Following a year of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Met Gala made a long-awaited return as celebrities once again walked the red carpet. The theme this year, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” was probably something the Founding Fathers never gave thought to, (or maybe they did, have you seen the buttons on those coats?)  but nevertheless The Met presented us with elegant gowns and nothing short of bold ensembles. From politics and patriotism to pop culture, this year’s Met Gala looks range from jaw-dropping to cringe-inducing, but never boring.

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A hot topic of debate following the 2019 Met is the attendance of social media influencers at such a prestigious event. Nevertheless, YouTuber Emma Chamberlain walked the runway in a dazzling gold Louis Vuitton dress. Chamberlain’s 10 million subscriber count, amassed from her trendsetting fashion statements, makes her one of the most predominant people in the modern fashion scene.
Tik Tok stars Addison Rae and Dixie D’Amelio were also in attendance, Rae donning a 2003 Tom Ford for Gucci gown while D’Amelio wore an intriguing ensemble of a black Valentino mini-dress, white gloves, and, most notably, a large feathery headpiece.

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney both walked the runway in political garb. Ocasio-Cortez was rocking a white mermaid dress designed by Aurora James with red words “tax the rich” scrawled on the back.

Maloney instead decided to honor the women’s suffrage movement, her dress adorned with the phrase “equal rights for women” in purple, white and gold sashes, the colors of the suffragette movement. Maloney also carried with her a green bag adorned with “ERA YES”, an endorsement for the proposed Equal Rights Amendment.

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Although the Met Gala theme was “Camp” in 2019, some outfits seem to have translated over into this year. German singer-songwriter Kim Petras trotted onto the red carpet for her first time in a Collina Strada dress, with a 3-D horse head mounted on the bodice. Petras completed the look with a long braided ponytail, matching the mane of her equestrian friend.

Frank Ocean made a surprise appearance at the Met wearing a black Prada jacket and bringing a special guest. Ocean’s plus one, a lime green robot baby named Cody, donned a custom Homer onesie.
Kim Kardashian showed up to the Gala wearing a black Balenciaga ensemble that covered her whole body, face included. Kardashian paired a $10,000 75-inch ponytail and a full face of makeup with her look, despite her already full-coverage attire.

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The best outfits of the 2021 Met left viewers stunned and asking for more. Co-Chair of this year’s Met Gala, Billie Eilish channeled her inner 1920’s starlet in a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta nude gown with an 18-foot train.

Pop phenomenon Lil Nas X gave us a callback to Lady Gaga’s 2019 ensemble, wearing a 3 part Versace look he said resembled his growth in the music industry. From an ornate cape to gold body armor, and finally, a fitted bodysuit dazzled with jewels- Lil Nas truly made a statement for his Met debut.
Supermodel Iman walked the red carpet in captivating Dolce & Gabbana x Harris Reed gold feathered garb. Iman’s large halo headpiece paired perfectly with her tiered feather cage hoop skirt worn over a gilded bustier and pants.

After a long year, the Met Gala’s return brought some of the most notable outfits of the year.