Often referred to as the Oscars of the fashion industry, the Met Gala red carpet is home to some of the biggest style statements of all time. The difference, however, is its dress code: the celebrities in attendance have homework. This year’s exhibit, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” was open to interpretation. Many guests stuck to the theme and paid sartorial homage to the vast catalogue of U.S. designers, while others stretched the scope of what American fashion means to them, choosing decidedly non-American designers or referencing Met Galas of yore (2018’s Heavenly Bodies, anyone?). Regardless, they looked so good that we can’t help but support them anyway.
Ahead, see who topped our list of the best-dressed attendees.
Lil Nas X in Atelier Versace
Lil Nas X’s three-in-one outfit is so damn good, we had to include them all. He’s one of the many guests who eschewed the theme in favor of drama, but we love it nonetheless. After all, the Met Gala is more about sporting a look than anything else.
Lil Nas X in Atelier Versace
A knight in shining Versace armor.
Lil Nas X in Atelier Versace
And his final look: a gilded bodysuit.
Billie Eilish in Oscar de la Renta
Billie Eilish’s Princess Peach look is so massive, it barely fits in the frame of a photo. With a train that took roughly four people to display on the red carpet, the singer channeled Old Hollywood glamour, nailing the American theme.
Iman in Harris Reed
You know someone’s Met Gala look is going to be good if you can spot it a mile away. Iman’s boned gown and headdress might be designed by a British designer Harris Reed, but even we’ll admit that it is reminiscent of America’s farmlands.
Barbie Ferreira in Jonathan Simkhai
Count Barbie Ferreira as another guest who clearly loved “Heavenly Bodies,” but we couldn’t not include the Euphoria actress in our roundup. Maybe it’s just us, but we’re getting alien Rita Hayworth vibes.
Yara Shahidi in Dior
Yara Shahidi was inspired by Josephine Baker for her look at the Met Gala. A global ambassador for Dior, the actress opted for a beaded gown complete with opera gloves and a sheer train attached to a braided cap. Pure glamour.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Brother Vellies
What’s more American than making a statement? For New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, that statement is about raising taxes on the rich. She was supported by her Met Gala date Aurora James, designer and founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge.
Jennifer Lopez in Ralph Lauren
Of all the guests, Jennifer Lopez deserves top marks when it comes to sticking to the theme. She made a case for high fashion western wear; All she’s missing are cowboy boots.
Justine Carreon
Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again.
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