The 36 Best Met Gala Looks over 50 years
Plus: 7 Met Gala 2025 predictions. This year is a men's theme, but the women are set to bring the drama to the red carpet.
I like to think that Style Beat readers know me well enough by now to EXPECT a Met Gala red carpet post before the first Monday in May. I poured through 50 years of red carpet looks, and over 700 photos, dating all the way back to Cher’s ‘naked’ Bob Mackie 1974 feather dress. Of course this wouldn’t be Style Beat without all the credits, names, and designers behind the looks. If you’re able to name at least 10 designers without reading the credits first, you are a red carpet hawk!
The guys are taking the lead this year. The theme is Superfine: Tailoring Black Style and the focus is on the Black Dandy. Expect the fellas to show up more dapper than ever. Still, it wouldn’t be fashion’s biggest night of the year without the women bringing on the drama to the red carpet.
Well my friends, here it is. The best looks over 50 years of Met Gala red carpets, and my predictions on how the night will go down. Ready, set, go! It’s time for the Met Gala.
Colorful Beauty
There will be minimalism. There will be tailcoats. There will be sex appeal. And there shall be color!
Prediction #1: Colorful suits in everything from wool, to linen, to checks galore will highlight the night.
Disco Feathers
In 1974 Cher scandalized Americans with Bob Mackie’s naked dress. It later found it’s way, through Ricard Avedon, to the cover of Time magazine. As with any good look, it drew criticism at the time from bewildered eyes wondering, “how could she ever?”. Well she did, and at a time when fashion is turning the page on societal norms, this year’s looks will be more daring than ever. 1920s-era flapper dresses will be a sign of liberation the way of clothes.
Prediction #2: Feathers and flapper drop-waist dressing will be on tow as the night gets going.
Pagoda Shoulders
The power shoulder has been in full swing in recent seasons, and amongst a bevvy of suits, they will highlight the evening in full force.
Prediction #3: Statement shoulders will be a theme of the night.
Denim Moment
Amongst the classical suiting, will be a renaissance of denim on the carpet. Casual is in, and the nostalgia of denim will serve as a reminder that there is more to Americana than meets the eye.
Prediction #4: Brands will make custom looks for the red carpet.
Drama on the Red Carpet
Last year marked the official comeback of John Galliano’s bias-cut dressing. Law Roach styled Zendaya in Maison Margiela. It was the look that rocked the red carpet with a dose of drama that missing. You can expect John Galliano designs to be at the underbelly of the evening’s looks. Word on the street is The Met is ramping up the noise for a Galliano themed Met Gala.
Prediction #5: The women will pack a punch of drama.
Punk Tartans
Emma Corrin has been Miu Miu’s latest poster girl phenomenon as fashion blurs the lines of gendered clothing. Expect her look to make headlines.
Prediction #6: Punkish tartans, skirts, and rock n’ roll will pushback on classical dressing.
It Girl Era
This year’s Met Gala might be men’s themed, but the It-Girl is making her comeback. Will this year’s Met Gala herald the age of the It-Boy? Stay tuned to find out.
Prediction #7: Beatnik dressing and the It-Girls will redefine dressing for a modern era.
See you Monday.
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Oh this post is a work of art!! Lupita’s red carpet styling is always so good, can never get over when she wore red contacts for the premier of Us 😍 so many good looks here, feels good to be so excited for this year