The Met Gala is fashion’s biggest night, where celebrities push limits and deliver unforgettable looks. It’s never just about the outfits — it’s about moments that break the internet and shape pop culture. As we wait for what’s next, let’s look back at the best Met Gala looks of all time — the ones that made fashion history and still inspire today.
1. Princess Diana in Dior (1996)
Embed from Getty ImagesPrincess Diana’s midnight silk slip was sleek, daring, and not what anyone saw coming. She left the royal rules behind, showed up confident and cool — and this look will always be remembered as iconic.
2. Lil’ Kim in Marc Jacobs (2005)
Embed from Getty ImagesPink velvet paired with a crystal tiara — Lil’ Kim showed up like the ultimate rap royalty. She owned the night with fearless style, mixing hip-hop attitude and high fashion without missing a beat.
3. Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen (2006)
Embed from Getty ImagesPlaid, punk, and couture collided. SJP and McQueen nailed the “AngloMania” theme with tartan magic and true fashion chemistry. The look felt personal, playful, and totally unforgettable.
4. Lucy Liu in Zac Posen (2007)
Embed from Getty ImagesRed carpet princess vibes on point. Lucy Liu stunned in a soft purple dress with a dramatic ruffled train that floated behind her. Glamorous, romantic, and the definition of a fairytale done right.
5. Alexa Chung in Phillip Lim (2010)
Embed from Getty ImagesWho needs a gown when a tux looks this good? Alexa Chung nailed cool-girl aesthetic in a tailored suit that looked fresh, sharp, and very her. Proof that going sleek and simple can still steal the scene.
6. Daphne Guinness in Alexander McQueen (2011)
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Met Gala wouldn’t be the same without a little drama. Daphne Guinness brought it in a feathered gown packed with texture and attitude. Bold and theatrical, this was fashion done right.
7. Beyoncé in Givenchy (2015)
Embed from Getty ImagesA sheer jeweled masterpiece that demanded attention. Beyoncé hit the carpet glowing with confidence, showing exactly why she dominates red carpet. Every detail was calculated — and it paid off big.
8. Rihanna in Guo Pei (2015)
Embed from Getty ImagesYellow cape gown with a mile-long train. This look broke the internet — memes, drama, and fashion royalty all wrapped in one. Rihanna proved she’s the queen of pushing fashion boundaries.
9. Tracee Ellis Ross in Comme des Garçons (2017)
Embed from Getty ImagesTracee Ellis Ross went bold in a royal blue Comme des Garçons look that was more art than outfit. She made the avant-garde look easy and turned the red carpet into her personal style moment.
10. Zendaya in Versace (2018)
Embed from Getty ImagesJoan of Arc but make it fashion. Metallic armor and a fierce bob made Zendaya unique and stunning. She ruled the carpet with bravery and creativity, showing exactly how to make an impact.
11. Solange Knowles in Iris van Herpen (2018)
Embed from Getty ImagesLatex-like black art with a halo. Solange mixed avant-garde with culture — edgy, powerful, and seriously iconic. She used fashion as a bold form of self-expression.
12. Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell (2019)
Embed from Getty ImagesGaga arrived wrapped in a giant pink gown that instantly stole the show. But she wasn’t done — as each layer came off, the drama only got bigger. The Met didn’t just get a look, it got a full Gaga takeover from start to finish.
13. Zendaya in Tommy Hilfiger (2019)
Embed from Getty ImagesCinderella got a serious upgrade with a light-up ball gown that stole the show. Zendaya took the fairytale vibe and turned it into pure nostalgia with a playful, can’t-miss entrance.
14. Kim Kardashian in Thierry Mugler (2019)
Embed from Getty ImagesKim’s latex “wet look” dress clung perfectly, creating a jaw-dropping illusion that had everyone talking. Glossy, sculpted, and daring, she made sure all eyes stayed locked on her from the second she arrived.
15. Cardi B in Thom Browne (2019)
Embed from Getty ImagesNo playing it safe here. Cardi B showed up in a deep red quilted gown that practically took over the carpet. Loud, dramatic, and full of personality, she delivered a look that was impossible to ignore.
16. Iman in Harris Reed x Dolce & Gabbana (2021)
Embed from Getty ImagesGolden goddess mode: activated. Iman’s feathered halo and cage skirt were breathtaking proof that legends always deliver. She looked regal, radiant, and like she owned the entire night.
17. Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta (2021)
Embed from Getty ImagesPeachy tulle and full old-school glam. Inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Billie Eilish dropped the edge and pulled up as a total screen siren — unexpected, fresh, and owning every bit of it.
18. Blake Lively in Versace (2022)
Embed from Getty ImagesA dress that transformed. Blake’s Statue of Liberty-inspired dress changed color up the steps — history, beauty, and surprise all in one. She created one of the most magical reveals ever.
19. Gigi Hadid in Thom Browne (2024)
Embed from Getty ImagesA sculptural wonder covered in yellow roses. Gigi’s dramatic and artistic look balanced soft florals with serious Met-level couture, proving she understands the assignment every single time.
20. Elle Fanning in Balmain (2024)
Embed from Getty ImagesElle Fanning showed up glowing in an iridescent column dress with sculpted birds. Soft, delicate, and seriously elegant, she brought the Sleeping Beauty theme to life in the prettiest, most fashion-forward way.
These looks aren’t just outfits — they’re fashion history. Tag us with your faves and get ready, besties… Met Gala 2025 is almost here and we’re counting down to even more iconic moments. See you on the carpet!
SEE ALSO:
- A Look Back at Blake Lively’s Met Gala Style Moments
- Meghan Markle Used Fashion to Speak When She Couldn’t
- Nicola Coughlan Stunned at Canneseries with Two Powerful Looks
