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133 Best Met Gala Looks of All Time (Yes, We’re Digging DEEP in the Archives for This One)

Trying so hard not to make this a Rihanna and Zendaya stan list.

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Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Is it me or does April always feel incredibly long? I’ve been waiting (patiently so, me thinks) and it’s finally time! The Met Gala—aka the Oscars of fashion—is right around the corner. If you’re not familiar with what it is, here’s a lil rundown before we get to the good stuff. The Met Gala (or the Met Ball) is a star-studded charity event that happens every year (with the exception of the pandemic) on the first Monday of every May. Held at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there’s always a theme that the guests are encouraged to follow which makes for many of fashion’s greatest moments (and memes—tee-hee).

On May 6, our faves (and some of our not-so-faves) will show up and show out in the most fabulous designs following the dress code "Garden of Time" to call attention to the new exhibit theme called “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” On February 15, 2024, Vogue cheekily announced its 2024 Met Gala cochairs, who are none other than *drumroll, pls*: Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez, and Zendaya! As the outlet put it, “This year’s cochairs reflect a variety of career achievements, and all have distinct style histories with the Met Gala.”

To kick off all of the fashion feels, I’m taking you into the Getty archives for the ultimate looks (133, in fact) of all time. We’re talking Princess Diana in Dior. Rihanna’s golden gown. Bella Hadid’s revenge catsuit. And oh, this isn’t like any list, no. I’ve not only scrounged up the best looks from the ’80s to now. I’ve also scooped up the behind-the-scenes action, the tea, and background stories that’ll pique your fancy.

PS: I tried really really hard not to make this list Rihanna and Zendaya stan list...but you gotta admit, they’re the queens of the Met Gala (no way am I biased—take it as truth!) Anyway, soak in all this goodness as we await the stars to hit the carpet next week! Also, here’s some more Met content (best and worst dressed, cringeworthy moments, and a list of celebs who have never attended) to keep ya occupied!

1

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
John Shearer//Getty Images

At the top of this list comes the fashion killer, the queen:
Rihanna! She paid homage to Karl Lagerfeld at the 2023 Met Gala not only with her jaw-dropping look, but through her lateness. (Apparently, Karl was always tardy, too.) Proving she's forever worth the wait, Rihanna was decked out in larger-than-life flowers and served us in an all-white Valentino ensemble, starring a voluminous skirt with an endless train. If this is what glamorous maternity wear looks like, I want in. Joined by her partner, A$AP Rocky, they closed the arrivals with a bang. Dressed by Gucci, Rocky wore a recreation of a look worn by Karl Lagerfeld that was complete with a suit jacket and tie, plaid skirt, bedazzled jeans, and boots.

2

Cardi B, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
Taylor Hill//Getty Images

A collar and tie combo with a sweetheart bodice transitioning into a latex ballgown covered in gigantic sculptural rosettes?! Yeah, only Cardi B could pull off this one. Chenpeng Studio is the genius behind it.

3

Anne Hathaway, 2023

the 2023 met gala
John Shearer//Getty Images

Versace dress, Bulgari jewels. Anne Hathaway did not come to play!!!

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4

Michaela Coel, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
Mike Coppola//Getty Images

Michaela Coel = opulence! She was dripping in Schiaparelli gold and I'm still not okay.

5

Jenna Ortega, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
John Shearer//Getty Images

Wednesday-core but make it couture! Jenna Ortega gave goth glam in Thom Browne.

6

Dua Lipa, 2023

the 2023 met gala
Kevin Mazur/MG23//Getty Images

Tweed ball gown? Yeah, Dua Lipa understood the assignment in this 1992 archival Chanel.

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7

Yara Shahidi, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
Mike Coppola//Getty Images

Um, wow?! Watch out world, she's grown now. The Grown-ish star looked queenly in Jean-Paul Gaultier. Channeling her fave '90s supermodels, the 'fit was half-archival, half-custom and was bedazzled with Cartier diamonds.

8

Anok Yai, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
John Shearer//Getty Images

Best dressed, for sure! Dressed by Prabal Gurung, model Anok Yai was a vision in this gold masterpiece.

9

Doja Cat, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating karl lagerfeld a line of beauty arrivals
Dimitrios Kambouris//Getty Images

BIG pur. Of course, Doja Cat would go feline and have a look inspired by Karl's cat: Choupette. Talk about committed! You can thank Oscar de La Renta for this moment.

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10

Halle Bailey, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
Mike Coppola//Getty Images

Our lil mermaid stunned in a sparkling sheer Gucci ensemble. And let's get into that ruffled cape!

11

Kylie Jenner, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
Mike Coppola//Getty Images

Kylie came in hot with a spicy red gown featuring an asymmetrical neckline, thigh-high slit, and a fabulous cape/train. It was custom—of course—by Jean Paul Gaultier.

12

Keke Palmer, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
John Shearer//Getty Images

Sergio Hudson did it again! Keke wore a custom sequined gown adorned with Swarovski crystals. And how about that pretty blue shawl that doubled as a train?!

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13

Billie Eilish, 2023

the 2023 met gala
Jamie McCarthy//Getty Images

No one goes dark like Billie. The black widow vibes was courtesy of Simone Rocha.

14

Ashley Graham, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
Mike Coppola//Getty Images

Breakfast at Tiffany's but make it an exaggerated, ballet-pink nod to Chanel Haute Couture. This head-turning, dramatic gown was designed by Harris Reed.

15

Margot Robbie, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
Mike Coppola//Getty Images

Our Barbie's in *gasp* black?! Yes, yes, she is. After a run of monochromatic pink looks, Margot Robbie—the last Chanel ambassador that the late Karl Lagerfeld chose—arrived wearing a recreation of a dress he designed for Cindy Crawford in 1993. The intricate bodice, gold chain straps, and sweetheart neckline was v Chanel.

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16

Naomi Campbell, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
Noam Galai/GA//Getty Images

Nothing but Chanel perfection for this queen, with a molten pink gown, sequined bodice, and silver arm cuffs.

17

Gisele Bündchen, 2023

the 2023 met gala celebrating
Jamie McCarthy//Getty Images

For the first time in 15 years, Gisele arrived solo-dolo (you go, queen) wearing a white silk tulle Chanel dress embroidered with sequined, vertical stripes. She twirled her night away in that feather-y cape, too.

18

Quinta Brunson, 2023

the 2023 met gala karl lagerfeld a line of beauty arrivals
Christopher Polk//Getty Images

Baby's first met! Our former cover star, Quinta Brunson, wore an Atelier Prabal Gurung gown and accompanied it with a towering, braided updo, complete with swirling baby hairs.

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19

Billie Eilish, 2022

the 2022 met gala celebrating in america an anthology of fashion inside
Cindy Ord/MG22//Getty Images

Remember the time Billie Eilish won the Met? The year was 2022, the theme was Gilded Glamour, and the designer was Gucci. She gave duchess vibes in a satin corset gown that was entirely upcycled.

20

Gigi Hadid, 2022

the 2022 met gala celebrating "in america an anthology of fashion" arrivals
Gotham//Getty Images

I’m very into all of this Versace catsuit and cape action. It’s dark and dramatic so let’s call it “Versace Villain.”

Headshot of Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Fashion Editor

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn

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