Met Gala 2025 The Outfits That Nailed The Theme &Those Who Didn't
- Nina Kay
- May 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Met Gala 2025: The Outfits That Nailed the Theme… & Those who didn’t.
Okay fashion girlies, sound the alarms because last night (yes, London time) was the first Monday in May—which means one thing and one thing only: it was Met Gala night. AKA the Super Bowl of style, the Oscars of outfits, the one night a year where we all become fashion critics from the comfort of our PJs. No design degree? No problem. If you’ve got Wi-Fi and opinions, you’re in.
A Quick Refresher: What Is the Met Gala, Anyway?
In case your new here, the Met Gala—officially known as the Costume Institute Benefit—is the most glamorous, prestigious fashion event on the planet. Held and organised by the legendary Anna Wintour since 1995 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, its part fundraiser, part haute couture runway, part cultural moment. Think: fashion meets history meets a $75,000 ticket price (yes, per person—and that’s if you’re even invited).
Guests are handpicked from the worlds of fashion, film, music, politics, sports, and social media. And the theme? Non-negotiable. Each year, it’s based on the Met’s Costume Institute exhibition, and every attendee is expected to dress accordingly—or risk becoming a meme by Tuesday morning.
This year’s price tag? $75,000 per seat, or $350,000+ for a table. Corporate sponsors throw in even more to help fund the Institute, and in return, they get the ultimate VIP night out. But it’s not all glitz—there are rules: phones and social media are banned, smoking is a no-go, and if you’re under 18, sorry, you’re not getting in.
This Year’s Theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
Let’s talk about this year's theme because it’s iconic. "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" is a celebration of Black dandyism, personal expression, and the incredible legacy of Black designers, creatives, and tastemakers. Inspired by Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, this theme invites guests to embrace individuality through bold tailoring, menswear influences, and personal style statements.
Think zoot suits, sharp lines, luxe fabrics, and nods to visionaries like Pharrell Williams, Virgil Abloh, and André Leon Talley. The official dress code? “Tailored for You.” Translation: come dressed in a way that reflects your story—just make sure it’s Met-level polished.
Best Dressed
Okay, let's talk about the stars who understood the assignment. These looks didn't just slay—they spoke the theme loud and clear, and in true Met Gala fashion, they brought history, drama, and elegance to the red carpet.
Teyana Taylor — My absolute favorite of the night. This look had intention, power, and drama. She didn't just wear the theme—she embodied it. A total masterpiece.
Ugbad Abdi — Effortlessly elegant with a bold twist. A perfect blend of dandy flair and high fashion as well as a perfect tribute to André Leon Talley.
Kim Kardashian — Say what you want, but she delivered a textured, tailored moment that aligned with the theme.
Anok Yai — When glamour meets vintage. Obsessed.
Coco Jones — The silhouette! She gave dandyism a fresh, feminine take and looked like royalty.
Joey King — A dark horse fave! Her structured ensemble was chic, modern, and very on-theme.
Janelle Monáe — Honestly, this was so on-point with the theme! A perfect fashion take of dandyism.
Cardi B — The drama, the structure, the detail—Cardi B knows how to show up.
Gigi Hadid — Okay, this one got some mixed reactions, and I get it. At first glance, it felt like she might've missed the mark. But plot twist: her look was actually a tribute to Josephine Baker—the legendary jazz singer, civil rights icon, and fashion trailblazer. Once you know that, it changes everything. Respect.
Worst Dressed (Sorry, But True )
Now, I say this with love (and a little fashion frustration), but some outfits left us wondering: “Did you even read the theme?” This is the Met Gala, not an afterparty or a brunch event. Let’s discuss.
Hailey Bieber — With all due respect, this was basically a black blazer I could find in my own wardrobe. Clean? Yes. Met Gala Worthy? Not even close.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas — Gorgeous? Absolutely. But theme-wise? More Gatsby than Gala. If this were a 101 Dalmatians costume party, she’d have nailed it.
Venus Williams — This look gave more bad “holiday decor” than “tailored sophistication" I even got the cheerleader/tennis outfit vibe from this. Truly no disrespect here.
Maya Hawke — Sweet, whimsical, and pretty, but I didn’t see the theme at all. It just didn’t connect to the night’s message.
Sha’Carri Richardson — I adore her energy, but the colors and clashing details didn’t do her any favors here. It felt more chaotic than cohesive. Again, truly no disrespect here.
A special shoutout to my DDJL fans: Shah Rukh Khan made history by wearing Sabyasachi at the Met Gala, becoming the first Indian actor to attend the iconic event.
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