The Met Gala is one of the most anticipated events, recognized for its red carpet fashion moments. Each year, the event introduces a theme that guides what guests are expected to wear. Attendees interpret the dress code in different ways, bringing their own ideas and personal style to their looks. While anticipation builds for the next edition, here are eight of the best Met Gala looks from previous years.

Zendaya 2018 Versace look

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Zendaya appeared in a Versace look that followed the 2018 event’s “Heavenly Bodies” dress code. She wore a fitted gown designed with metallic armor, including structured shoulder pieces and a shaped waist. The outfit also featured chainmail elements across the neckline, thigh-high slit, and a long trailing hem that extended behind her. She completed it with silver heels and matching accessories.

Rihanna 2017 Comme des Garçons

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Rihanna wore a Comme des Garçons look for the 2017 Met Gala, “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between.” The dress was designed with layered cut-out panels across the piece. The outfit had a puffed shape, with the fabric arranged in sections. It featured a mix of red, blue and soft pink tones. She paired it with red lace-up heels, along with a high ponytail and soft pink makeup that matched the colors in the outfit.

Lady Gaga 2019 Brandon Maxwell gown

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Gaga attended the 2019 Met Gala, themed “Camp: Notes on Fashion” in a pink Brandon Maxwell gown defined by its oversized, full shape. The high-neck design had puffed sleeves and was styled with a large bow on the head, along with a matching bow detail at the waist. She completed the look with bold eye makeup, including dramatic eyeliner, gold spike lashes and crystal teardrop accents, paired with pink lipstick.

Doja Cat’s wet look

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For the 2024 Met Gala: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” Doja Cat appeared in a white Vetements gown designed with a wet-look finish. The floor-length dress looked as though it was soaked in water, with the fabric clinging closely to the body. Her makeup carried the same concept, wearing a smoky eye look with tear-like details running down her face.

Kim Kardashian 2021 look

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Kim Kardashian arrived at the 2021 Met Gala, themed “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” wearing a custom Balenciaga outfit that covered her completely from head to toe. The all-black look included a fitted top with a long fabric attached to the sides, extending to the ground, paired with matching leggings and pointed-toe heels. Her face was fully covered, leaving only a small opening at the top for her long hair to fall through. The outfit stood out for its unusual face covering detail, making it one of the most talked-about looks from the event.

Harry Styles in Gucci

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Harry Styles arrived in a Gucci look by Alessandro Michele. He wore high-waisted black trousers with a sheer, long-sleeve top. The top featured a gathered neckline with lace details beneath it at the chest and cuffs. He completed the look with black heeled shoes, painted nails and multiple rings. The theme of the event was “Camp: Notes on Fashion.”

Janelle Monáe look

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Janelle Monáe attended the 2019 Met Gala, themed“Camp: Notes on Fashion” in a Christian Siriano gown designed with bold, structured elements. The upper part of the look featured an asymmetrical design, with one side covered in a long-sleeve black top with a high neckline, while the other side was left open except for a detailed eye design across the chest and a black-and-white glove. The lower half of the gown combined different colors, including a voluminous heart-shaped skirt in black, white, red and pink tones. She carried a matching eye-shaped purse and layered hats stacked on her head.

Beyoncé Givenchy gown

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For the 2016 Met Gala: “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” Beyoncé wore a nude Givenchy gown with latex fabric and a fitted, mermaid-style shape. The long-sleeve dress had puffed shoulders and a narrowed waist. The upper part of the gown was detailed with floral patterns and layered beadwork, which continued down the sleeves and along the lower section of the dress. She wore matching nude accessories, including a clutch and rings.

Each of these looks shows how differently celebrities convey the Met Gala theme, through clothing and makeup. The 2026 Met Gala dress code, “Fashion is Art,” sets the stage for another year of creative looks on the red carpet.