It’s the second Monday in September. Normally, it’d be an unremarkable date. But in the new normal, it’s the night of the Met Gala, the night when A-listers from fashion, music, TV, sports, and even politics roll up to the Met Museum in their Sunday Monday finest. As celebs and designers exit quarantine (with a vaccination card in hand!), it’s time to start unveiling the memorable looks, as the guests celebrate tonight's theme In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion.
But even as we look into the future (and hopefully, it’s one without coronavirus), we can still take inspiration from some of the Met Gala’s biggest fashion moments. To do so, we’re taking a trip down memory lane, re-visiting some of our all-time favorite Met Gala looks, from Kate Moss’s Marc Jacobs golden mini dress circa 2009 to Cardi B’s staircase-enveloping Thom Browne gown from last year. Don’t worry, SJP and Alexander McQueen in matching tartan, Naomi Campbell in glittering Versace, and Kim Kardashian West in Thierry Mugler’s first original design in 20 years also made the cut.
So prepare to be amazed by the ethereal looks that have garnered attention every year since the first Costume Institute Benefit in 1948. Click on for our list of the best Met Gala looks of all time.
It’s the first Monday in May, but for the first time in nearly two decades, no one will be lining up on the steps of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art tonight for the Costume Institute’s annual Met Gala. Central Park might be open (to the dismay of many worried New Yorkers), but the museum that calls it home is not. And neither is the About Time: Fashion and Duration exhibition.
As New York City itself hits pause, fashion’s most elite people — from the gala’s co-hosts Nicolas Ghesquière, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, and of course, Anna Wintour, to the most notorious Met Gala dressers (think Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Jared Leto, and Cardi B) — are at home, probably posting photos from Met Galas past (bathroom pics included).
But just because we can’t tune into fashion’s biggest night tonight doesn’t mean that we can’t still celebrate what could’ve been. To do so, we’re taking a trip down memory lane, re-visiting some of our all-time favorite Met Gala looks, from Kate Moss’s Marc Jacobs golden mini dress circa 2009 to Cardi B’s staircase-enveloping Thom Browne gown from last year. Don’t worry, SJP and Alexander McQueen in matching tartan, Naomi Campbell in glittering Versace, and Kim Kardashian West in Thierry Mugler’s first original design in 20 years also made the cut.
So shake (or stir) up a quarantini, put on a #throwback ensemble, and prepare to be amazed by the ethereal looks that have garnered attention every year since the first Costume Institute Benefit in 1948. Click on for our list of the best Met Gala looks of all time. It’s the first Monday in May, but for the first time in nearly two decades, no one will be lining up on the steps of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art tonight for the Costume Institute’s annual Met Gala. Central Park might be open (to the dismay of many worried New Yorkers), but the museum that calls it home is not. And neither is the About Time: Fashion and Duration exhibition.
As New York City itself hits pause, fashion’s most elite people — from the gala’s co-hosts Nicolas Ghesquière, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Emma Stone, Meryl Streep, and of course, Anna Wintour, to the most notorious Met Gala dressers (think Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Jared Leto, and Cardi B) — are at home, probably posting photos from Met Galas past (bathroom pics included).
But just because we can’t tune into fashion’s biggest night tonight doesn’t mean that we can’t still celebrate what could’ve been. To do so, we’re taking a trip down memory lane, re-visiting some of our all-time favorite Met Gala looks, from Kate Moss’s Marc Jacobs golden mini dress circa 2009 to Cardi B’s staircase-enveloping Thom Browne gown from last year. Don’t worry, SJP and Alexander McQueen in matching tartan, Naomi Campbell in glittering Versace, and Kim Kardashian West in Thierry Mugler’s first original design in 20 years also made the cut.
So shake (or stir) up a quarantini, put on a #throwback ensemble, and prepare to be amazed by the ethereal looks that have garnered attention every year since the first Costume Institute Benefit in 1948. Click on for our list of the best Met Gala looks of all time.
Photo: John Shearer/WireImage.
Carmen Kass in Gucci, 2003
The open neck is the new open back, as proven by Carmen Kass's iconic red satin Gucci gown from the 2003 Met Gala.Photo: Gucci/Getty Images.
Hailey Bieber in Alexander Wang, 2019
Only Hailey Bieber could make a crystal thong seem like a casual red pink carpet accessory. Photo: Karwai Tang/Getty Images.
Rihanna in John Galliano, 2018
Can we all take a second to memorialize Rihanna's crystal-covered John Galliano papal look for the Heavenly Bodies themed Met Gala in 2018? Photo: Kevin Tachman/Getty Images.
Naomi Campbell in Versace, 1995
Naomi Campbell always looks fantastic. Full stop. But this dazzling Versace number from the 1995 Met Gala truly is a step above the rest. Photo: Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images.
Ashley Olsen in Dior, 2013
Ashley Olsen was the picture of sunshine at the 2013 Met Gala, where she wore a tangerine shapeless frock courtesy of Dior. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Cardi B in Thom Browne, 2019
Quilted coats who? We're opting for quilted gowns only (with feathered details and extra-long trains, of course) from now on. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images.
Ariana Grande in Vera Wang, 2018
Ariana Grande consistently goes above and beyond in the costume department. But her Sistine Chapel Vera Wang gown for 2018's Catholic-themed Met Gala was assuredly her most extra look yet. Photo: Jackson Lee/Getty Images.
Kim Kardashian West in Mugler, 2019
Straight out of the ocean and onto the pink carpet in custom Mugler is the only way we want Kim Kardashian West to show up anywhere for the foreseeable future. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images.
Zoë Kravitz in Oscar de la Renta, 2017
Who else freaked out when Zoë Kravitz wore millennial pink to the Met Gala during peak millennial pink popularity? Photo: J. Kempin/Getty Images.
Frances McDormand in Valentino, 2018
Does it get more fabulous than Oscar-winning actress Frances McDormand in avant-garde Valentino at the Met Gala? We're thinking not. Photo: George Pimentel/Getty Images.
Lupita Nyong'o in Calvin Klein, 2016
We'd be cheesin' it too if we looked as extraordinary as Lupita Nyong'o in this sparkling green Calvin Klein number. Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage.
Jared Leto in Gucci, 2019
It doesn't get much more camp than carrying a 3D clone of your own head on the red carpet. Nice work, Alessandro Michele. We see you, and we appreciate you. Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images.
Zendaya in Jean Paul Gaultier, 2018
Who else is getting serious Dune vibes from the armored Gaultier gown Zendaya wore in 2018? Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images.
Kate Moss in Marc Jacobs, 2009
Kate Moss in this Marc Jacobs gold turban and backless mini combo is golden hour in human form. Photo: BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.
Saoirse Ronan in Gucci, 2019
Watch out Emilia Clarke, there's a new Mother of Dragons in town, and it's Saoirse Ronan in Gucci. Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic.
Lana Del Rey in Gucci, 2018
Lana Del Rey's Gucci ensemble nailed the 2018 Met Gala's Catholic theme. Photo: Dia Dipasupil/WireImage.
Jennifer Lopez in Valentino, 2017
The Versace jungle dress might be J.Lo's most iconic, but we'd argue that this baby blue Valentino gown deserves the #1 spot. Photo: J. Kempin/Getty Images.
Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham, 2014
Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham. That's it. That's the caption.Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage.
Billy Porter in The Blonds, 2019
Not pictured: Billy Porter being carried onto the Met Gala pink carpet Cleopatra style by six very handsome men also wearing gold ensembles by The Blonds.Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images.
Cara Delevingne in Chanel, 2017
The only thing better than Cara Delevingne introducing her sleek new bald 'do at the Manus x Machina Met Gala was the metallic Chanel pantsuit she wore.Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Solange Knowles in Iris van Herpen and Brother Vellies, 2018
There's a reason Solange Knowles goes by Saint Records, and it's this slick black Iris van Herpen gown, gold angelic crown, and Brother Vellies thigh-high boots. That's not really the reason, but a girl can dream. Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/Getty Images.
Bella Hadid in Alexander Wang, 2017
Bella Hadid in barely there Alexander Wang needs no introduction. Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.
Princess Diana in Dior, 1996
Possibly the most iconic of all the Met Gala looks is Princess Diana in a very daring blue Dior slip dress with a matching sapphire necklace. Photo: Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.
Cardi B in Thom Browne, 2018
What's better than Cardi B's regal Moschino look? The beaded gown was a major showstopper. Photo: Frazer Harrison/FilmMagic.
Sienna Miller in Burberry, 2006
Talk about glowing. Sienna Miller is a genuine ray of light in this Burberry micro mini. Photo: BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.
Beyoncé in Givenchy, 2016
No one does latex fashion quite like Beyoncé, especially when it's designed by Givenchy.Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Dita von Tesse in Zac Posen, 2014
Old Hollywood glamour doesn't get much better than this. Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic.
Erykah Badu in Givenchy, 2014
Erykah Badu deserves the first-place prize for her Givenchy hat game at the 2014 Met Gala. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen in vintage John Galliano for Dior, 2015
Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen in head-to-toe black isn't exactly groundbreaking, but that doesn't mean we don't also love it. Photo: Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images.
Chloe Sevigny in J.W. Anderson, 2015
Every single inch of this J.W. Anderson original on Chloë Sevigny is absolute perfection. Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Rihanna in Guo Pei, 2015
Does Rihanna ever not look perfect on the Met Gala steps? Doubtful. Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic.
Anne Hathaway in Ralph Lauren, 2015
Anne Hathaway took a cue from Little Red Riding Hood with this sexy and sophisticated gold hooded gown courtesy of Ralph Lauren. Photo: George Pimentel/WireImage.
Miley Cyrus in Marc Jacobs, 2013
Miley Cyrus was the definitive punk princess in sheer, netted Marc Jacobs at the 2013 Met Gala.Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney, 2011
Between the extra-high slit and the extra-low back, this Stella McCartney number on Gwyneth Paltrow is the epitome of sex appeal.Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images.
Madonna in Stella McCartney, 2011
This Stella McCartney cap-sleeved gown was, without a doubt, Madonna's "Lucky Star." Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images.
Christina Ricci in Givenchy, 2008
Catch us re-creating Christina Ricci's pink and red Givenchy look on Valentine's Day 2021. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.
Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen, 2006
Amber Valletta in Maggie Norris Couture and John Galliano, 2004
The hair! The baubles! The corset! Every detail of Amber Valletta's Maggie Norris and John Galliano ensemble from the 2004 Met Gala was a win if you ask us. Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images.
Marie-Chantal Mille in Valentino, 2001
Have you ever seen anything chicer than Princess Marie-Chantal Mille of Greece wearing Valentino with Valentino? Photo: Evan Agostini/Getty Images.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Sweater aficionados know that cashmere is the premium cold-weather fabric for its superior warmth and softness. The prized fiber is made from cashmere goats, whose cold home requires their coat to be extra thick and warm to survive. Once turned into thread, however, it can be woven or knitted into varying thicknesses. So no matter how you prefer your cozy — perhaps as a ribbed cardigan, or as a fitted pullover, or even a light, sleeveless shell — the ways in which you can layer and wear it are limitless.
The thing about cashmere, however, is that it’s expensive — it is a rare fiber, after all. With the majority of the world’s supply coming from goats specifically living in the Gobi Desert, there’s a relatively long-ish supply chain process linked to producing sweaters and the like. To that end, the best cashmere sweaters generally veer towards basic or neutral (for versatility’s sake) — and it's only fitting that they're often purchased as investment pieces. (On the flip side, if a style is too-good-to-be-true cheap, the sweater is likely sus or blended with other not-as-soft materials.)
With so many fashion retailers and brands throwing around the “100% cashmere” language around, it’s hard to sort out where to find the sweaters worthy of your hard-earned dollars. So, for this edition of Hype Machine, we scanned through countless sites to filter out the highest-rated cashmere layerables according to serious cozy-seekers like you. (And, while Uniqlo doesn’t partake in customer reviews, we feel the retailer’s collection of cashmere crewnecks still deserves an honorable mention here for its longstanding level of quality and affordability.) Now that we’ve got all that out of the way, click on to see the best cashmere sweater styles the world wide web has to offer.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Everlane The Cashmere Polo
The Best Polo-Style Cashmere Sweater
Polo shirts and half-zip sweaters are making a huge comeback this year — and this cashmere pullover satisfies both trends in one.
The Hype: 4.77 out of 5 stars and 124 reviews on everlane.com
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "I absolutely love this sweater. I was looking for something similar last year, so when I saw it here, I immediately bought it. I was nervous given I purchased it in haste, but I 100% don’t regret it."
Everlane The Cashmere Polo, $, available at Everlane
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan
The Best Cashmere Cardigan Sweater
Though this cashmere sweater is on the pricier end, this very beloved, very luxurious Jenni Kayne ribbed cardigan is worth every dollar according to the designer's rabid fanbase.
The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars and 116 reviews on jennikayne.com
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "The coziest of coziest! There’s a reason why they call this cardigan a cocoon. It literally wraps you in warmth. It’s also extremely versatile — wear it buttoned, unbuttoned, tucked into jeans or pants, you name it and the sweater delivers."
Jenni Kayne Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan, $, available at Jenni Kayne
Anthropologie Alani Cashmere Mock Neck Sweater
The Best Mock Neck Cashmere Sweater
Not quite a turtleneck and not quite a crew neck, this cashmere mock neck sweater is an easy style to throw on during these in-between-seasons weeks. Plus, take a look at all of the vibrant gemstone colors!
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "Super snuggly! Love the way this sweater hangs on my body. Super soft and not too thick of a fabric. I'll most likely layer it with an undershirt during cooler weather. The floral pattern looks vintage and I'm super happy with my purchase!"
Anthropologie Alani Cashmere Mock Neck Sweater, $, available at Anthropologie
This comfy ribbed sweater is made from Madewell's Do Well materials, which includes 70% recycled cashmere and 30% recycled wool. So, while this isn't a hundo cashmere, you can still feel fuzzy-good that this sweater's kinder to the environment.
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 12 reviews on madewell.com
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "I ordered this in a size up to have an oversized/slouchy feel, and it's perfect! I would definitely say it's true to size if you're going for a less slouchy look though. The color is exquisite, like the perfect taupe/oatmeal/cream color mix. I am six months pregnant and feel like this sweater, even with the slight crop, will be something I'll be able to wear throughout my whole pregnancy. Can't wait to pair it with some cute black jeans and a jean jacket!"
Madewell (Re)sourced Cashmere Ribbed Mockneck Pullover Sweater, $, available at Madewell
Free People Skye Cashmere Pullover
The Best Sleeveless Cashmere Sweater
If you're down with the sweater vest trend, but want to specifically invest in a lux cashmere style, this top-rated pullover from Free People is worth a look.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 10 reviews on freepeople.com
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "A delicious, sophisticated hug! I have come to love cashmere for its lightness and incredible warmth... as I am often chilled. This piece, though sleeveless, is like getting a beautiful hug when I slip it on. The red is vibrant, and the material is perfect for wearing alone or over a blouse/turtleneck. Dressy, classy, and fun! There is ample room and it flows and settles nicely. I ordered an XS and it was billowy and chic! LOVE IT!"
Free People Skye Cashmere Pullover, $, available at Free People
Naadam Cashmere Hoodie
The Best Cashmere Hoodie
If you lived in a baggy hoodie all throughout the pandemic and want to continue on your cozy-comfy journey, grab one of these hooded cashmere sweaters — perfect for cocooning your head from the cold air.
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 170 reviews on naadam.co
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "I regularly start and end my day in this item! It’s my happy place, paired with the cashmere jogger in that beautiful spicy cinnamon color. Soft and luxurious, yet light. I feel like I’m walking naked with a cloud of warm softness around me!"
Since this tunic-style cashmere sweater covers your hips and butt, it's a great choice for keeping you extra warm.
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 160 reviews on gentleherd.com
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "Beautiful thick cozy sweater! I love how it sits just a bit below your hip so you can pull up or down! Definitely a good buy! I will be wearing this sweater a lot this year!"
Gentle Herd Oversized Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, $, available at Gentle Herd
Jennie Liu Women's 100% Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater
The Best Cashmere Crewneck On Amazon
Amazon can be a hit or miss, but this cashmere sweater is certainly a hit according to 375 reviewers who rated this sweater an overall 4.4 out of 5 stars. If that doesn't pique your immediate interest, then one of its many, poppy colorways surely will.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 375 reviews on amazon.com
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "I bought three of these cashmere crew neck sweaters and they are the most luxurious treat to wear. It's like wearing a soft, gentle hug all day long. They are of excellent quality and they hold up well to cold water wash (in a garment bag), air drying, and light ironing. I expect them to last many years and to be a staple of my winter wardrobe."
Jennie Liu Women's 100% Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, $, available at Amazon
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Duster Cardigan Sweater
The Best Cashmere Duster Sweater
If you want your cashmere sweater to look, feel, and fit more like outerwear, this open-front duster is the perfect grab-and-go jacket for fall. And, like with all of Quince's cashmere, this style is made entirely from Grade A Mongolian cashmere.
The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars and 12 reviews on onequince.com
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "Have been looking for a sweater like this for months...cashmere is thicker than I thought it would be. Super soft, high quality, really neutral style that I'll wear constantly."
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Duster Cardigan Sweater, $, available at Quince
Mott & Bow Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Willow
The Best V-Neck Cashmere Sweater
Mott & Bow offers a few cashmere sweater styles, but this slightly cropped V-neck sweater just edges out the crew neck for its easy, over-the-head pullover fit and wear.
The Hype: 4.25 out of 5 stars and 21 reviews on mottandbow.com
What Cozy Seekers Are Saying: "Like the cut of this versatile cashmere V-neck. When it first arrived I put it on and didn’t want to take it off cuz it was so soft and comfortable. Not too thin or thick. Wear alone or under a jacket. Like where the V hits on my chest."
Mott & Bow Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Willow, $, available at Mott & Bow
Nap Loungewear Chunky Oversized Crew Sweater
The Best Oversized Cashmere Sweater
Just look at the super wide, boxy silhouette of this cashmere sweater! If getting swathed by cashmere goodness is your top priority, let this one envelop you in ultimate softness.
