Fashion’s biggest night finally returned on Sept. 13 after a 2020 hiatus, and all the celebs stepped out in style. The theme for this year’s fundraiser for the Met’s Costume Institute was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” Of all the actors, popstars and influencers, we’ve rounded up our fave looks of the night, along with a few that missed the mark. Here are our best and worst dressed celebs at the 2021 Met Gala.
The best dressed celebs at the Met Gala:
Kendall Jenner
The model and reality star channeled old-school glamour with this sparkling tribute to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic dress from My Fair Lady. We’re obsessed with how stunning this elegant Givenchy gown is, and especially love how it honours one of the most legendary actresses to ever grace the silver screen.
Related: The richest supermodels in 2021, by net worth.
Amanda Gorman
The poet, and one of this year’s Met Gala hosts, paid tribute to the Statue of Liberty in this blue number from Vera Wang that used more than 3,000 individually hand-stitched crystals. We love that the look is completely on-theme, and we’re obsessed with Gorman’s book-shaped clutch that featured the phrase, “Give me your tired,” referencing the poem on the statue’s base, “The New Colossus.”
Related: All the best red carpet looks of 2021.
Timothée Chalamet
OK, so hear us out: Yes, Timothée rocked sweats and Converse, but honestly… does it get more American than that? The fact that it was an all-white look elevated it from sloppy to cool. Plus, who else could pull this off?
Related: The new Willy Wonka movie might ruin my crush on Timothée Chalamet.
Lupita Nyong’o
The Black Panther actress stunned in a denim Versace gown. Jeans were historically worn by cowboys and miners across America, so the blue jean baby look made perfect sense. She also served up an epic hairdo that was inspired by Western films and Old Hollywood.
Related: The essential guide to every curly hair type.
The worst dressed celebs at the Met Gala:
Kim Kardashian
We aren’t sure whether to be frightened or confused by this daring all-black look from Kim K. At first glance, it looks like Kanye West’s spirit has invaded her soul — remember when he was running around with a mask and cloak on before the Donda release? This reminds us all of that bizarre moment, and not in a good way.
Related: Celebrity couples who recently called it quits.
Kristen Stewart
The Spencer actress looks like she’s going out for brunch with Grandma in this fit from Chanel. We know she’s an ambassador for the French fashion house, but given that the theme is about American designers, we wish she would have opted for an outfit that connected to that idea a bit more.
Related: The coolest gal pal in Hollywood: Kristen Stewart’s style evolution.
Lorde
The “Mood Ring” singer wore a white ensemble by Bode that was made using repurposed antiques. It doesn’t seem to really scream American fashion, and would have made more sense a few years ago when the theme was Heavenly Bodies.
Related: Lorde is back to save hot girl summer.
