27 Best and Worst Dressed Celebrities at the 2022 Met Gala
A comprehensive, stylish roundup of 2022's standout Met Gala fashion—from the truly gilded to the most puzzling red carpet moments.
The 2022 Met Gala marked a triumphant return to the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, overflowing with imaginative interpretations, nostalgic glamour, and bold risks. The theme, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”, called for sartorial prowess under the dress code of Gilded Glamour. As always, celebrities used the red carpet as a canvas for artistic, extravagant, and occasionally confusing statements. This roundup captures the most memorable, breathtaking, and head-scratching looks that defined the night.
Setting the Scene: The Night of Gilded Glamour
Forget subtlety. The Met Gala’s 2022 edition was about opulence, innovation, and American fashion history. While some guests delivered tributes with dazzling precision, others wandered astray—or simply opted for spectacle over substance. Creativity reigned, yet the evening reminded us that risk-taking doesn’t always guarantee sartorial success.
The Gold Standards: Best Dressed Celebrities
Blake Lively in Atelier Versace
Blake Lively masterfully embodied the night’s theme, with a show-stopping transformation gown inspired by New York landmarks. The dramatic reveal—shifting from copper to oxidized green—nodded to the Statue of Liberty’s patina, while lavish embroidery evoked the grandeur of Gilded Age architecture. Her meticulous approach, from metallic gloves to the artful bustled silhouette, was universally lauded.
Ryan Reynolds in Ralph Lauren
Posing alongside Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds delivered classic sophistication in a velvet tuxedo—proof that sometimes simplicity and fit outshine experimental risks.
Kim Kardashian in Jean Louis (Marilyn Monroe Dress)
Kim Kardashian sent shockwaves by donning the original Jean Louis gown worn by Marilyn Monroe to serenade JFK in 1962. The piece, glistening with hand-sewn crystals, symbolized both Hollywood history and headline-generating audacity. This was vintage glamour—literally and figuratively—though not without controversy regarding preservation and fit.
Gigi Hadid in Versace
Gigi Hadid subverted expectations with a striking, inflatable crimson coat over a latex corset and skintight pants. The look fused high drama with modern edge, pushing the envelope in a way few others dared.
Sarah Jessica Parker in Christopher John Rogers
True to her fashion icon status, Sarah Jessica Parker dazzled in a meticulously crafted, black-and-white ballgown that paid homage to Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, the first Black White House fashion designer. Parker’s dedication to storytelling through costume made her a symbolic and visual standout.
Simone Ashley in Moschino
The Bridgerton star’s tailored, romantic Moschino ensemble blended corsetry and embellishment with contemporary flair, capturing both the letter and the spirit of “Gilded Glamour.”
Billy Porter in Custom Gilded Look
No Met Gala best-dressed list is complete without Billy Porter, whose golden wings and baroque styling epitomized theatricality. Porter’s appearance celebrated queerness, Black artistry, and the joy of transformative fashion.
Billie Eilish in Gucci
Billie Eilish took a literal but beautiful approach in a Victorian-inspired corseted gown by Gucci, complete with pastel shades and authentic bustle. Unlike the night’s misfires, Eilish’s interpretation balanced reverence for the theme with fashion-forward cool.
Lizzo in Thom Browne
With an opulent, hand-embroidered black coat and golden flute, Lizzo radiated majesty. Her look was both playful and meticulously detailed, clinching her place among the event’s sartorial stars.
Nicola Coughlan in Richard Quinn
The Derry Girls and Bridgerton star wowed with a pink-and-black tulle look, marrying bold volume and sharp tailoring for a high-impact, memorable entrance.
Simone Biles in Area
Simone Biles took creative risk to new heights with a silver-embellished, oversized gown evocative of both armor and fairy tales. The structural drama spoke to the fearless athleticism she’s known for.
Push the Envelope: The Night’s Most Daring Ensembles
Jared Leto & Alessandro Michele in Gucci
The pair twinned in perfectly synchronized, maximalist Gucci looks, complete with matching hair and accessories. Their doubles act was both odd and thought-provoking, a true conversation starter for the red carpet.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
In a twist on excess, Emma Stone recycled her own wedding dress, proving that sustainability can be chic—even at fashion’s glitziest gathering.
Bella Hadid in Burberry
Bella Hadid opted for a black corset bodice, lingerie details, and edgy, deconstructed styling. While polarizing, her look exemplified the Gala’s penchant for risks on the razor’s edge of daring and divisive.
Janelle Monáe in Ralph Lauren
Janelle Monáe stunned with a futuristic hooded gown adorned with beads and sequins, blending art deco with intergalactic diva energy.
Star Power Strikes Again: More Memorable Fashion Moments
Cardi B in Versace
Layered in a fully-gilded, sculpted dress with cascades of golden chains, Cardi B gave full Gilded Age dramatics by amplifying the evening’s opulent theme.
Rosalía in Givenchy
Rosalía’s architectural white gown blended modern structure with nods to old-world couture, echoing a mix of Spanish and American influences.
Chloe Bailey in Area
With a sculpted gold collar and shimmering fabric, Chloe Bailey balanced avant-garde with a regal twist, elevating her presence on the carpet.
Who Missed the Mark: The Worst Dressed Celebrities
Even with stylists, designers, and months of planning, Met Gala fashion can flop. Here are the looks that confused, underwhelmed, or simply failed to channel the night’s narrative.
Kylie Jenner in Off-White
Wearing a white ball gown topped with a backward baseball cap and veil, Kylie Jenner puzzled critics and fans. The bridal-sports hybrid didn’t land as subversive or elegant; it felt more like a missed opportunity.
Kourtney Kardashian in Thom Browne
Kourtney Kardashian’s deconstructed suit and skirt combo seemed rushed and out-of-place, lacking cohesion with the “Gilded Glamour” theme or her own high-standards for fashion drama.
Camila Cabello in Prabal Gurung
Camila Cabello arrived in an oversized, flower-laden skirt and uncoordinated bodice. The proportions felt awkward, the color story muddled, and the impact diminished by excessive details.
Hilaria Baldwin in Dolce & Gabbana
The black-and-white color-blocked dress came across more costume than couture, missing the sophistication and narrative strength expected at such a high-fashion gathering.
Fredrik Robertsson
Fredrik Robertsson’s silver, spiky, futuristic look—initially mistaken for Jared Leto—pulled focus for all the wrong reasons, creating social media confusion and polarizing opinions.
Vanessa Hudgens in Moschino
Despite a dramatic train and sheer lace, the overall effect felt less like high-glamour and more gothic prom, a missed marriage of drama and taste.
Kaia Gerber in Alexander McQueen
Kaia Gerber’s metallic gown and wild curls aimed for celestial, but delivered more confusion than cohesion, muddling her red carpet impact.
Shawn Mendes in Tommy Hilfiger
Shawn Mendes wore a broad-collared open coat reminiscent of a vintage villain rather than an American style icon, misaligning with both theme and fashion sensibility.
Table: Top 5 Best vs. Worst Dressed at the 2022 Met Gala
| Best Dressed | Designer | Worst Dressed | Designer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blake Lively | Atelier Versace | Kylie Jenner | Off-White |
| Sarah Jessica Parker | Christopher John Rogers | Camila Cabello | Prabal Gurung |
| Billy Porter | Custom | Kourtney Kardashian | Thom Browne |
| Kim Kardashian | Jean Louis (vintage) | Vanessa Hudgens | Moschino |
| Lizzo | Thom Browne | Fredrik Robertsson | Unknown |
What others are reading
Celebrity Couples Who Made an Impact
- Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds: Coordinated elegance, setting couple style goals for the event.
- Brooklyn Beckham & Nicola Peltz: Both shone in Valentino, showcasing effortless synergy.
- Elon Musk & Maye Musk: A dashing mother-son moment, with clean tailoring and pops of old-school style.
The Year’s Overarching Fashion Themes
- Historical References: Multiple stars looked to American history, vintage Hollywood, and Golden Age glamour for inspiration.
- Sustainability: Upcycling and vintage pieces appeared, sending messages of fashion responsibility.
- Volume and Drama: Voluminous trains, over-the-top fabrics, and metallic accessories dominated.
- Gender Fluidity: Menswear was deconstructed, and traditional gender norms challenged through silhouette and styling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the theme of the 2022 Met Gala?
The 2022 Met Gala theme was “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”, with a dress code titled Gilded Glamour. Attendees were encouraged to interpret lavishness and historical American fashion with contemporary flair.
Who was the best dressed celebrity at the event?
Blake Lively is widely regarded as the best dressed, thanks to her transformative Atelier Versace gown inspired by New York statues and architecture.
Which looks were considered the most controversial or divisive?
Kim Kardashian’s Marilyn Monroe dress stirred debate about historical preservation, while Kylie Jenner’s Off-White bridal look divided critics over its offbeat concept.
How do Met Gala attendees choose their outfits?
Celebrities usually collaborate with designers months in advance, working to craft custom looks that reflect the year’s theme, make a strong personal statement, or push the boundaries of red carpet fashion.
What are the key criteria for Met Gala best and worst dressed?
Best dressed selections celebrate creativity, theme adherence, fit, and visual impact. Worst dressed includes those who miss the theme, appear underwhelming, or wear designs that distract rather than delight.
Final Thoughts: What the 2022 Met Gala Got Right (and Wrong)
The 2022 Met Gala was a testament to fashion’s power as cultural commentary and self-expression. The best looks expertly balanced homage with personal touch, while the worst served as reminders that the Met is both runway and high-wire act. Ultimately, the red carpet was a celebration of risk-taking—some stunning, some confounding, all uniquely worthy of discussion and awe.
References
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3aRFJATGjA
- https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3176390/met-gala-2022s-best-and-worst-dressed-stars-elon-musk
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g39881268/best-worst-dressed-met-gala-2022/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/met-ball/
- https://woottoncommonsense.com/13484/opinion/a-definitive-met-gala-2022-best-worst-dressed-list/
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