The Best Women's Looks In The History of Met Gala

Once a year, on the first Monday of May, a curious democratization takes place: the most exacting, high-stakes display of fashion descends upon the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the entire world appoints itself judge, jury, and couture connoisseur from the considerable comfort of a living room sofa.

This year, the Costume Institute's spring 2026 exhibition, "Costume Art," decided the evening's theme: a sweeping exploration of the dressed body spanning nearly 400 objects across 5,000 years of fashion history. While stylists and guests prepare for the dress code of "Fashion Is Art", here's a quick throwback to the best dressed women in the history of the Gala.

It is a complicated exercise to merge two distinct design languages into a single garment and not look over the top (as many guests learnt that year), yet Donatella Versace, being the master of the Met Gala, did it effortlessly. Hathaway’s strapless gown brought together Versace’s signature safety pins with the tweed fabric of Chanel, in one of the best tributes to Karl Lagerfeld.

At the 2022 Met Gala themed, ‘In America: An Anthology of Fashion’, Poonawalla wore a handcrafted gold tulle sari by Sabyasachi, set off against a sculptural metal bustier by Schiaparelli. The metallic bust added an almost Amazonian quality to the outfit, making her resemble an otherworldly warrior in a spectacle unfolding far away from Earth.

The “Heavenly Bodies” theme saw many literal interpretations, including Grande’s gown, that carried imagery from the Sistine Chapel across its surface. But it doesn't end there, beyond the art history reference, it was also a nod to her upcoming album, Sweetener.

One of the more inventive readings of the “Garden of Time” theme came through Tyla’s hourglass-inspired dress, designed by Olivier Rousteing. The garment literally sculpted out of Tyla’s body, made movement practically impossible (Tyla was lifted up the Met staircase by her bodyguard). Later in the evening, the dress was cut into a shorter version to help ease the movement. Also, don't miss out the hourglass bag she carries with her.

Bhatt was no less than a fairy in her ethereal mint green sari at the 2024 Met. A loosely styled bun and a sheeshpatti introduced a modern-maharani framing, while her makeup stayed luminous and unfussy.

Blake Lively has had a history of being the best dressed at the Met Gala, and as a co-chair, she approached the “Gilded Glamour” theme with a historian’s eye. Her copper-toned gown referenced the Statue of Liberty, complete with a structured corset and an elaborate bustle. On the museum steps, the dress transformed to reveal a sweeping blue train, echoing the patina effect that the Statue has undergone over the course of time.

Naomi Campbell’s silver Versace gown will go down in history as the Met Gala look that won without trying at all. The two-tone metallic piece, designed by Gianni Versace, held its balance: sleek in line and confident in finish. The styling stayed true to the minimal codes that dominated the decade, and the tonal makeup and hair echoed the simplicity of the gown.

Diana’s only Met Gala appearance came with a navy slip dress by John Galliano for Dior, six months after she wore the iconic revenge dress after Prince Charles’ affair came out to the public. Paired with what would go on to be the Lady Dior bag, the then-controversial outfit would go on to be another of the many times the Princess would go down in history for her style.

Kim Kardashian's 2021 Met Gala look will go down in the books as one of the most memorable ever. The reality TV star arrived, completely obscured in a custom look by Balenciaga, accessorised only with a floor-length ponytail. It was immediately controversial, but for a Met Gala themed around America, what is more American than Kim Kardashian being recognised by her silhouette alone?

For the year's “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme, Rihanna’s appearance in a sweeping yellow coat dress by Chinese couturier Guo Pei, was a defining moment of respect at a red carpet dominated by white designers. Sure, some called it the omelette dress back then, but that bright yellow gown remains one of the most defining Met Gala visuals.

Hadid’s asymmetrical butterfly gown is still one of the most reminisced Met Gala looks on the internet. In keeping with the night's Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination theme, her Versace gown was designed like a butterfly wing drawn on a stained-glass window. It had a full, deep-blue skirt with a thigh-high slit, and a single sleeve that contrasted the gown's pastel bodice.

The best menswear moment of 2025 was actually by Teyana Taylor, whose look drew from the style of iconic fashion editor André Leon Talley. Under a ginormous cape sat a sharply tailored pinstripe suit all in burgundy. And it was all accessorised down to the hilt, from the leather gloves to the fedora and cane.

Back when the Net Gala was just another formal ball in the socialite calendar, Cher’s appearance in a sheer, embellished gown marked a turning point for the Gala’s relationship with spectacle. The nude illusion dress, detailed with sequins, crystals, and feathered trims, challenged the conventions of red-carpet dressing at the time. It sparked conversation, not just for its boldness, but for how it redefined what could be worn to such an event.

In her debut Met Gala, Mona Patel made headlines around the world as the mystery woman with her mechanical butterfly dress, styled by Law Roach. Patel wore a sculpted, nude floor-glazing gown by Iris Van Herpen, which featured kinetic butterflies on the sleeves, fluttering their wings as she walked across the red carpet.

All said and done, nothing will be quite as iconic as Lady Gaga’s 2019 Met Gala outfit, or outfits, to be more correct. Arriving in a voluminous fuchsia gown with an extended train, she proceeded to reveal four looks in sequence, ending in embellished lingerie, all by Brandon Maxwell. It was the campiest look in a year themed around campy excess, and yet if you saw it, you would agree that no one would have ever thought of something this excessive.