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How to Recreate Met Gala 2024 After-Party Looks: A Complete Style Guide

Reimagine the hottest Met Gala 2024 after-party outfits with accessible styling tips, brand insights, and celebrity fashion breakdowns.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 29, 2025

How to Recreate Met Gala 2024 After-Party Looks

The 2024 Met Gala after-parties proved that the night’s best style moments often happen after the red carpet. From sheer minis and crystal embellishments to throwback archival pieces and bold beauty, celebrities let their individuality shine once the gala formalities ended. If you want to channel the electrifying spirit of post-Met glamour, here’s your in-depth guide to the most unforgettable after-party outfits—and how to make them your own with real-world pieces, clever styling, and expert inspiration.

The Met Gala After-Party Phenomenon
Top 2024 After-Party Looks
Styling Secrets Direct from Celebrities
Affordable Alternatives: Shop the Look
After-Party Beauty and Hair Trends
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Met Gala After-Party Phenomenon

While the Met Gala red carpet is legendary for thematic and high-fashion drama, the real fun starts when the strict dress codes relax. After-parties are where stars experiment, reveal playful sides, and pull out daring or nostalgic looks that might be too risqué, young, or wild for the Metropolitan Museum’s main event. In 2024, the after-party circuit across New York City saw everything from lingerie-inspired minis to mega-throwback vintage couture. Boldness was the unspoken rule, with style icons treating each venue as a fresh runway.

Sheer fabrics, crystal-studded minis, and slinky dresses dominated the night.
Many celebrities opted for outfit changes, debuting entirely new looks after the event.
Archival fashion, reimagined silhouettes, and whimsical accessories were everywhere.
After-party style is about creativity and personal flair, not gala protocol.

Top Met Gala After-Party Looks of 2024

Here are the standout stars and ensembles that set the 2024 after-party scene ablaze—plus practical ways to translate their red-hot style for real life.

Kendall Jenner: Angelic White with Vintage Edge

Kendall Jenner made a statement in two eye-catching white looks. First, she wore a lacy Vivienne Westwood mini, then changed into a sculpted Givenchy by Alexander McQueen dress complete with IRL angel wings, a rare piece from the late designer’s Spring/Summer 1997 collection.

Get the Look: Search for a white mini dress with embroidered or lace elements. Look for pieces with sheer overlays, corset construction, or unique structural details for that “angelic, but runway” effect.
Vintage Hack: If you can’t score an original, consider thrifted or vintage-inspired styles. Add dramatic white or iridescent accessories—think feather-edged shrugs or statement wings for costume flair.

Emily Ratajkowski: Sheer Fantasy

Emily Ratajkowski (EmRata) switched to a party-ready look featuring sheer black fabric, visible lingerie, and playful sparkles—perfectly aligned with her bold personal brand.

Get the Look: Pair a sheer black mini or slip dress over visible underwear (matching bra and panties or a bodysuit). Seek out styles with crystal details or appliqués for a luxe finish.
Styling Tip: Layer with a cropped leather jacket for nighttime outings or opt for satin accessories to heighten the drama.

Janelle Monáe: Surrealist Showstopper

Janelle Monáe lit up the party scene in a jaw-dropping eyeball-adorned Moschino dress by Area, showcasing surreal motifs and clever construction.

Get the Look: Choose a simple slip or fitted dress with an unusual print or bold appliqué. DIY with iron-on patches or hand-sewn motifs for a playful, artsy effect.
Accessorize: Add statement jewelry or quirky clutches for a touch of experimental flair.

Doja Cat: Barely-There Wet-Look Glam

Doja Cat stunned in a see-through, clingy dress resembling a wet t-shirt, worn over visible shapewear. This body-confident look emphasizes daring self-expression and modern sexiness.

Get the Look: Shop for mesh or ultra-sheer slip dresses in nude or pastel tones. Wear them over minimalist shapewear or a bodysuit to channel the “wet effect.”
Beauty Angle: Slick back your hair and use glowy highlighter on your skin to keep the vibe cohesive.

Charli XCX: Futuristic Mini

Charli XCX went from all-white Marni at the Gala to a bold mini—think metallics, structured silhouettes, and club-ready detail.

Get the Look: Opt for a mini dress with futuristic design details: high shine, asymmetric hems, and hardware. Silver or holographic fabrics are a win.
Footwear: Finish with knee-high boots or neon heels for modern disco energy.

Sabrina Carpenter: Modern Coquette

Sabrina Carpenter took the night in a romantic dress, blending “coquette” elements—ribbons, bows, and delicate layers—with fearless, figure-skimming shapes.

Get the Look: Seek out slip dresses or babydoll minis with tulle, bows, and ruffles. Try pastel pinks, baby blues, or soft white for a dreamy effect.
Finishing Touch: Petite handbags and satin ballet flats complete the look.

Cardi B: Scarlet Bombshell

Cardi B took over the FWRD x Revolve after-party in a showstopping scarlet bustier gown, merging sensuality and structure.

Get the Look: Look for a red bustier dress—bonus points for sculptural elements or a fitted mermaid silhouette. Finish with sparkling diamond or rhinestone jewelry for added luxury.
Alternative Idea: Pair a red corset top with a fitted midi or maxi skirt to achieve similar impact with separates.

Tyla: Custom Transformation

Tyla had designer Olivier Rousteing slice her Balmain dress in half, creating a completely new mini look for the after-after party—a true example of fashion ingenuity and playful personalization.

Get the Look: Don’t hesitate to customize your existing formal dresses. Hem a gown to create a mini or add cut-outs for bespoke style.
Pro Tip: Seek out local tailors or DIY design workshops to safely alter vintage or thrift-store finds.

Shakira: Sleek and Skin-Baring

Shakira opted for a flesh-baring David Koma dress with Messika diamonds, proving less can be oh-so-much more at Met’s unofficial after-hours runway.

Get the Look: Choose a black or nude dress with strategic cut-outs or a thigh-high slit. Allover body-hugging silhouettes work best for this bold vibe.
Accessorize: Add oversized hoops or a sparkling choker for starlet glam.

SZA and Lizzo: Joyful Friendship in Fashion

SZA and Lizzo were the life of the party in vibrant, dance-ready looks. SZA’s dramatic draping met Lizzo’s playful after-dark elegance, proving after-parties are a friend group’s fashion playground.

Get the Look: Go for coordinated colors or silhouettes with your friends. Embrace bold prints, rich fabrics, and anything that sparks joy and comfort for a night out.

Willow Smith: Edgy Chains

Willow Smith commanded attention in a “Chained by Sedona” ensemble—layered, metallic, and unapologetically tough-chic.

Get the Look: Incorporate chain necklaces, harnesses, or body jewelry over a simple dress or bodysuit for instant edge.

Other Notable Looks

FKA twigs: Artistic mini with sculptural details.
Winnie Harlow: Sleek, modern minimalism.
Lana Del Rey: Dream-tinged vintage glamour.
Irina Shayk: Subdued sophistication with bold texture.
Barry Keoghan: All-Burberry tailoring at Soho House.
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini: Matching metallics for the Michael Kors party.
Usher: Understated luxury suiting.

Styling Secrets Direct from Celebrities

What makes these after-party looks feel effortless instead of overdone? It’s all in the details. Take these cues from the stars:

Be bold with textures: Combine sheer mesh with velvet, sparkles with satin, or vinyl with lace.
Layering counts: Sheer pieces over visible lingerie, body chains, or harnesses add depth and drama.
Mix vintage and modern: Archive finds or vintage-inspired pieces paired with contemporary accessories make for instant cool.
Unexpected colors: Swap classic black or metallic for whimsical pastels, deep reds, or even white-on-white combos.
Downplay with comfort footwear: Some celebs swapped heels for ballet flats, chunky platforms, or even sneakers as the night wore on.

Affordable Alternatives: Shop the Look

You don’t need a couture budget to channel Met Gala after-party chic. Here’s how to recreate the night’s most sought-after styles with high-street and e-commerce finds:

Celebrity Inspiration	Core Elements	How to Recreate
Kendall Jenner	White lace/sheer mini, angelic accessories	ASOS lace mini dress + feather capelet + pearl earrings
Emily Ratajkowski	Sheer fabric, sparkly mini, visible lingerie	H&M mesh slip dress + rhinestone bra + platform boots
Doja Cat	Wet-effect mesh, nude shapewear	Shein mesh overlay dress + nude bodysuit + slicked hair
Cardi B	Red corset gown, statement gems	PrettyLittleThing bustier midi + CZ choker + red pump
Charli XCX	Metallic mini, bold heels	Zara metallic dress + Steve Madden neon heels
Willow Smith	Body chains, dark base	Urban Outfitters body chain + black slip + biker boots
Sabrina Carpenter	Pastel, bows, ruffles	Nasty Gal tulle mini + ribbon bag + ballet flats

After-Party Beauty and Hair Trends

Met Gala attendees elevated their looks not just with fashion, but also with showstopping hair and makeup. Key trends included:

Dewy, glass-like skin using luminizers or highlighters for a post-party glow.
Slicked-back hair, wet-look waves, and playfully spiked styles for a modern edge.
Graphic eyeliner or bold, smudged shadows to create drama for late-night lighting.
Nude lips or high-shine glosses for a plumped, kissable effect.
Unexpected accessories: Feathers, bows, and barrettes were just as important as earrings or necklaces this year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do after-party looks have to follow the official Met Gala theme?

A: No. After-party outfits are where celebrities often abandon the theme and embrace personal style, having fun with silhouettes, fabrics, and accessories.

Q: Are most after-party looks custom-designed or can I find similar pieces?

A: While some after-party looks are custom, many rely on accessible ready-to-wear brands or vintage finds. With some savvy shopping and creative styling, you can easily find or recreate similar looks.

Q: How do I wear sheer or lingerie-inspired dresses in everyday life?

A: Layering is key. Use slips, opaque bodysuits, or pair with denim jackets and boots for a more casual effect without losing the daring factor.

Q: What are budget-friendly places to shop for after-party style essentials?

A: ASOS, H&M, Zara, Missguided, and secondhand shops offer a wide range of trend-focused pieces apt for party looks.

Q: Which trends from the 2024 Met Gala after-parties are here to stay?

A: Expect sheer fabrics, visible lingerie, statement minis, unexpected accessories, and bold makeup to influence mainstream style throughout the year.

Takeaways: Bring the Met Gala After-Party Home

The magic of Met Gala after-party fashion lies in its freedom, energy, and sense of individuality. Every look—from Kendall Jenner’s angelic vintage to Doja Cat’s barely-there embrace—offers inspiration to play with personal style, break conventional rules, and have fun with clothing. Whether you’re heading to your own big event or want to add some star quality to your night out, use these tips and budget finds to own the after-hours like a true fashion insider.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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