at the 2017 Met Gala. The singer rocked a wild floral dress by Comme de Garcon for the event. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
28 of 42

Gigi Hadid Is A Walking Piece Of Art

Gigi Hadid Is A Walking Piece Of Art
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock

Gigi Hadid channeled stained glass for her “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” ensemble. The model stunned in a multicolored Versace gown for the 2018 event. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
29 of 42

Rihanna Floats On The Red Carpet In Majestic Gold Gown

Rihanna Floats On The Red Carpet In Majestic Gold Gown
Gregory Pace/BEI/REX/Shutterstoc

Rihanna solidified herself as the Met Gala queen when she arrived at the 2015 Met Gala in a giant yellow gown. The dress was designed by Chinese designer Guo Pei and perfectly fit the theme of “China: Through the Looking Glass.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
30 of 42

Gigi Hadid Poses In A Disco Ball Bodysuit Dress

Gigi Hadid Poses In A Disco Ball Bodysuit Dress
Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock

Gigi Hadid killed it at the 2016 Met Gala in this sequin and chiffon Tommy Hilfiger gown. The grey ensemble was a great choice for the theme of “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
31 of 42

Bella Hadid Opts Out A Gown For A Catsuit

Bella Hadid Opts Out A Gown For A Catsuit
Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock

Bella Hadid wowed at the 2017 Met Gala in a partially see-through catsuit by Alexander Wang. She paired the off-the-shoulder jumpsuit with silver bracelets and black heels. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
32 of 42

Amanda Seyfried Transforms Into A Renaissance Princess

Amanda Seyfried Transforms Into A Renaissance Princess
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock

Amanda Seyfried was basically a Greek goddess in a mustard Prada gown at the 2018 Met Gala. Her flowy ensemble was an excellent choice for “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
33 of 42

Jennifer Lopez Stuns In Unique Floral Sleeves

Jennifer Lopez Stuns In Unique Floral Sleeves
Gregory Pace/BEI/REX/Shutterstoc

Jennifer Lopez stunned in a ruffled red Gucci dress at the 2011 Met Gala. She wore the dress for the theme of “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
34 of 42

Gisele Bündchen Is Red Hot In Alexander McQueen

Gisele Bündchen Is Red Hot In Alexander McQueen
Marion Curtis/Starpix/REX/Shutte

Gisele Bündchen turned heads at the 2011 Met Gala in a strapless red Alexander McQueen gown. The look was perfect for the theme of “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
35 of 42

Zendaya Makes An Artistic Statement In Dolce & Gabbana

Zendaya Makes An Artistic Statement In Dolce & Gabbana
Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock

Zendaya killed it at the 2017 Met Gala in this stunning parrot-covered Dolce & Gabbana gown. She wore the off-the-shoulder dress for the theme of “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
36 of 42

Lupita Nyong’o Has A Unique Take On Flapper Fashion

Lupita Nyong’o Has A Unique Take On Flapper Fashion
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP/REX/Sh

Lupita Nyong’o gave off flapper vibes in this green and brown ensemble designedd by Prada for the 2014 theme of “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.” She finished the look off with jewel-encrusted heels and a green and silver headband. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
37 of 42

Zendaya Shines In Sun-Inspired Ensemble

Zendaya Shines In Sun-Inspired Ensemble
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP/REX/Sh

Zendaya was glowing on the red carpet at the 2015 Met Gala. For the theme of “China: Through the Looking Glass” she wore a black and red dress by Fausto Puglisi, featuring a uniquely constrcuted skirt that is a piece of art in itself! 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
38 of 42

Claire Danes Gives Cinderella A Run For Her Money

Claire Danes Gives Cinderella A Run For Her Money
Erik Pendzich/REX/Shutterstock

Claire Danes channeled Cinderella in this pale blue strapless dress by Zac Posen. The ball gown was a departure from the many metallics on the red carpet but still fit the theme of “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” thanks to the fact that it featured fiber optics, giving it the ability to light up.  

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
39 of 42

Priyanak Chopra Makes A Trench Coat Red Carpet-Chic

Priyanak Chopra Makes A Trench Coat Red Carpet-Chic
Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock

Priyanka Chopra wore this sexy trench coat-inspired dress by Ralph Lauren to the Met Gala in 2017. She wore the beige slit dress with black boots and drop earrings. 

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
40 of 42

Mary Kate Olsen Is A Feather Goddess

Mary Kate Olsen Is A Feather Goddess
Kristen Somody/Penske Media/REX/

Mary-Kate Olsen proved to be a style queen when she attended the 2007 Met Gala in a feathered LILY et Cie gown. The black dress was a great choice for the theme of “Poiret: King of Fashion.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
41 of 42

Scarlett Johansson Is A Dream In Yellow Silk

Scarlett Johansson Is A Dream In Yellow Silk
Steve Eichner/Penske Media/REX/S

Scarlett Johansson stunned in a yellow silk dress by Calvin Klein at the 2004 Met Gala. She wore the scoop neck dress for the theme of “Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM
42 of 42

Sarah Jessica Parker Has A Carrie Bradshaw Moment

Sarah Jessica Parker Has A Carrie Bradshaw Moment
Justin Lane/EPA/REX/Shutterstock

Sarah Jessica Parker stunned in a champagne Halston Heritage dress with matching accessories at the 2010 Met Gala. The theme that year was “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity.”

May 2, 2019, 12:33PM