Since this year’s Met Gala is set for Monday, we can’t help but reflect on the past and all the delicious looks that the gala has produced over the years. From high-wattage couture creations to out-of-the-box risqué looks that may have taken some time to truly appreciate, fashion’s equivalent of the Oscars never disappoints. Think multicolored feathers, body armor-like metallics, borderline obsessive sheer accents and enough embellishments to shake a very stylish stick at. A few well-known fashion mavens scored multiple spots on this list for obvious reasons.
We’re sure everyone has their respective favorites, but there’s no denying that these stars made a sartorial impact. Scroll down to relive the Met Gala’s top style moments.
Renegades and Drama Queens The 39 Best Met Gala Looks of All Time
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Nicole Kidman, 2003
Nicole was all about the bling in this stunning Gucci by Tom Ford one-shoulder gown and a set of blinding diamond statement earrings.
Theme: Goddess: The Classical Mode
Image: Getty
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Jennifer Garner, 2007
It was the truly epic train on Jennifer’s red Valentino Couture strapless gown that made this look memorable.
Theme: Poiret: King of Fashion
Image: Getty
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Iman, 2008
Iman stood out in 2008 by working this red satin Dolce & Gabbana gown featuring a jewel hip accent with the gusto only a supermodel can muster.
Theme: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Image: Getty
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Dr. Lisa Airan, 2008
Who would have guessed that a dermatologist to the stars would deliver one of the most noteworthy looks? The good doctor’s ombre Rodarte tissue paper-like gown included an extended train.
Theme: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Image: Getty
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Eva Longoria, 2008
The layers of ruffles on Eva’s purple Marchesa gown gave it an impressive 3-D effect.
Theme: Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy
Image: Getty
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Doutzen Kroes, 2010
Doutzen experienced a Cinderella moment in this scene-stealing Zac Posen blue ballgown.
Theme: American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity
Image: Getty
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Marion Cotillard, 2010
Proof positive that when the Marion/Christian Dior partnership works, it really shines.
Theme: American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Jennifer Lopez, 2010
Jennifer was the epitome of sheer glamour in a Zuhair Murad gown accented by some seriously smoky eyes.
Theme: American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Kerry Washington, 2010
Gap at the Met Gala? Kerry managed to turn heads back in 2010 wearing this fiery Thakoon for Gap draped gown complemented by on point Christian Louboutin accessories.
Theme: American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity
Image: WENN
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Alexa Chung, 2010
Alexa skipped the fancy gowns in favor of this spunky black and white Phillip Lim suit, stealing the spotlight in the process.
Theme: American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity
Image: WENN
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Taylor Swift, 2011
Props to Taylor for embracing the Savage Beauty theme and forgoing her usual sequin-clad dresses. Instead, gothic elegance reigned supreme in this J. Mendel gown with black lace overlay.
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Diane Kruger, 2011
Diane flaunted a whole lot of leg in this Jason Wu creation, but we couldn’t take our eyes off that dazzling bodice.
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Solange Knowles, 2011
Solange got graphic at the gala in a colorful geometric Dries Van Noten Fall 2011 gown.
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Gisele Bündchen, 2011
Gisele struck a pose in a red Alexander McQueen gown with a little help from a well-dressed Tom Brady.
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Jennifer Lopez, 2011
The floral topper on Jennifer’s fuchsia Gucci Fall 2011 gown made her one of the night’s standouts. Of course, nearly $500,000 of H.Stern diamonds probably didn’t hurt, either.
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Salma Hayek, 2011
Salma's peachy organza Alexander McQueen gown was perfectly styled with Gucci gems and an Alexander McQueen clutch.
Theme: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Karolina Kurkova, 2012
Karolina shut down the gala the second she hit the scene in Rachel Zoe’s glittering rose gold long-sleeve gown and matching turban.
Theme: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Beyoncé, 2012
While there was a lot of focus on the sheerness of Beyoncé’s Givenchy Couture embellished gown, it was that ombre feathered skirt that really demanded attention.
Theme: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Nina Dobrev, 2012
Nina was a metallic marvel in an eye-catching Donna Karan Atelier gown featuring an expansive train.
Theme: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Elizabeth Banks, 2012
Never afraid to take a calculated risk, Elizabeth worked a mixed patterned Mary Katrantzou gown complete with an exaggerated peplum.
Theme: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Rihanna, 2012
Even though Rihanna has given us several memorable Met looks, it's her understated Tom Ford Fall 2012 croc gown with open back that earns a slot here.
Theme: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Carey Mulligan, 2012
The future never looked so good. Carey’s custom gold and silver Prada dress was definitely fashion-forward, while her teased updo projected a 60s vibe.
Theme: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Eva Mendes, 2012
Orange dresses are few and far between at an event like the Met Gala, but Eva’s strapless Prada peplum gown with stone embellished bodice wouldn’t have been nearly as engaging in an alternate hue.
Theme: Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Nina Dobrev, 2013
When the punk theme was announced for the gala’s 2013 edition, stars were probably quaking in their Louboutins. Nina rose to the challenge, though, in a black lace Monique Lhuillier pantsuit, leather halter and tulle overskirt.
Theme: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Amber Heard, 2013
OK, so it wasn’t “punk,” but Amber’s red Emilio Pucci lacy gown with beaded embroidery deserves some recognition.
Theme: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Sarah Jessica Parker, 2013
Leave it to SJP to go over-the-top. We love how the actress went all out in this patterned Giles gown, plaid boots and a Philip Treacy headpiece that people are still talking about.
Theme: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Uma Thurman, 2013
Another attendee who eschewed the punk theme, though we can’t fault Uma for selecting this exquisite Zac Posen chartreuse gown.
Theme: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Naomie Harris, 2013
Naomie’s purple Donna Karan Atelier gown had a dark side thanks to its layered feathered train.
Theme: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Image: Lia Toby/WENN.com
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Anne Hathaway, 2013
Anne sent flashbulbs off with her bold blond locks. Her semi-sheer black Valentino Couture patterned gown with feather-trimmed cuffs and those yellow nails further amplified the overall look.
Theme: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Emmy Rossum, 2013
Of all the guests at the 2013 Met Gala, Emmy probably surprised us the most by taking a turn at going punk. Sure, it was punk lite, but that faux-hawk and those dramatic smoky cat eyes upped the edge factor of her Donna Karan Atelier gown.
Theme: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Cameron Diaz, 2013
Cameron was electric in a deep blue Stella McCartney cape gown accented by a spiked belt.
Theme: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Karolina Kurkova, 2014
Although this voluminous Marchesa Spring 2011 teal floral print gown may have overwhelmed most, Karolina worked the tiered masterpiece with great aplomb.
Theme: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Sarah Jessica Parker, 2014
Doing a complete 180 from the previous year, the star glammed up in a grand Oscar de la Renta gown that looked just as good from the back as the front.
Theme: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Image: Rob Rich/WENN.com
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Blake Lively, 2014
Blake’s Gucci Première gown offered straightforward elegance with an Old Hollywood twist.
Theme: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Liu Wen, 2014
Liu made a statement in a green Zac Posen ballgown with a supremely structured skirt fit for a queen.
Theme: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Image: Getty
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Charlize Theron, 2014
Charlize showed her stripes in a Christian Dior Couture strapless gown wrapped up by a draped black tuxedo jacket.
Theme: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Image: Andres Otero/WENN.com
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Erykah Badu, 2014
Comparisons between the chanteuse’s extended hat and Pharrell Williams’ iconic Vivienne Westwood topper are inevitable, but Erykah’s custom Givenchy Couture ensemble was in a league all its own.
Theme: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Image: Getty
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Janelle Monáe, 2014
Janelle’s white Victorian-style blouse and black pants were taken to another level with the addition of that ornate Tadashi Shoji Fall 2014 embroidered cape.
Theme: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Image: Rob Rich/WENN.com
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Fei Fei Sun, 2014
This is one case where white opera gloves really made the look. Fei Fei’s emerald Tory Burch sleeveless gown was elegant enough, but those gloves brought an extra dose of glamour.
Theme: Charles James: Beyond Fashion
Image: Getty
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Rihanna, 2015
The train on Rihanna’s Guo Pei creation was truly epic.
Theme: China: Through The Looking Glass
Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
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Jennifer Lopez, 2015
This fiery Versace number featured strategic embellishments.
Theme: China: Through The Looking Glass
Image: Jamie McCarthy/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Zoe Saldana, 2016
It was the peacock-inspired skirt on Zoe’s grand Dolce & Gabbana ballgown that made an impression.
Theme: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
Image: Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images
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Claire Danes, 2016
Claire’s Cinderella-worthy Zac Posen gown came complete with LED lights.
Theme: Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
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Rihanna, 2017
Rihanna embodied this year’s theme decked out in a multidimensional Comme des Garçons creation.
Theme: Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between
Image: Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
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Rihanna, 2018
Her Holiness rocked a Maison Margiela getup and Cartier jewelry.
Theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
Image: Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
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Katy Perry, 2018
The wings on Katy’s custom Atelier Versace outfit were so massive, she had to ride standing up in a convertible to get to the gala.
Theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
Image: Karwai Tang/Karwai Tang/Getty Images
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Zendaya, 2018
Zendaya’s Atelier Versace ensemble was Joan of Arc chic.
Theme: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination
Image: Mike Coppola/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
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Lady Gaga, 2019
Lady Gaga’s Brandon Maxwell-filled performance earned her a spot in Met Gala history.
Theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Image: Karwai Tang/Getty Images
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Cardi B, 2019
Cardi B covered from head to toe in Thom Browne.
Theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Image: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage/Getty Images
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Janelle Monáe, 2019
Janelle’s surreal Christian Siriano look was pretty eye-catching.
Theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Image: Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic/Getty Images
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Billy Porter, 2019
While Billy’s grand entrance was something to behold, this look by The Blonds took center stage.
Theme: Camp: Notes on Fashion
Image: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
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Billie Eilish, 2021
The singer had a princess moment in Oscar de la Renta.
Theme: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Image: John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images
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Amanda Gorman, 2021
Amanda Gorman’s custom Vera Wang dress was simply stellar.
Theme: In America: A Lexicon of Fashion
Image: John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images
