It’s hard to imagine that there’s a fashion aficionado out there who doesn’t obsess over the Met Gala… the glamour, the costumes, the A-list guest list, and the fact that it’s all put together by Anna Wintour, can you imagine a more sartorially satisfying experience? While only the select few on the guest list get a peek inside the lavish party, the rest of us still get our piece of pie by ogling the beautiful red carpet looks that come from the event every year.
While we undeniably find ourselves swooning over a multitude of gowns each year, it can be hard to discern what really works and what—especially when there’s a theme at play. Nonetheless, it goes without saying that some looks stand out among the rest. Seeking a professional opinion, we turned to a New York-based Stylist, Cat Pope, to share her thoughts. Having worked with the likes of Anna Chlumsky, Andreja Pejic, Jessica Hart, and Nadia Alexander, it’s fair to say her opinion is solid. Scroll on to see who she thought was the best dressed, below and read her reasoning behind it, below.
WHO: Zoë Kravitz
WEAR: Saint Laurent
"Zoë Kravitz has such an understated cool, but this look (although minimal) is anything but understated. Her mantilla lace dress is sheer and open on one side making something traditionally so modest ooze sex appeal."
WHO: Lily Collins
"I love how youthful and modern this take on the theme is. She looks so regal and poised, like a chic nun, and it all feels very Audrey Hepburn."
WHO: Diane Kruger
WEAR: Prabal Gurung
"This is such a fashionable take on the theme, and it’s so nice to see someone willing to be heavy handed with the theme, but to also manage not take it too costumey at the same time. I love the colour and the silhouette. The Philip Treacy x Tasaki headpiece is also spectacular."
WHO: Rihanna
WEAR: Maison Martin Margiela
"This look is totally coordinated and embellished from head to toe, even down to the hat and Judith Lieber clutch. When something is so lavish, how does is still feel so cool? I think a lot of what made this look such a show-stopper was her amazing smile the whole time she was on the carpet."
Related: Gisele Is Redefining What Red Carpet Fashion Looks Like, For the Better
WHO: Kate Bosworth
WEAR: Oscar de la Renta
"This floaty, dreamy look was so unique on tonight's carpet. Few chose to portray the angelic or virginal aspects of the theme. Kate looks youthful and fresh and I really love the look."
WHO: Evan Rachel Wood
WEAR: Altuzarra
"I love the polished refinement that Evan always brings to her red carpet looks. She’s so poised and statuesque that you nearly forget she’s wearing oversized gold angel wings."
WHO: Michelle Williams
WEAR: Louis Vuitton
"Although not one of the loudest looks, Michelle Williams still powerfully commands the carpet in this silver Joan of Arc-inspired look. Though she was not the only one to reference this heroine for her outfit, she did it the best in my opinion."
WHO: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
WEAR: Ralph Lauren
"Rosie looks positively angelic in this light and airy Ralph Lauren gown. It’s such a different direction for her style-wise, as she so often opts for sexy glamour. It really works for her."
Related: Kim Kardashian West Looks Other-Worldly at the Met Gala
WHO: Kim Kardashian
WEAR: Versace
"This look is so simple, yet amazingly well put together. The hair and makeup along with the bombshell figure make this look incredibly glamorous. Donatella’s gowns really praise the female form, so she’s the perfect match for this gown."
WHO: Cara Delevingne
WEAR: Dior
"This look has a lot going on, but Cara manages to make it feel youthful and full of energy. Her beauty look underneath is also worth taking a closer look at, if you didn’t initially catch it under the veil."
WHO: Jennifer Lopez
WEAR: Balmain
"JLo looks so sexy and vibrant in this gown. It is unapologetically all-out glam, but still on theme."
Do you agree? See some of our Met Gala photos on Instagram, and let us know which look is your favourite.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About the 2018 Met Gala
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