After a COVID-19-induced hiatus and a Gala in September, the Met Gala was finally back to its regular schedule. The theme for this year’s Met was a continuation of a two-part series. The first part being “America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” and the second part “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.” Attendees were asked to follow the theme of “Gilded Glamour and White Tie.” The former part of the theme is a modern take on the Gilded Age.

The Gilded Age had rapid economic growth through industrialization and incredible wealth disparity. Putting aside the abysmal timing and taste of the theme given the state of America’s economy, the Gilded Age is also known for its jewel tones, long corsets, silks, and silhouettes that bring attention to the bosom/hips. 

Though another Met Gala has come and gone, many of these looks will be remembered with fondness or disdain for years to come.

The Worst of the Worst

“Worst of the Worst” is the same complaint thrown around social media every year whenever the Met Gala rolls around, with “Nobody followed the theme” coming in at a close second. 

Though these are valid criticisms, it is essential to note that many attendees are brand ambassadors. In other words, they have very little say in what they get to wear, which is why so many celebrities seem to disregard the theme altogether. 

As for the rest of the lot, well, no excuse can be made. Here are some of the worst looks from the 2022 Met Gala. 

Awkwafina

Awkwafina showed up wearing a custom peach Gucci. That’s about it. Despite being a custom gown, the ensemble looks awkward on Awkwafina. Almost as if the clothes are wearing her.

Emily Ratajowski

Model and “iCarly” alumn Emily Ratajkowski is next up on the list for worst dressed. Ratajkowski is no stranger to the Met Gala, and she is certainly no stranger to wowing the Internet. Unfortunately, Ratajkowski failed to impress this time around. Despite wearing vintage Versace and staying somewhat on theme, the bottom half of her ensemble read jumbled mess rather than glamour to the most trained of eyes.

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner

Couple Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner turned up together in Louis Vuitton. Both disappointed. While Turner’s look is just painfully dull and off theme, Jonas’ look feels confused. Although Jonas took a risk by not wearing a black tux, the odd plinking-shear finish on the hemline and the white lace cosplaying as a beach cover-up left many scratching their heads.

Camila Cabello

No glitz or glamour could be seen on Camila Cabello during the Met Gala this year. Though designer Prabal Gurung is no stranger to glitz and glamour, this gown is clearly lacking in both departments. 

Kylie Jenner

If there’s one thing that could bring about world peace, it’s the public’s opinion on Kylie Jenner’s Met Gala look. Considering the theme of the Gala this year, Jenner’s Off-White bridal look felt even more out of place. Though the construction and execution of the gown are beautiful, the same cannot be said about the mesh undershirt and backward baseball veil. 

Though it is touching that Kylie opted to pay tribute to the late Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton creative director, the look still leaves much to be desired, theme-wise anyway.

The Best of the Best

Despite many fashion faux pas appearing on the red carpet, there were a ton of guests who managed to dazzle the crowd. The best of the best not only followed the theme, but they also took it a step further. Whether this was through symbolism or playing the flute on the Met Gala stage, these celebrities put the “gilded” in the Gilded Glamour.

Quannah Chasinghorse

Despite indigenous model and activist Quannah Chasinghorse voicing her discomfort with the Met Gala last year, she decided to attend the event again, much to people’s delight. Dressed by Prabal Gurung and complete with traditional jewelry created by Lenise Omeasoo, Chasinghorse’s look serves as a beautiful reminder that Anglo-Saxons weren’t the only ones living during the Gilded Era.

Blake Lively

If there’s one thing to know about Blake Lively, it’s that she never disappoints when it comes to the Met Gala. This year was no different. Sporting custom Versace, Lively pays homage to the Big Apple. Her transforming gown references the iconic New York City architecture, including the Statue of Liberty, which started and finished during the Gilded Era.

Nicola Coughlan

Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan makes the transition from Regency Period to Gilded Era look easy. This look is the perfect combination of historical and camp. During the Gilded Era, feathers were trendy, mostly worn on hats. This Richard Quinn gown, complete dancing feathers and diamante details make a sometimes-stuffy event like the Met Gala feel more playful.

Billie Eilish

America’s favorite former e-girl is back on the Met Gala stage but this time in an eco-friendly, historically accurate gown. Though jewel tones were far more popular for the era, muted colors and ivory tones were still popular. 

Lizzo

Last but certainly not least, Lizzo’s Met Gala look for this year is phenomenal. Not only did she nail the theme with a design by Thom Browne, complete with a historically accurate long corset, but she performed. No, really, she played a golden flute on the Met Gala’s Red Carpet. Needless to say, Lizzo killed it.

Honorable Mentions

Laura Herrier, Ashton Sanders, Jessica Chastain, David Harbour, Shawn Mendes, Cardi B, Maude Apatow, Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss, Maisie Williams, Anitta, Bad Bunny, Chloe Bailey, SZA, Genesis Suero, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jasmine Tookes, Madelaine Petsch, Evan Mock and Megan thee Stallion.

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