As fashion’s most anticipated night unfolds, there’s no better time to take a walk down red-carpet memory lane. The Met Gala has gifted us with unforgettable ensembles year after year, making headlines and setting trends with every dramatic entrance. In honor of tonight’s event, we’re revisiting the most iconic Met Gala looks through the years: From show-stopping couture to daring avant-garde moments that defined eras and elevated celebrity style to new heights.
Cher, 1974
The year? 1974. The theme? Romantic and Glamorous Hollywood Design. The icon? Cher herself.
Princess Diana, 1996
The people’s princess wowed in this simple-yet-stunning Dior look in 1996.
Amber Valletta, 2004
Drama, please! Amber Valletta really committed to 2004’s Dangerous Liasons: Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century theme.
Karolina Kurkova, 2005
Please, someone wear this for their 2025 maximalist wedding ASAP!
Sienna Miller, 2013
It’s giving edgy runaway bride in all the best ways.
Solange Knowles, 2015
Solange always stuns—but this structural Giles look was something special.
Beyonce, 2015
Illusion looks, you have our hearts! (You too, Beyonce).
Taylor Swift, 2016
Love it or hate it, Taylor’s bleached blonde look was a moment in 2016.
Florence Welch, 2016
The iridescence of Florence Welch’s Gucci gown is so beyond. We just can’t get enough!
Rihanna, 2018
No matter what Rihanna wears, she will take over the carpet. But this look from the Heavenly Bodies Met Gala in 2018 is always remembered as one of the best.
Lena Waithe, 2018
Love is love is love is love! Lena Waithe stole our hearts in this stunning pride-flag cape they wore to the 2018 Met Gala.
Harry Styles, 2019
His first time co-chairing the Met Gala, Harry Styles did not disappoint in his sheer Gucci look.
Cardi B, 2019
If you ask us, Cardi B is entirely underappreciated as a style icon when it comes to the Met Gala steps.
Celine Dion, 2019
Never to be shown up, Celine Dion brought the house down in this stunning gold fringe number.
Iman, 2021
There’s just one word for Iman’s 2021 Met Gala look: WOW!
Sebastian Stan, 2022
In a world of plain black tuxes, be a hot pink Valentino suit. We’re still obsessed.
Elle Fanning, 2023
Gothic meets flower child meets bridal. It’s a serious serve.
Doja Cat, 2023
Doja Cat attended the 2023 Met Gala—honoring Karl Lagerfeld—dressed as the designer’s beloved cat. Meow!
Bad Bunny, 2024
We love it when the guys take risks. Bad Bunny always delivers a great Met Gala look—and we’re really hoping he’s on tonight’s guest list.
Zendaya
We scared you for a bit, didn’t we?! As IF we’d let a Met Gala look recap end without the queen herself, Zendaya. Because we couldn’t possibly pick just one, please enjoy every. Single. One. Of Zendaya’s iconic Met Gala looks through the years.
As the Met Gala continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the unforgettable impact of fashion’s boldest night. From vintage glam to boundary-pushing statements, each year adds a new chapter to the event’s dazzling legacy. Whether you favor the classics or the avant-garde, these iconic Met Gala looks through the years remind us that style is not just about what you wear—it’s about making a statement that lasts.
Looking for more inspo? Check out Pearl by David’s for all the latest trends, advice, and more.
