The Met Gala reactions often come down to “Who wore it best?” But what about “Who will wear it now?” With more than 300 designer looks making their way down the blue carpet this year, the extravagant styles are more than just eye candy. The celebs and designers worked (ideally) to honor the theme and present a unique understanding of the possibilities in fashion.
This year’s benefit was based on the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition Superfine: Tailoring Black Style which “presents a cultural and historical examination of Black style from the 18th century to the present through an exploration of the concept of dandyism.” The exhibition and the Gala take inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s book, Slaves to Fashion: Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity with a particular focus on the style of Black men.
Now that all of the looks, inspirations, and fine details have been revealed, it’s our turn to push the boundaries of fashion. We selected five looks from the night that left us wondering what we could do to embody dandyism and fashionable rebellion every day. Check out those looks and moodboards for new looks below!
Laura Harrier
Laura Harrier’s look was a custom Gap design by Zac Posen. Her waistcoat and trousers look has us inspired to create easy-breezy looks. Flared pants with light materials, dramatic sleeves, and pulled in waists create a whimsical but overall put-together style that feels ready for beach walks, picnics, and busy days.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña arrived at the Met for her eighth appearance on the carpet in a Thom Browne dress decked out in covered buttons and a dramatic white half-bow with a trailing train. Bows had a huge moment in 2024, and while the dainty bows that decorated everything seem to be fading back into the background, Zoe proves that a statement bow is still in. This Met Gala veteran leaves us wanting to pull more statement details into our wardrobes, from buttons to giant bows to standout textures.
Maya Hawke
May is renaissance faire season, and Maya Hawke’s look has a whimsical fairycore aesthetic we want to incorporate into all of our summer fantasies. Maya arrived on the blue carpet in a custom Prada look. Her sheer beige cape, soft pink dress, and green shoes didn’t feel on theme, but they do inspire us to find magic in our everyday outfits.
Jennie
Dressed in a custom Chanel black tuxedo gown, Jennie celebrated style and the upcoming BLACKPINK reunion on the blue carpet Monday. If you have a flair for the dramatic, pearl details and black and white looks are perfect for elevated looks. The “pearlcore” look allows you to play with several trends, including the trinket-laden looks we’re loving right now. Dress the style up or down by changing materials and silhouettes.
Andra Day
Andra Day arrived at the Met Gala in a bold pink zoot suit designed by Jérôme LaMaar. Andra’s suit powerfully brought the masculine zoot suits of the Harlem Renaissance to the blue carpet. She also paid homage to enslaved people and the dandies of the Congo in her symbolic look. While pink is the name of the game here, we’re also taking inspiration from the structure of Andra’s look and channeling vintage styles as well. Bold pants, fitted waists, and powerful shoulders make these monochromatic styles pop.
