Suffice it to say, we can’t go through a week of posts on dresses and celebrities without at least featuring the much-talked-about MET Gala. It would feel very incomplete. You should also check out our article covering the best shoes from the gala!
The hip and happening ball took place the other day, commemorating the late Alexander McQueen’s work by dubbing it Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty and showcasing some of the designer’s original pieces.
Yes, many of the attendees wore McQueen, but many didn’t, too. And let’s be honest, that’s not what actually matters here. What matters is who made it to the event looking good, not who wore the best costume. So let’s do the rounds, shall we?
MET Gala’s Fashion Elite: A Showcase of the Night’s Most Stunning Outfits
Topping our list of best-dressed is Taylor Swift.
The young songbird embodied the gala’s theme flawlessly, from her blood-red lipstick and porcelain complexion to the raw, edgy bodice of her J. Mendel Couture dress. She completed the look with elegant Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and a pair of classic Christian Louboutin Hyper Prive 120 pumps in black, exuding pure perfection that night.
Taylor Swift in J. Mendel Couture attends the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011, in New York City (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN / Lia Toby / Flashpoint)
Next on the list is Diane Kruger. The German actress was looking uber exquisite in a Jason Wu creation. Suffice it to say, she looked beautiful, delicate, elegant, and very, very, sexy…
Diane Kruger dazzles at the Met Gala in a Jason Wu Fall 2011 gown featuring a stunning sequin bodice and flowing silk chiffon skirt, perfectly paired with Manolo Blahnik Chaos strap sandals and a Jimmy Choo Lina clutch
Then, creeping up from nowhere was Emma Roberts.
This was totally unexpected, but the young Scream 4 actress looked stunning in her cutout dress from Michael Kors. Looks like Emma IS among the budding fashionable stars to watch these days…
Emma Roberts stuns at the Met Gala in a sleek white silk crepe column gown from Michael Kors’ Pre-Fall 2011 collection, featuring black pailette detailing along the side and back
Several celebrities wore red that day, but none looked as gorgeous and stately as Gisele Bündchen. The supermodel simply nailed it with her Alexander McQueen frock…
Tom Brady with his wife Gisele Bündchen in Alexander McQueen attends the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011, in New York City (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN / Lia Toby / Flashpoint)
Zoe Saldaña was dressed in a minimalistic yet fabulous style. The Calvin Klein muse wore a yellow frock that complemented her beautiful caramel skin. It simply left us speechless…
Zoe Saldaña in Calvin Klein attends the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011, in New York City (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN / Lia Toby / Flashpoint)
We just couldn’t help but include Ginnifer Goodwin on the list. If Edgy had a name that day, it would be her – from their spiky hair down to her architectural sandals. Of course, it goes without saying the dress was amazing…
Ginnifer Goodwin in Topshop Unique attends the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011, in New York City (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN / Lia Toby / Flashpoint)
And then there was Ashley Greene…such a beautiful face in a lovely dress.
Ashley Greene in Donna Karan attends the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011, in New York City (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN / Lia Toby / Flashpoint)
Last but not least was Jessica Stam. The supermodel looked perfect in her wavy blond locks and nude Tommy Hilfiger tulle gown. She looked magnificent!
Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger attends the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011, in New York City (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN / Lia Toby / Flashpoint)
Well, there you have it, our very own best-dressed list. Do you think our top eight are worthy? Or do you have some other muses in mind? Of the eight, whose outfit is your favorite?
2011 MET Gala Fashion: Celebrities Shine in Long-Sleeved Designer Gowns
Renée Zellweger, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Gwyneth Paltrow all opted for long-sleeved gowns at the 2011 MET Gala, proving that elegance doesn’t always require a daring neckline or high slit. SJP’s choice of McQueen paid tribute to the event’s honoree, while Renée stunned in Carolina Herrera, and Gwyneth exuded modern sophistication in Stella McCartney.
While Gwyneth looked radiant that evening, it’s worth noting that she later shared a surprising take on the event. In a 2013 interview with USA Today, she revealed:
I’m never going again. It was so un-fun. It was boiling. It was too crowded. I did not enjoy it at all.
Her candid remark highlights that while the MET Gala is a visual spectacle for fans, it can be an overwhelming experience for even the most seasoned A-listers. The flashing cameras, extravagant gowns, and tightly packed guest list create an atmosphere that is glamorous yet, at times, exhausting.
Sarah Jessica Parker, Renée Zellweger, and Gwyneth Paltrow at the MET Gala held in New York to celebrate the opening of the museum’s new Alexander McQueen retrospective exhibition, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, on May 2, 2011 (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
SJP’s gown was from McQueen, Renee’s from Carolina Herrera, and Gwyneth’s from Stella McCartney. Who do you think looked most glamorous?
Before you make your pick, let’s take a closer look at the details. Renée’s exquisite Carolina Herrera gown featured a strikingly low-cut back, exuding timeless elegance. Meanwhile, Gwyneth’s Stella McCartney design took things up a notch with both a daringly low back and a dramatic high side slit, adding a bold, sultry edge to her look.
Delve into the intricate details of Renée Zellweger and Gwyneth Paltrow’s gowns at the MET Gala (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
I think I’ll go with Renee on this one. SJP looked too covered up, while Gwyneth looked too sexy for comfort. Who’s your pick?
Oh, and lest I forget, one more celebrity wore a long-sleeved gown that day – Rosario Dawson. Hers was a black piece full of sequins from Diane Von Furstenberg:
Actress Rosario Dawson attends the “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” Costume Institute Gala at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2011, in New York City
The 2024 Met Gala: Stunning Heels That Stole the Spotlight
The 2024 Met Gala was a showcase of not only breathtaking gowns but also remarkable footwear that completed each ensemble.
For instance, Shakira graced the event in a stunning red Carolina Herrera gown, complemented by custom-dyed red satin platform sandals from Stuart Weitzman, featuring a substantial platform and a sharp 5.75-inch stiletto heel.
Similarly, Emily Ratajkowski turned heads in a vintage Versace gown paired with René Caovilla Chandelier stiletto sandals adorned with hand-stitched crystal drops, drawing inspiration from Venetian chandeliers.
These choices highlight how the right pair of heels can elevate an outfit to new heights. For a deeper dive into memorable Met Gala footwear, you might enjoy exploring our coverage of the best heels and boots at the 2013 Met Gala, where bold shoe choices took center stage.