By Jessica Wedemeyer
5:21am PDT, Sep 20, 2021
Wonderwall.com is taking a look back at the biggest celeb style hits and misses from the 2021 Costume Institute Gala, which celebrated the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion" exhibit. Let's start with this daring look… Zoe Kravitz showed off her undergarments in a see-through gown — a slinky Saint Laurent number made of crystal mesh — during the 2021 Met Gala. She looked beautiful, but after a fan criticized her for showing so much skin, Zoe hit back in a reply captured by Comments by Celebs on a since-deleted post. "Being uncomfortable with the human body is colonization / brainwashing. It's just a body. We all got em," she wrote.
Keep reading to take a look back at more of the best and worst celeb style moments from the 2021 Met Gala…
RELATED: Stars at their first Met Galas
Jennifer Lopez may have taken the theme too literally with her cowgirl-chic ensemble during the 2021 Met Gala. The singer-actress donned a Western-inspired Ralph Lauren look comprised of a brown dress with a frayed train, a holster belt, a faux fur shearling cape, chunky bling, an oversized leather hat and sky-high heeled sandals… It was A LOT. Although we loved the silhouette of her dress, she definitely overdid it with the accessories.
RELATED: The wildest fashion moments of past Met Galas
Although we loved Jennifer Lopez's faux fur shearling cape, her overall look was improved upon its removal. If only she'd also left behind her holster belt, which blended into her dress, and one of her two oversized necklaces. Ultimately, we'll never get past that frayed train, which made it appear as though she'd just rolled around in horse hair.
RELATED: Major accessory moments from past Met Galas
Billie Eilish went outside of her fashion comfort zone in a major way! The Grammy winner channeled Old Hollywood in a peach Oscar de la Renta creation featuring an epic train — which was perfect for posing on the iconic Met Gala stairs. She told Keke Palmer that her look was inspired by Mattel's line of holiday Barbies: "It was my favorite thing in the world," she said. "I would ask for them for Christmas every single year. The dresses, genuinely that was my inspiration." Now let's see this look from another angle…
Billie Eilish channeled an American icon — late model-actress Marilyn Monroe — in this off-the-shoulder Oscar De La Renta gown featuring a fitted bodice and an epic train. She actually made a deal with the fashion house when she committed to wearing one of their looks: She'd only wear Oscar de la Renta if they agreed to stop using fur in their designs … forever! But that wasn't the only way her look made history…
Billie Eilish completed her look with 30 different pieces of Cartier jewelry — the most any person has worn at a time ever!
Iman channeled the sun in this epic Harris Reed creation: a handmade crinoline featuring gold leaves that she wore over a jacquard bustier top and matching flare pants. She topped off her look with a giant headpiece that Harris Reed made in collaboration with milliner Vivienne H. Lake.
It's a no for us. Kim Kardashian covered every inch of skin (including her face) in a Balenciaga ensemble comprised of a three-quarter-sleeve minidress and hybrid boot-pants with individual trains. The only part of the reality star left exposed? Her hair. See it from a different angle next…
Kim Kardashian wore her hair in an extra-long, floor-skimming ponytail. Yuck.
Kendall Jenner looked phenomenal in a completely sheer Givenchy gown that exposed her flesh-toned undergarments during the 2021 Met Gala.
It was all stars, no stripes for Emily Blunt during the 2021 Met Gala! The English actress channeled Lady Liberty in a sheer, crystal-embellished Miu Miu creation with a fringed skirt and a cape. Get a closer look at her headpiece next…
Emily Blunt topped off her look with a bejeweled headpiece featuring several shooting stars.
Lorde also donned an extravagant headpiece. She topped off her Bode ensemble — an open-front long-sleeved top and a matching skirt with a lengthy train that she held up with a finger loop — with a crown comprised of "repurposed antiques." Let's take a closer look…
Bode also created Lorde's beaded headpiece, which honored her new "Solar Power" album by featuring three suns. She wisely kept her makeup to a minimum to allow the oversized accessory to speak for itself.
OUR KING! Lil Nas X sported a three-part Versace look that, according to the fashion house, told an "LGBTQ+ American fairytale." He arrived in a regal gold robe that "represents concealing one's true self."
Lil Nas X removed his cape to reveal gleaming Medusa-adorned Versace armor representing "a symbol of protection from the prejudices faced as a Black, queer person." There was a final layer under that…
Lil Nas X stripped down to reveal a glittery Versace bodysuit "that represents living life as your true, unguarded self."
She did it again! Rihanna scored another unforgettable Met Gala fashion moment in an oversized Balenciaga puffer coat-dress. She topped off her look with a black beanie featuring a crystal-adorned mesh layer that spanned across her forehead. Let's take a closer look…
In addition to her unique hat, Rihanna also donned 267 carats of Bulgari diamonds including a stunning choker.
Have you ever seen a denim dress this chic? Lupita Nyong'o's strapless Versace gown featured an elegant ruffled train and panels of sheer embellished fabric at the neckline and along the thigh-high slit. Gorgeous!
Now we've seen everything! Kim Petras chose a Collina Strada floral-print ballgown with a thigh-high slit and a hoop skirt … and a giant horse head on the bust. She added to her over-the-top look by wearing her hair in an extra-long braid and by rocking an embellished manicure.
That can't be Hailee Steinfeld! The Oscar-nominated "True Grit" actress donned an Iris Van Herpen minidress that was practically a work of art, but between her blonde bob and dramatic makeup, she looked like someone else entirely…
Wow! Hailee Steinfeld, who has long brunette locks, was completely transformed by her blonde wig, bleached eyebrows and dramatic makeup, which was designed to specifically transform her face.
Another starlet we barely recognized? Zoey Deutch! The actress went way outside of her fashion comfort zone in a lovely beaded lavender Versace creation with a thigh-high slit and detached sleeves. Her 'do, which was styled by Pureolgoy Global Artistic Ambassador Gregory Russell, was inspired by Cher.
WAY too casual, Kristen Stewart. The "Twilight" alum rocked head-to-toe Chanel — a floral-print ruffled blouse with white tweed trousers — during the 2021 Met Gala. We also have some thoughts about her hair and makeup…
We weren't fans of Kristen Stewart's retro 'do. While her loose ponytail was fine, her rigid poof left a lot to be desired. Her makeup, however, was right on point!
Also in the "too casual" category? Cara Delevingne, who wore a Dior ensemble consisting of white trousers and a bulletproof vest emblazoned with the words "peg the patriarchy" — which she obviously wore sans shirt. Explained the model of her vest, "It's about women empowerment [and] gender equality. It's a bit like, 'Stick it to the man.'"
We didn't see this one coming… Irina Shyk delivered one of our favorite looks of the evening: A strapless flesh-toned Moschino gown featuring a corset bodice and a sheer skirt with strategically-placed embroidered flower arrangements. Beautiful!
Was someone copying off of someone else's homework? "Riverdale" star Lili Reinhart donned a dress that looked awfully similar to Irina Shayk's. Corset bodice? Check. Sheer skirt? Check. Flower arrangements? Double check. But Christian Siriano created Lili's look, which featured the state flower from all 50 states in the U.S. Time for a closer look…
We also loved Lili Reinhart's dress, though we weren't wild about those extra-long stems sprouting from her armpit.
There was one more floral fashion moment worth mentioning during the 2021 Met Gala: NikkieTutorials makeup artist Nikkie de Jager blossomed in an Edwin Oudshoorn Couture creation that paid homage to LGBTQ+ icon Marsha P. Johnson and his catchphrase: "Pay It No Mind," which was emblazoned on the skirt. But that wasn't the only way Nikkie honored the late activist…
Nikkie de Jager also donned a flower crown resembling Marsha P. Johnson's signature look.
Kate Hudson flaunted her taut tummy in Michael Kors: a bralette and matching high-waist skirt that she wore with a gorgeous feathered coat. Now take a peep at her show-stopping bling…
Jaw. Dropping. Kate Hudson may have overdone it with the pink eyeshadow, but we couldn't have loved her layered Lorraine Schwartz necklaces more. (She also debuted her new engagement ring at the Met Gala — see it here.)
Who else is fantasizing about owning a massive pink feathered coat after the 2021 Met Gala? While Kate Hudson topped off her look with a Michael Kors creation, it was Gucci for Sienna Miller. Underneath, her long-sleeved gown featured embroidered sequined lace in a floral motif, along with a crystal harness detail across the bodice.
Dan Levy sported a loud Loewe ensemble designed by Jonathan Anderson. His puff-sleeve polo shirt and matching pants featured a recreation of a piece of art originally created by the late multimedia artist and LGBTQIA+ activist David Wojnarovicz. More on that next…
Dan Levy explained on Instagram that his Loewe ensemble served as a celebration of queer love: "We wanted to celebrate queer love and visibility — acknowledging how hard artists like Wojnarovicz had to fight, while also presenting the imagery in a way that offered a hopeful message. Tonight, we're celebrating the resilience, the love, and the joy of the community while honoring a crucial American voice that was taken from us too soon," he wrote of the design featured on his shirt.
Dan Levy completed his look with Loewe combat boots that were adorned with painted pastel roses that matched the rest of his colorful ensemble.
Here's another menswear moment we loved: Although we despise sunglasses at night on the red carpet, we loved the rest of Pete Davidson's Thom Browne ensemble: a white overcoat over a midi-length LBD. The "Saturday Night Live" star happily bragged to GQ that he was excited to use the bathroom in his outfit, which he said was inspired by a nun who likes to party.
Not you too, Hailey Bieber! The model wore sunglasses with her simple black Saint Laurent gown during the 2021 Met Gala.
We're willing to look past the fact that Shawn Mendes showed up sans shirt to fashion's biggest night. What we can't get past, however, is that his Michael Kors ensemble — trousers and a leather jacket — featured suspenders … even though, again, he wasn't wearing a shirt.
The color of the night? That would be red! No one sported the trend better than model mama Karlie Kloss, who stunned in a Carolina Herrera confection inspired by a rose — which happens to be the national flower of the United States of America. She completed her look with diamond De Beers drop earrings.
Emily Ratajkowski also channeled a red rose, though we weren't as wild about her Vera Wang gown as Karlie's. She accessorized with sheer opera gloves featuring red lace floral embroidery and a choker featuring a giant fan of fabric that cushioned the side of her head.
Megan Fox made her Met Gala debut in a body-baring long-sleeved Dundas dress featuring caged cut-outs and a hip-high slit. Would you expect anything less?!
Jennifer Hudson donned a dramatic AZ Factory ensemble: a long-sleeved mermaid dress comprised of contrasting fabrics (ribbed cotton on the top, satin on the bottom) and an oversized satin coat that she later removed. Let's check it out…
It still brings the drama! Here's a look at Jennifer Hudson's AZ Factory gown sans the massive satin coat.
Who wore it better?! Like Jennifer Hudson, Isabelle Huppert rocked a long-sleeved red mermaid gown, though Balmain created this velvety number.
Sorry, Addison Rae, but haven't we seen this look before? Yep: Candice Swanepoel wore the exact same vintage Tom Ford for Gucci gown just three days before the TikTok star. How embarrassing! (Less embarrassing? Her jaw-dropping De Beers jewels.)
It was weird… but we loved it! Rosalia's Rick Owens ensemble consisted of fringed short shorts, platform thigh-high boots, dramatic elbow-length gloves and an off-the-shoulder top that gave way to a massive cape and train. Let's take a look from a different angle…
It must've been so heavy! Rosalia's dramatic Rick Owens ensemble featured an extra-long fringed train.
Rounding out the most noteworthy all-red looks? Eiza Gonzalez's Versace halter-dress, which featured a thigh-high slit and a single attached sleeve that left her shoulder bare.
Really, Ciara? The singer honored her favorite American icon — her husband, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who wears the number 3 on his jersey — with her football jersey-inspired Dundas dress during the 2021 Met Gala.
We were torn over Alicia Key's custom AZ Factory ensemble. On the one hand, we adored her extra-long skirt, which featured layers of pleated tulle. On the other hand, we detested her sheer button-down blouse, which left her red bra exposed.
Another young star who paid homage to Hollywood? "Game of Thrones" alum Maisie Williams went full goth in a look created by her boyfriend, designer Reuben Selby, inspired by the "Matrix" franchise. Her ensemble consisted of a bodysuit, sheer tights and a belted vest with a lengthy train. Let's take a closer look at her hair and makeup…
Maisie Williams completed her "The Matrix"-inspired look by rocking bleached eyebrows and wearing her hair in an asymmetrical updo — one of the weirdest 'dos we've ever seen at the Met Gala!
Grimes, meanwhile, donned an Iris van Herpen look inspired by a different sci-fi franchise: "Dune" and its Bene Gesserit order of superhuman warrior women. The gown, which features 26 meters of draped silk, was crafted from "silver liquid silicone that is hand-casted into a mirror finished laser-cut labyrinth," according to the designer. The musician posed with a sword and some other interesting accessories…
Grimes wore her lavender locks in a futuristic updo and sported a silver mask from CHRISHABANA's "Dune" collection, along with matching cuff earrings.
Here's a better look at Grimes' unique updo.
We loved the way Timothee Chalamet's ensemble paid homage to different eras of American fashion — from his perfectly tailored Haider Ackermann jacket (straight-up Laurie from "Little Women") to his loose-fitting Rick Owens trousers, which channeled today's popular sweats-dominated streetwear trends. If only he hadn't finished his look with those Converse sneakers!
"Euphoria" star Hunter Schafer rocked Prada separates — a silver breastplate and matching skirt — that weren't necessarily anything to write home about. But her accessories… well, those were a different story…
Hunter Schafer wore white contacts and a spider-like headpiece that spanned from her forehead down to the tip of her nose. It was definitely the evening's most interesting accessory!
Bow down! Normani had a major princess moment in a voluminous Valentino gown with exaggerated sleeves and a plunging neckline — which perfectly showed off her Lorraine Schwartz jewels…
Get a load of Normani's Lorraine Schwartz jewels!
Megan Thee Stallion had a gorgeous Old Hollywood moment in a strapless Coach creation with an asymmetrical tulle ruffle that was made in partnership with Swarovski. We also loved her diamond and mother of pearl Fernando Jorge Galaxy Ring.
Diane Kruger played with color and won! She donned a neon green Prabal Gurung design: a minidress with a bubble skirt and a loose-fitting bodice with a midriff cut-out and a cape that gave way to a lengthy train. Keep reading to see how she matched her makeup to her hot pink pumps…
Diane Kruger sported hot-pink eyeshadow at the corner of her eyes and accessorized with large dangle earrings featuring a rainbow of different colored gems.
Whoopi Goldberg's attempt to play with color was less successful… The iconic actress wore a ruffled purple Valentino robe over a teal gown and completed her look with minty elbow-length gloves.
Cynthia Erivo impressed in Moschino separates: a gravity-defying backless and strapless bralette and a high-waisted skirt with a train. Her bling was equally impressive…
Cynthia Erivo dripped in Roberto Coin jewels and rocked an equally blinged-out manicure.
Saweetie risked a wardrobe malfunction in a Christian Cowan creation featuring a giant midriff cut-out and a thigh-high slit, as well as a whopping 10 million crystals. (Yes, we said 10 million!) But to truly understand its significance — and the way it played into the evening's theme — you've got to see it from a different angle…
The split-train of Saweetie's Christian Cowan dress actually paid homage to two different flags: the Black American Heritage flag and the national flag of the Philippines. "I'm Black and Filipino. That's what makes me an American girl," the "Best Friend" rapper explained during a quick chat with E!'s "Live from the Red Carpet."
Bodysuits must be in! Several stars sported the trend during the 2021 Met Gala. Olivia Rodrigo, for example, donned a sheer black lace Saint Laurent creation with a feathered neckline.
Serena Williams channeled a superhero with her Gucci getup: a lace corseted bodysuit with a floral motif embroidered with sequined stars, lace gloves, metallic leather sandals and a pink feathered cape.
Michaela Coel sparkled in a Balenciaga jumpsuit that included her footwear.
Halle Bailey showed off her stems in a pink fringed Rodarte bodysuit with a plunging neckline.
Winnie Harlow looked ethereal in an Iris van Herpen bodysuit with a sheer cape detail cascading down her back.
Here's another Iris van Herpen look we adored! Gabrielle Union's white scalloped gown with a plunging neckline was a work of art … period!
Pilgrim, but make it fashion! Rebecca Hall had us thinking Thanksgiving had come early when she wore this patent leather Louis Vuitton dress with a frilly collar to the 2021 Met Gala. To make matters worse, the floral-print panels reminded us of the fabric on our grandma's sofa and curtains.
A$AP Rocky showed up to the 2021 Met Gala in this colorful ERL creation that was … basically a floral-print quilt. Fortunately, he didn't wear it for long…
A$AP Rocky wore a suit, a ruffled button-down and an insane amount of bling under his ERL quilt-coat.
Not the sheer trend! Julia Garner wore a sleeveless turtleneck Stella McCartney gown comprised of crystal fishnet over an asymmetrical adidas by Stella McCartney bodysuit. (If there's any trend we hate more than the sheer trend, it's the activewear-as-couture trend!) We loved everything else about her look, though…
Julia Garner channeled the American flag by wearing Harry Winston drop earrings that featured red and blue gems. She added some extra sparkles by wearing crystal stickers at the corners of her eyes.
Like Julia Garner, fashion "it" girl Ella Emhoff also sported an adidas by Stella McCartney ensemble that was inspired by modern activewear trends. The model-designer paired a mesh bodysuit featuring sheer panels with loose-fitting pants that made us think of big red trash bags. She completed her far-too-casual look with matching trainers.
Keke Palmer sparkled while channeling Diana Ross in a curve-hugging long-sleeved Sergio Hudson gown with a high neckline. She looked gorgeous, but we can't help but wish she hadn't played it so safe! Let's take a closer look…
When Keke Palmer gave a twirl, we realized how gorgeous her Sergio Hudson gown was from a slightly different angle: The dress actually featured a dangerously low-cut open-back design.
Like many other young stars, Yara Shahidi paid homage to an iconic entertainer with her look during the 2021 Met Gala. Her stunning strapless Dior design was inspired by the late French-American actress and civil rights activist Josephine Baker. She accessorized with matching opera gloves, a gauzy cape and plenty of diamonds.
An oversized shirt-dress on fashion's biggest night? We have to admit we expected more from Tracee Ellis Ross, who sported this cobalt Balenciaga creation.
Nicola Peltz had a major Barbie moment in a hot pink spaghetti-strap Valentino gown that she wore with blush leather opera gloves.
It was also hot pink Valentino for Carey Mulligan, who donned a strapless ballgown and a sheer cape that frankly added nothing to her look.
Here's a pink look we loathed… Lily-Rose Depp donned Chanel separates — an embellished crop top and a matching skirt — during the 2021 Met Gala. The pieces were fine on their own, but we couldn't get past the way she styled them: Wearing the skirt so low completely threw off her proportions, giving her an awkward appearance.
Tessa Thompson donned a unique Iris van Herpen mini with a sheer bodice during the 2021 Met Gala. She accessorized with knee-high boots and a black cowboy hat that she (thankfully) carried in lieu of wearing. Next, see why we're glad she took it off…
Tessa Thompson wasn't wearing a cowboy hat so much as it was slightly resting atop her head.
Ilana Glazer served bird couture in a shapeless beige Aliette gown with feathered sleeves.
Well, this was interesting! "Euphoria" and "A Wrinkle in Time" star Storm Reid donned a three-piece Prada set during the 2021 Met Gala. She wore a multi-colored strapless crop top with black short shorts and a pink feathered open-front skirt, which she later removed. See how much that changed her look next…
Once Storm Reid removed her Prada skirt, she gave us major Gidget vibes. She also donned some of our favorite bling of the evening…
Storm Reid layered pink and red necklaces featuring diamonds and flower designs that coordinated perfectly with her Prada ensemble. She also sported crystal designs around her eyes.
We wouldn't expect anything less from Erykah Badu than this wacky Thom Browne ensemble: a column skirt with a drawstring hemline, a satin down stole and a truly bizarre hat that you'll need to see to believe…
The top of Erykah Badu's hat rotated to become a mask. Who could've guessed?!
Troye Sivan wowed in a slinky gown from Joseph Altuzarra's new gender fluid collection, Altu. The Australian singer-songwriter accessorized with a Cartier diamond necklace, a bicep cuff by Leatherman and Rick Owens platform boots.
Even some of the men rocked the all-red trend… Finneas, for example, sported head-to-toe red — from his shirt-mask hybrid to his patent leather boots. Lets take a closer look at our favorite part of his Givenchy ensemble…
Finneas protected himself from the coronavirus by wearing his sequin-embellished turtleneck as a mask.
Another man in red! Maluma rocked a sequin-studded Western-inspired Versace ensemble — a fringed jacket with matching pants, cowboy boots and a gold undershirt that coordinated with his gold buttons and bejeweled belt buckle.
While we loved Naomi Osaka's Louis Vuitton dress — especially the cape-like layered off-the-shoulder sleeves — which paid homage to her Japanese heritage, we couldn't get behind her bold red makeup or her wild hairdo. Let's take a closer look…
Naomi Osaka sported swaths of red eyeshadow all around her eyes. She wore her hair, meanwhile, in three sections adorned with red crystals and flowers — two sections flattened and sticking straight out to the sides and one section twisted into braided loops on top. Now let's see her unique 'do from a different angle…
If it weren't for the sections sticking straight out to the sides, we'd actually love Naomi Osaka's unique 'do, which featured braided loops on top.
Pharrell Williams and his wife, Helen Lasichanh, matched in Western-inspired black Chanel ensembles during the 2021 Met Gala.
What's better than a ballgown with a dramatic train? Menswear with a dramatic train! "Pose" and "One Night in Miami…" star Jeremy Pope sported an all-white Dion Lee ensemble consisting of an off-the-shoulder jacket with a train that he wore sans shirt (naturally!) and white trousers.
"Gossip Girl" star Evan Mock sported a basically by-the-book Thom Browne ensemble: dress shorts and a tailored jacket featuring bands of safety pins. But he topped things off with one of the evening's strangest accessories: a black patent leather mask. See it closer next…
And here we have a close-up of Evan Mock's bizarre patent leather mask, which featured a mohawk of studs.
Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour shocked when she showed up in this busy long-sleeved floral-print Oscar de la Renta gown with a ruffled neckline and layers of ruffles along the cuffs and down the skirt. Her massive diamond necklace was stunning, but sadly, it was completely lost in the rest of her look.
The drama! It was a major maternity moment for Bee Shaffer in a voluminous teal off-the-shoulder Valentino gown with a lengthy train that gave us "Bridgerton" vibes in the best way possible.
The best part of Dixie D'Amelio's "Breakfast at Tiffany's"-inspired Valentino ensemble — a simple sleeveless LBD that she wore with white opera gloves — was her giant feathered hat. It would've been a showstopper … if Kacey Musgraves hadn't worn the exact same piece in a vibrant purple shade the night before.
YouTube superstar Emma Chamberlain flaunted her midriff in a metallic Louis Vuitton minidress that featured one of the worst trains we've ever seen: a thin strip of fabric running parallel to one of her tanned gams. We adored her '60s-inspired hair and makeup look, though!
New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was a vision in white in an off-the-shoulder Brother Vellies button-down mermaid dress with pockets and a bold political statement on the back…
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Brother Vellies dress featured the words "tax the rich" emblazoned across the back in bold red font.
New York Congresswoman Carolyn Moloney made a bold political statement during the 2021 Met Gala: She donned a Viktor & Rolf dress featuring the words "Equal Rights for Women" emblazoned in black sequins on her sheer lace cape. She also carried a bag that paid homage to the Equal Rights Act! (Her ensemble, by the way, featured the colors purple, green and gold, which represent justice, faith and power, respectively.)
