The first Monday in May is almost here, and in the fashion world, that means the biggest topic of discussion on the agenda is the Met Gala. This year, attendees have been tasked with flaunting their finest outfits inspired by the theme "The Garden of Time," marking the opening of the Met Museum’s new exhibition, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion."
As we prepare for the array of head-turning outfits coming our way on the sartorial star-studded red carpet, we can’t help but think about some of the Met Gala’s biggest fashion moments ever. So, we’re taking a trip down memory lane, revisiting some of our all-time favorite Met Gala looks, from Kate Moss’ Marc Jacobs golden mini dress circa 2009 to Cardi B’s regal Moschino gown from 2018, and even a look or two from last year’s Gilded Glamour theme. Don’t worry, SJP and Alexander McQueen in matching tartan, Naomi Campbell in glittering Versace, and Kim Kardashian in Thierry Mugler’s first original design in 20 years also made the cut.
So prepare to be amazed by the ethereal looks and red carpet dresses 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.
The Wednesday actress was a standout in this corseted custom Thom Browne look at her first ever Met Gala. Photo: John Shearer/WireImage.
Anne Hathaway in Versace, 2023
In a year when Anne Hathaway's red carpet presence has outshone basically everyone, this custom Versace gown was truly the cherry on top. Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images/The Met Museum/Vogue.
Blake Lively in Atelier Versace, 202
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A tribute to New York City's architecture (and the Statue of Liberty!).
Kim Kardashian in Jean Louis, 2022
Wearing the same dress Marilyn Monroe sported to sing "Happy Birthday" to John F. Kennedy — history in the making.
RosalÃa in Rick Owens, 2021
Sometimes all you need is a train and thigh-high platform boots. Photo : John .hearer/WireImage.
Billie Eillish in Oscar De La Renta, 2021
Casually channeling Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly for the night. Photo: John Shearer/WireImage.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Brother Vellies, 2021
Talk about a statement dress.
Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images.
Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell, 2019
That time Lady Gaga reinvented performance with four outfit changes at the Met Gala. Talk about camp! Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue.
Zendaya in Atelier Versace, 2018
Who else is getting serious Joan of Arc meets Dune vibes from the armored Versace gown Zendaya wore in 2018? Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images.
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 in Mugler, 2019
Straight out of the ocean and onto the pink carpet in custom Mugler might be the only way we want Kim Kardashian 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.
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.
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 next Valentine's Day. 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.
Yara Shahidi in Dior, 2021
Yara Shahidi took a cue from Josephine Baker and excelled. Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
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Twenty-six years after Carrie Bradshaw stepped on screen in that nude cami dress, just like that, the “naked dress” is trending again. Since Sex and the City recently started streaming on Netflix, OG fans as well as the next wave of viewers have been eating up the show’s iconic fashion, including Carrie’s itty bitty DKNY slip dress. And the naked dress trend is more wearable than you may think.
You can follow Carrie’s lead and opt to wear flesh-colored frocks that match your skin tone. Or you can try out one of the skin-baring spring 2024 trends (think: sheer slip dresses, bold crochet, unexpected mesh, and metallic chainmail). And if you have questions about what to wear underneath, it’s also a great time to explore the no-pants look (think: boyshorts, bodysuits, colorful tights, and meant-to-be-seen lingerie sets).
Read on to see all the ways you can channel Carrie in a modern-day naked dress this spring and summer.
Sheer Slip Dresses
While Carrie donned a mini slip dress, we love the idea of a sheer maxi slip dress. Several designers, like Jason Wu and Victoria Beckham, presented colorful and textured sheer slips during the spring/summer 2024 shows, and many of your favorite brands are now following suit and selling sheer cami dresses in maxi lengths. Try wearing the fun and flirty style as a dress over pants for a casual street-style look or with lacy bralettes for a night out.
Lace Overlays
If you’re looking for more detail or texture (and a bit more coverage), consider carting up a lace dress — such as a sheer mesh dress with bold lace detailing or a nude base with a lace overlay. And if you’re going all out with a sheer lace dress, don’t be afraid to play with colorful styles that are still skin-baring or to pair it with matching lace undergarments.
Metallic Embellishments
Metallics are trending for spring, and are one of the flashiest ways to wear a naked dress. From mirror discs and tinsel to sequin embellishments and chainmail, there are a ton of sparkly styles to pick from for your big night out. Wear these dresses with nude undergarments for a striking skin-baring look or throw them over slip dresses, mini skirts, or jeans for a layered look.
Mesh accessories are having a moment this spring, so double down on this trend by styling them with a mesh dress, too. You’ll primarily find this style when browsing for mesh swim cover-ups, but that doesn’t mean these pieces are solely reserved for the beach. Find styles with all-over jewels or trendy swirl patterns for some extra detail and personality.
Nude Color Palette
A nude-colored dress is perhaps the most obvious and easiest way to take on the naked dress trend. There are plenty of styles available in a range of shades, especially from brands like Skims. Even if it isn’t a perfect match, a flesh-colored dress will still give a naked dress illusion that Carrie would approve of.
Semi-Sheer Styles
Still hesitant to try out the naked dress trend? We recommend elevated half-sheer styles, like mini dresses with sheer organza overlays that lay over your collarbones or thighs for extra coverage. You can likewise opt for maxi dresses with transparent skirts or closed-stitch crochet dresses with not-so-revealing cutouts.
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Modest fashion means something different for everyone. For some, it’s wearing looser or longer garments, and for others, it's wearing a hijab, turban, niqab etc., or just taking small steps every day to work towards ultimately dressing more modestly.
For Muslim women, dressing modestly is an act of worship and is done to strengthen one's faith and spirituality, but there are also women who dress modestly for totally different reasons. We all know that having autonomy over our own bodies is a basic right, and yet, there is constant pressure and bias against women who decide to wear more. At times, it has felt as if feminine liberation only looked a particular way and there was no room for me within it.
I've personally always found strength in breaking the norm of what social and fashion standards mean when living in a Western society. With women's bodies and dress codes constantly being a topic for debate, choosing to wear the hijab and dress modestly was, for me, an act of rebellion against beauty and fashion standards at the time. Instead of wearing mini skirts and mini dresses on their own, I styled them layered over jeans or maxi skirts; instead of wearing crop tops on their own, I wore them over loose, long-sleeve blouses for a layered effect.
I've never felt like I've missed out on partaking in a trend entirely — I have just redefined how it could work for me.
When I first started wearing the hijab at 15 years old, I played it mostly safe with fashion trends and styles because I wanted to just fit in in high school, but when I started university, I began exploring who I am and what I like. Launching my online profile felt like a mission to be creative and also to break down stigmas and prove to the world that Muslim women are liberated and beautifully dynamic.
Upon reflection, I can acknowledge that was a lot of pressure to put on myself and mostly impossible to assume I can change everyone's prejudiced thinking on my own. But it did help me find an online community of like-minded women who have had similar experiences to me, and who are also representing their faith and exploring their creativity through fashion.
Ahead, I interview some of my favorite online creatives from around the world, who also happen to be Muslim, and are exploring modest fashion through their content. They inspire me in so many ways and I hope you can also find some inspiration in their platforms, too.
Name: Amal Hassan Age: 25 Location Mississauga, Canada Describe your style in a few words... At the moment, I’d say my style is grunge fairy meets cottagecore, camp Y2K, slightly chaotic coquette, and consistently playful. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? I see the clothing I choose as an extension of who I am. Being a visibly Muslim woman, my beliefs are written on my sleeve, and laid upon my head. What you wear forms how people interpret your being, one article of clothing altering people’s perception. My faith is important to me and so is my creativity and playfulness. And I think that my stylistic choices show that I dare to dream and wonder. The way filmmakers and photographers enchant themselves with memories, create stories and share that with people. I think you can do that instantly with clothing. The combination of celeste blue and lavender I had just seen in a spring bouquet, the swirls and sparkle of my aunt’s toub (traditional Sudanese dress) at my sister’s wedding, the way the afternoon light waltzed around the glass surfaces of my family home. I carry those memories with me and infuse them into what I wear. I always want to tell a story, whether familiar and gentle or imaginative and boisterous.Name: Shafa Rifda Asy-syifa (I go by Rifda) Age: 23 Location: Melbourne, Australia Describe your style in a few words... This is tricky for me because I don’t like putting myself in a box and I just wear whatever I like! But I often see myself dressing towards preppy, early 2000s fashion and late '90s — think Phoebe Buffay! I also take inspiration from vintage Japanese fashion, such as outfits from FRUiTS magazine. What I’m sure of, is that I like dressing in lots of plaid! How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? As a Hijabi, clothing is definitely one of the biggest ways I express myself in order to showcase my style, personality and faith. The hijab actually encourages me to be creative with my outfits, as I would need to think of different ways to modest-ify clothes, usually through lots of layering, and opting for clothing items like maxi skirts or knee-high boots. I always seek out different fashion inspirations, which is why I don’t believe in sticking to just one aesthetic, and also why it’s important for me to shop second-hand as I don’t believe that we need any more clothes in this world! Sustainable fashion is an accessible way for me to experiment with different styles while being conscious of overconsumption.Name: Sarah Badaoui Age: 25 Location Adelaide, Australia Describe your style in a few words... Modest, elegant, but still fun. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? I express myself by wearing pieces that represent my beliefs and my Syrian background, while also trying to participate in current trends. With modest fashion, I think it's very easy to wear basics every day (which is beautiful in its own right), but I'm currently having a lot of fun trying to be creative in incorporating more fun/trendy pieces in a modest and ethical way. This looks like up-cycling pieces already in my wardrobe and making a conscious effort to purchase from ethical brands that align with my beliefs and values.Name: Amina Ktefan Age: 19 Location: Ukraine, Kyiv Describe your style in a few words... Bold, fun, well-balanced, sharp and eclectic. My style represents my personality, my religion and my desires. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? My wardrobe reflects my love of maximalism and standing out. What I have noticed, is that I don't like to limit myself and my style by only one or two aesthetics. We all have different moods every day, and for me, it’s important to follow them and express them through clothing, so I can feel comfortable with my look. One day, I can be grungy and sharp, and another day I can be very elegant and classy. I feel like clothes help me bring out stuff that is already inside of me.Name: Aisha Salah Age: 26 Location: Helsinki, Finland Describe your style in a few words... I'm not sure how to word it but I think you could say that my style is minimal with a twist. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? When it comes to my clothing choices, comfort is key! I always try to dress in a way that makes me feel comfortable and confident. Depending on my mood, I might rock a girly outfit one day and then switch to a baggy look the next. Lately, I've been really into clothing items that have unique and interesting details — I feel like they can really make an outfit stand out! I also love layering my outfits and playing around with different textures. It's so much fun!Name: Ayah Kawsara Age: 21 Location: Dallas Fort Worth, Texas Describe your style in a few words... My style differentiates from day to day as I don’t like to box myself into one specific style — some days I wake up feeling super feminine and girly and other days I am more edgy and eccentric. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? I love a good simple outfit but also I love being a maximalist. I also feel like my style is a reflection of my outgoing, energetic personality and I am not afraid to try new styles, wear bold colors, and throw on different accessories/layers. I think to sum it all up, I just love wearing what makes me feel comfortable and confident!Name: Yasamine Durali Age: 24 Location Southern California Describe your style in a few words... Feminine, elegant, casual, and modest. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? Clothing has always been my favorite mode of self-expression; I love allowing my personal style and taste to evolve rather than forcing myself into a box. I think over-defining your style can be limiting. Most days, I love dressing comfortably while also looking elegant and put together. I love adding a fun pair of sneakers to a more dressed-up look to add a pop of color and make the outfit more youthful. My style changes so much depending on the era of life I’m in. Right now, I’m preparing for my wedding in a few months, so I’m naturally gravitating towards more feminine styles and silhouettes: dresses, ballet flats, florals, drop waists, kitten heels, etc!Name: Mariam Kudsi Age: 21 Location: California Describe your style in a few words... Modest, ethical, creative. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? Through my style, I express my biggest passion in life: my religion. I am able to represent modesty in a creative and humble way, while still feeling unique and creative. It reflects my values, cultural background, and my creative aesthetic. I also love expressing my style through unique pieces I find while thrifting, allowing me to turn my style into a form of art. My style has turned into a passion to show girls around the world that we can dress modestly and still look cool. I’m slowly turning my closet into Hannah Montana’s spinning wardrobe as my alter ego.Name: Beyza Nur Anıl Age: 24 Location New Jersey (loud and proud Jersey girl) Describe your style in a few words... Meticulous, eclectic, playful, and chic. How do you express yourself through your choice of clothing? Experiencing the world through the lens of marginality, I have become accustomed to the idea of people making up their minds about me before I really get a chance to speak. The clothes I wear are oftentimes my introduction. So, I try only to wear clothes that speak of me truthfully.
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