Because the theme is not a suggestion—it’s the assignment.
The Met Gala has come and gone, leaving behind a glitter trail of Swarovski crystals, exaggerated silhouettes, and, let’s be honest, more than a few fashion flops. Every first Monday in May, we’re reminded that the Met Gala is not your average red carpet. It’s couture cosplay meets performance art with a side of archival fashion history. And yet, year after year, some celebrities still show up looking like they got lost on the way to a movie premiere.
As we begin the slow countdown to the next edition, here are a few light-hearted but essential reminders on how to dress properly for the Met Gala—because fashion’s biggest night deserves better than another safe tux or boring ball gown.
1. Read the Theme—Then Read It Again
Let’s start with the basics. The Met Gala is themed. Always. Whether it’s “Camp,” “Heavenly Bodies,” or “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” the dress code is not optional. It’s literally the point. It’s the one night where showing up in a black dress with a thigh slit is a fashion crime. If you don’t understand the theme, phone a fashion historian or scroll deep into the #metgalatheory TikTok rabbit hole.
2. Go Big or Stay Home
Subtlety has no seat at the Met Gala. This isn’t Cannes. This isn’t the Oscars. This is theater. If your outfit doesn’t spark at least one meme, debate thread, or breathless Vogue write-up, did you really attend? Think Rihanna’s omelette gown. Zendaya’s Cinderella moment. Billy Porter carried in by six shirtless men. When in doubt, go dramatic.
3. Collaborate, Don’t Just Dress Up
A Met Gala look is not just an outfit; it’s a statement, a story. The best ones come from collaborations between celebs and designers who get it. If you’re walking up those steps, you better have spent months crafting an idea, not grabbing a sparkly dress the night before. Your stylist, creative director, tailor, and possibly a prop designer should all be in the group chat.
4. Men, We’re Looking at You
Can we stop pretending a fitted suit is brave? Male attendees often treat the Met like a casual awards show. Meanwhile, Lil Nas X is covered in body paint and Jared Leto shows up dressed as a literal cat. If you’re not giving at least a sculptural corset, textured cape, or some kind of beading situation, maybe skip the carpet and head straight to the afterparty.
5. Accessories Matter. So Does Attitude.
A look isn’t just fabric. It’s gloves, makeup, headpieces, contact lenses if needed. And perhaps most importantly: commitment. Confidence is the accessory that holds the whole look together. If you show up dressed like a gothic chandelier, you better own it like it’s your everyday uniform.
6. Archives Over Algorithms
Trends fade, but references last. The Met Gala is a love letter to fashion history, so it pays to do your homework. Instead of chasing TikTok-core aesthetics, reach back into fashion archives. Pull a McQueen reference. Reimagine a Schiaparelli sketch. Pay homage to Black fashion icons. When the theme calls, answer with knowledge.
7. Don’t Let the Afterparty Be the Best Look
Every year, there’s that one celebrity whose main carpet look was “meh,” but who absolutely devoured at the afterparty. Why?! Bring that risk, that spice, that character to the main event! If you must tone it down later, fine—but don’t save your fire for a dimly lit club photo.
The Met Gala is fashion’s Super Bowl, but too many players are just tossing the ball around. It’s not about looking nice—it’s about making a moment. So ahead of the next edition, let’s hope we see fewer missed opportunities and more fashion fantasy. Come dressed like you understood the assignment—because the Met is not just a party. It’s the performance of your career.
