Fashion

The 20 Most Incredible Met Gala Looks Of All Time

Just in case you weren’t already excited for tonight

by Jenna Igneri

To say that we’re excited for tonight’s Met Gala—aka fashion’s party of the year—would be an understatement. Every year, we’re blown away by the striking gowns, intricate getups, and, of course, a couple of surprises here and there. And we’re sure tonight’s Rei Kawakubo theme is destined to bring us some of the most outrageous, avant-garde looks ever seen at the Gala, all in a nod to Kawakubo's brilliant work.

While we gear up for tonight’s festivities, we can’t help but feel nostalgic for some of our favorite looks of the past. Below, we rounded up some of the craziest, breathtaking, and most elegant ensembles of all time.

What can we learn from these 20 numbers? That sometimes more is more and, on some occasions, simple and minimal can be just as powerful. Oh, and that attending the gala with your equally as stylish sibling(s) turns you into a superhuman fashion force.

Check out our all-time favorite looks, below.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Willow and Jaden Smith, 2016

It was confirmed that the Smith siblings are fashion icons in the making when they attended last year's gala in these futuristic Chanel (Willow) and Louis Vuitton (Jaden) getups.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

The Haim Sisters, 2016

Remember that time the Haim sisters proved to us that they were actually ethereal fairies from heaven when they arrived at the Gala in head-to-toe Rodarte? We sure do.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Zoe Saldana, 2016

Zoe Saldana stole the show (and filled the room) with this absolutely breathtaking feathered gown by Dolce & Gabbana.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Nicole Kidman, 2016

All hail Nicole Kidman, moon goddess and witchy queen, in this incredible Alexander McQueen caped dress.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, 2015

The fashion twins gave us total Victorian goth realness in Christian Dior.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Solange, 2015

This Giles dress Solange chose in 2015 is more art than fashion. How apropos.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Anne Hathaway, 2015

Donning Ralph Lauren, Anne Hathaway proved that a hood is appropriate for a red carpet.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Blake Lively, 2014

Blake Lively was pure glamour in this Gucci gown.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Rihanna, 2014

While some of Rihanna’s Met Gala choices have been meme-worthy, we’re swooning over the simplicity and elegance of this two-piece Stella McCartney look. 

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Beyoncé, 2014

While this was quite an infamous evening for Beyoncé, Jay Z, and Solange, Queen Bey was sheer elegance in this sparkling, black Givenchy look.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Rooney Mara, 2013

Everything about Rooney Mara’s 2013 look is perfection, from her simple hair and vampy lip down to her stunning ruffled lace Givenchy gown.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

Sarah Jessica Parker, 2013

Leave it to Carrie Bradshaw to interpret a punk-themed evening with an insane Philip Treacy faux mohawk headpiece.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Florence Welch, 2012

Florence Welch was a tiered ethereal cake in this insane gown by Alexander McQueen.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Beyoncé, 2012

Beyoncé left us breathless with this sheer, ombréd, feathered Givenchy gown.

Photo by Larry Busacca / Getty Images

Daphne Guinness, 2011

There are no words for Daphne Guinness in this intricately feathered Alexander McQueen masterpiece. Oh, wait, yes, there are: iconic, stunning, perfection.

Photo by Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

Dakota Fanning, 2011

Dakota Fanning was a literal garden party in a flower-emblazoned Valentino.

Photo by Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

Doutzen Kroes, 2010

Doutzen Kroes was basically a fairytale princess in this tulle Zac Posen stunner.

Photo by Andrew H. Walker / Getty Images

Blake Lively, 2008

Blake Lively chose this gorgeous Ralph Lauren mermaid gown for her Met Gala debut.

Photo by Evan Agostini / Getty Images

Cate Blanchett, 2007

Cate Blancett was a fringed dream in this golden Balenciaga gown.

Photo by Mark Mainz / Getty Images

Nicole Kidman, 2003

The 2003 theme was Goddess, and that’s exactly what Nicole Kidman was channeling in this sparkling Tom Ford for Gucci.