Best Met Gala looks of all time - the most fashionable moments from the last 20 years

You can never be too OTT when it comes to the best Met Gala looks. Although there are numerous red carpet moments for A-listers to capitalize on, none have quite the fashion magic of the annual Met Gala. A night when only the best and most creative looks will do, the Met Gala - formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit - takes red carpet dressing to a whole new level.

The Superbowl of fashion, the best Met Gala looks give any red carpet, even the  Golden Globes 2023 best dressed a run for their money. From the best Oscars dresses of all time to the BAFTA's best dressed 2023, the Met Gala is a night that fashion fans await with bated breath. A themed evening, the Met Gala plays host to some of the biggest names in film, music, and style. it is essentially the greatest costume party of the year, a night where the best dresses are taken to a whole new level. Over the years we have seen the weird and the wonderful, it's an evening where everyone is expected to think outside the box and in no uncertain terms, deliver on the theme. 

A celebration that began in 1948, the Met Gala is held to raise money for the Costume Institute and heralds the opening of their annual blockbuster show, which influences the gala’s theme each year. One of the only, annual,  high-profile red-carpet events that truly puts designers and their work front and center, many creatives attend alongside their celebrity muses, and a Met Gala invite is one not to pass up. A night that has produced some of the most creative red-carpet moments. And if there is one thing that pulls the best Met Gala looks of all time together, it's drama - after all, this is no ordinary red-carpet.

Best Met Gala looks from 1999-2022

1. Blake Lively - 2022

Blake Lively's Atelier Versace gown for the Met Gala 2022 is what dreams are made of. One dress that served two looks, Blake Lively easily had one of the best Met Gala looks of the night. Delivering on style and drama, Blake's dress transformed on the red carpet, with the waist cinching bow being undone and unravelled by waiting assistants. The unwrapping of the dress created an extra top layer and train that enabled the gown to go from rose gold to aqua, with the star's opera gloves following suit, peeling off from rose to aqua. 

Co-chair of the Met Gala, Lively absolutely nailed the aesthetic of the night, with her form fitting column dress magically becoming a princess gown that hit every point of the evening's style agenda. With a theme of In America: An Anthology of Fashion', Blake's dress was rooted in New York. The delicate beadwork and bodice of the original dress was inspired by the Empire State Building, with embellishment that referenced the world famous architecture, while the drapery of the second dress and the crown were in homage to the Statue of Liberty. With an eye for detail, Lively explained that the crown had seven tiers, mimicking the Statue of Liberty's seven rays.

Not the first to opt for an in situ red carpet transformation, Lively's dress definitely ticked a lot of Met Gala boxes for meeting the theme of the night and the brief of the occasion, securing it a slot in the fashion history books.

2. Billie Eilish - 2021

After showcasing her new blonde transformation in British Vogue a few months earlier, Billie Eilish’s arrival at the Met Gal in 2021 cemented her transformation from androgynous style icon to A-list pin-up. The theme of In America: A Lexicon of Fashion allowed the singer to pay a tribute to Old Hollywood glamour and her blush pink gown, designed by Oscar de la Renta, was inspired by the dress Marilyn Monroe wore to the Oscars in 1951. The feather-light tulle layers, combined with the voluminous style meant Billie was truly the belle of the ball. However, this dress was much more than just a chance for the teen to dip her toe into a new style. Not only did she change the way she looked, but Billie also used her appearance to change Oscar de la Renta’s policy on fur as the committed vegan refused to be dressed by the fashion house unless they stopped selling it.

3. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - 2021

When it comes to the Met Gala, unlike New York Fashion Week, politics is often left at the door as the evening celebrates arts and culture. Having previously turned down an invitation to the star-studded event, representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, decided in 2021 to take up the offer of a ticket to one of the most coveted events of the year and in the process caused quite a stir. 

Wearing an ivory wool jacket gown by Brothers Vellies, the elegant from the front dress, packed a punch from behind. In bold, large red letters, the dress was emblazoned with the slogan 'Tax the Rich', a moniker the political representative has used on previous occasions.

Causing quite the storm in the press and on social media, Ocasio-Cortez received critiscim from both fellow Democrats and opposing Republicans. While some believed Ocasio-Cortez's message ironic when surrounded by the immense wealth of  Met Gala attendees, where tables for the event start at around $200,00, Ocasio-Cortez felt that it was the perfect opportunity, accompanying her Instagram picture in the dress with the phrase "The Medium is the Message... The time is now for childcare, healthcare, and climate action for all. Tax the Rich. And yes, BEFORE anybody starts wilding out - NYC elected officials are regularly invited to and attend the Met due to our responsibilities in overseeing our city’s cultural institutions that serve the public. I was one of several in attendance. Dress is borrowed via @brothervellies ". 

4. Lady Gaga - 2019

If anyone was going to nail the theme of Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion, it was going to be Lady Gaga who made the ultimate pop star entrance at the 2019 Met gala. As she told American Vogue: “I know intrinsically that I have a camp soul!” Dressed by her friend, American clothing brand, and long-time collaborator Brandon Maxwell, the star arrived in an oversized bright pink cape coat with a matching pink hair bow. It was so oversized that it needed its own entourage to carry it while she ascended the stairs to the Met. The drama didn’t stop there though. As Lady Gaga continued to walk the carpet, she stripped down to reveal three different outfits, ending in literally her (very sparkly) underwear. The final icing on the cake was the $2,000,000 worth of jewelry she wore to accompany her outlandish outfit. How can you beat not one, but four, Met Gala looks in one - pure theatre.

Ahead of their time, pink is one of the biggest fashion color trends this season, so take a leaf out of Lady Gaga's book and invest in one of the best pink dresses this season. We can't promise you'll find one quite as dramatic, but this mood-boosting hue certainly offers a dose of dopamine dressing. 

5. Zendaya - 2019

'Camp: Notes on Fashion', created perhaps some of the Met Gala's best dressed moments. Nailing the excess, drama and revolutionary feel of the evening, Zendaya matched Lady Gaga's red carpet performance with a transformation of her own. Accompanied by stylist Law Roach, who was dressed as Zendaya's fashion fairy godmother, the starlet arrived at the gala dressed as Cinderella, in a custom light up gown by American clothing brand, Tommy Hilfiger. 

With a bag shaped like a carriage, to match the storybook theme of her ensemble, this was just one of many triumphant Met Gala moments from the actress. Known for her commitment to the occasion, Zendaya regularly has one of the best Met Gala looks of the night. 

6. Blake Lively - 2018

While Rhianna’s fashion nod to the pope caused controversy, Blake Lively really stole the show at the 2018 Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination Met Gala. Her gown, from Italian clothing brand Versace had more than a touch of Game Of Thrones to it and featured an ornate ruby and gold design with intricate beading. Taking a whopping 600 hours to make, the jewel-encrusted gold corset, which showed off Blake’s figure perfectly, was complemented with a ruby-red skirt with peekaboo sheer panels, enabling Blake to showcase her legs in a subtle way. The heavenly look was completed with a beautiful halo-style headpiece, giving Blake a modern angelic look.

7. Zendaya - 2017

In 2017 the Met Gala celebrated the design genius of Rei Kawakubo in Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between. Actress Zendaya may not have followed the theme per se, but her tropical print gown by Dolce & Gabbana certainly stole the show. The young star proved that formal attire can also feel edgy, by choosing an unexpected print and teaming it with a simple red lip. Red-carpet perfection.

8. Claire Danes - 2016

A celebration of fashion design at its finest, the Met Gala best looks are about more than just a pretty dress. The one red carpet that celebrates design and the designer over the celebrity, the evening is about shock and awe and above all else - creativity. And Zac Posen, with Claire Danes as his muse really delivered on the 'Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology' theme.

In a ballgown crafted from organza and fiber optics, Posen created a glow in the dark dress that required so much space, that Danes had to get a bus to the Met Gala (and stand the whole journey). Hand-crafted, the magic dress featured a full skirt, giving us all the Princess vibe. While the delicately cut bodice, with dipped V-back and fold over front didn't sacrifice on design elements. A brilliant example of interpreting the brief into a fashion moment we'll never forget. 

9. Beyoncé - 2016

Latex is not usually associated with A-list red carpet appearances, but it was the perfect fabric for Beyoncé to rock at the Met Gala in 2016, thanks to its futuristic theme - Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. As per her previous appearances at the event, Beyoncé chose Riccardo Tisci, then at French clothing brand Givenchy, to design the futuristic dress. Executing the theme with the right level of drama, the dress hugged the star’s hourglass body shape - it was truly a perfect Met Gala look. The latex dress was given an injection of feminity thanks to the puff sleeves and pearls, and of course, this being Beyoncé, these were no ordinary pearls - each one was rumored to cost a whopping $8,000!

10. Rihanna - 2015

Rihanna brings her full style game to the Met Gala, and while all her outfits deserve to be awarded best in show, the cape-come-gown she wore in 2015 is arguably her finest fashion moment. Totally nailing the theme of China Through the Looking Glass, the songstress chose Chinese couturier Guo Pei for her stand-out yellow cape. Rihanna recently admitted that she was worried she had gone too far with the embroidered dress coat, fearing she looked like a clown, however, despite inspiring a whole raft of memes, the bright yellow fur-lined outfit totally stole the show. It weighed in at a hefty 25kg, meaning getting in and out of the limousine was a struggle but a fashionista like Rihanna knows that for the best Met Gala looks sometimes you must suffer for your art. Most people would keep the rest of their outfit relatively simple, but this is Rihanna, so she went large with a headpiece and necklace, which gave the whole look a very regal air.

11. Dita Von Teese - 2014

In 2014, the Met Gala celebrated the English American fashion designer Charles James, known for his highly structured creations, so it was very fitting that burlesque performer Dita Von Teese chose an architectural Zac Posen number. Not only did the design give a nod to James’ own sculptural designs, but the retro feel was very much in tune with Dita’s usual style. The mermaid hem emphasized Dita’s curves, harking back to the screen stars of yesterday. The star coordinated her lipstick and handbag with the red trim and lining of the dress, bringing a whole lot of retro glamour to the red carpet.

12. Cara Delevigne - 2013

Sadly, there were very few mohawk hairstyles or safety pins on the red carpet for the 2013 Met Gala where the theme was Punk: Chaos to Couture, however, British model Cara Delevingne managed to bring a little bit of punk to the night with her dress from British clothing brand Burberry, reminding us all that the brand is about much more than its classic Burberry trench coat. The daring low-cut V-neck dress was given edge thanks to the heavy metal studs, while the simple cut showed off Cara’s model figure to perfection. Adding to the punk vibe with her cool accessories, including a LeiVanKash dagger necklace, Cara proved without a doubt that punk can also be chic and stylish.

13. Florence Welch - 2012

Moving away from the sea of body-conscious, barely-there gowns, Florence Welch went for full-on frills with this ethereal Alexander McQueen dress at the 2012 Met Gala. Not everyone could pull off the dandelion embroidered organza tiered dress, but the frills suited Florence’s boho aesthetic. The sheer paneling detail to the bust and arms gave it a sensuality without revealing too much skin - a real revelation on the modern-day red carpet. Like the designs of Schiaparelli and Prada who were celebrated that year, it was fantastical, whimsical, and definitely a Met Gala look to remember.

14. Taylor Swift - 2011

For her third appearance at the Met Gala, Taylor Swift chose a J Mendel gown, which pretty much nailed the theme of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty. Gothic elegance reigned supreme, as the pretty nude frock was given a harder edge thanks to the addition of lace embellishments and layers of mesh and tulle. The exquisite draping on the back of the dress added extra drama as it extended into a full train. The whole look was finished off with a simple up-do and dramatic dark lipstick, proof that Taylor was growing up.

15. Kirsten Dunst - 2010

It seems quite appropriate that Kirsten Dunst chose Rodarte to dress her in 2010. The theme of American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity seemed particularly relevant to the then, fairly new label, which was set up by the Mulleavy sisters in California. The actress, who has had a long relationship with the brand, perfectly suits its romantically quirky designs.  While a white frock can look a little bridal on anyone else, for a Hollywood star like Kirsten, it gives off a youthful vitality. The embroidery, pearls, and fluffy shoulder embellishment, alongside the draping, give interest to what could have been a plain dress, ensuring that Kristen looked incredible on the night.

16. Kate Moss - 2009

With a theme like The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion, Kate Moss was bound to have one of the best Met Gala looks. Back in 2009, she paired a gold lame Marc Jacobs mini dress with a matching turban, designed by milliner Stephen Jones. It’s true that the Croydon-born model would look good in anything, but this shimmering, draped dress made her look like a star of yesteryear, combining old-school glamour with new-school cool.

17. Victoria Beckham - 2008

As a Spice Girl she had plenty of girl power so it’s perhaps no surprise that Victoria Beckham shone at the Met Gala in 2008 when the theme was Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy. The former pop star opted for a vintage Giorgio Armani, ‘80s beaded dress coat. The mixture of tailoring with semi-sheer fabric made for a powerful red-carpet combo, while the thigh-high slit, ramped up the sex appeal. The designer attended with husband David Beckham, marking the couple’s first appearance at the Met Gala together.

18. Mary-Kate Olsen - 2007

Fashion designer and actress Mary-Kate Olsen brought full-on drama to the red carpet in 2007 when the Met honored ground-breaking French designer Paul Poiret. Her theatrical feathered gown, which was from Lily Et Cie by Rita Warnick, wouldn’t look out of place on a red carpet today, as it gives a nod to the latest fashion trends with its heavy artisanal detailing. An over-the-top dress like this could swamp a smaller frame, but Mary-Kate knows the power of a deep V for petite women - as lengthening the neckline, makes you look taller.

19. Sarah Jessica Parker - 2006

If you've ever wanted to learn how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw, take notes now. In one of the best Met Gala looks of all time, Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker arrived in matching tartan for the 2006 Met Gala, AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression, which showcased British design talent. A nod to the designer’s Scottish roots, on paper the dress shouldn’t have worked but McQueen worked his magic to create a truly eclectic red-carpet gown. The juxtaposition of the tartan against tulle created true drama, bringing traditional and modern together in one dress. Cinching the dress in with a belt added a modern touch, showcasing SJP’s waist, and gave the ensemble a Sex And The City twist - Carrie would wholeheartedly approve! The actress recently revealed that despite the glamour of the night, she didn’t enjoy herself as she was so nervous about attending with McQueen, who she was in awe of.

20. Jennifer Connolley - 2005

A quick Google search for the best Met Gala looks in 2005, reveals a whole host of badly fitting satin dresses, hardly in keeping with the theme of The House of Chanel. Thankfully, Jennifer Connelly bucked the trend, opting instead for a short and sweet Balenciaga dress. The actress has long been a muse for former Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere, so it was no surprise he chose to dress her for the event. An ideal look for pear body shapes and rectangle body types, as an embellished bust line adds fullness and curves, as well as drawing the eye up the body and balancing fuller hips. If you have a dress with a busy bodice, keep the rest of your look simple and sleek to avoid being overwhelmed.

21. Scarlett Johanssen - 2004

Proving that dressing to a Met Gala theme doesn’t need to stray into fancy dress, Scarlett Johansson channeled the theme of Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century in her simple, yet beautifully cut Calvin Klein dress. The cut skims her body while the bodice area alludes to the 18th century, while still feeling very modern. The yellow silk made Scarlett stand out on the red carpet, although the actress recently confessed that away from red carpet events, she chooses more neutral shades.

22. Iman - 2003

Looking like she’d just stepped off the silver screen, Iman dazzled in a white halter neck dress, that just screamed pure glamour. The theme of Goddess: The Classical Mode couldn’t have been embodied better than in the Calvin Klein dress, the simplicity of which, meant she could ramp up the accessories, such as her floral headpiece. Halterneck dresses can be particularly tricky to wear, so if your dress doesn't have any in-built support, make sure to bag yourself one of the best bras to ensure the best lift. Halterneck dresses are a great style for those with wider shoulders or more slender arms as it draws the eye up the body centrally, elongating your frame. 

23. Renee Zellweger - 2001

As befitting of the theme, Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years, actress Renee Zellweger channeled the former First Lady in a simple cream shift dress. The vintage Oleg Cassini gets extra theme points as Cassini was the official wardrobe designer for Jacqueline Kennedy when she was in the White House. The dress may have been vintage, but the bandeau silhouette was enjoying a revival in the early Noughties, which made it feel very on-trend at the time. The cute bow detail around the waist helped to create an hourglass silhouette.

24. Liv Tyler & Stella McCartney - 1999

When the theme is Rock Style and your dads are rock stars, you simply have to defy convention and ditch the formal dress for a homemade top stating your lineage! Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney proved their real rock chick credentials with their asymmetric tops, which went on to spawn a whole new trend that lasted several seasons. It was also the start of mixing and matching formal wear with more casual attire - best white trainers with smart trousers anyone? - and showed that fashion could be fun and still red-carpet-appropriate!