The 2021 Met Gala’s Best Dressed

When stars were asked to celebrate the American-themed Met Gala, they complied with the dress code — and then some. We were treated to the return of a bustling (and fully vaccinated) red carpet, rife with the kind of all-out, stop-you-in-your-tracks glamour that’s been absent for the better part of two years. On Monday night, celebrities reveled in the return of the highly anticipated Met Gala with a set of stunning looks that paid homage to the theme by celebrating American designers, American culture, and some of the country’s beloved icons, giving us all a glimpse of the America we love.

Some moments were more theatrical (we’re looking at you, Lil Nas X), while others were subtler nods to America. With the range of looks taking over the red carpet, choosing favorites isn’t easy, but these eight women each told a unique story with their looks and wowed us on arrival. From cochair Amanda Gorman, in a custom Vera Wang gown, to Kaia Gerber, whose Oscar de la Renta gown paid homage to Bianca Jagger’s 1981 Met Ball look, flip through for our best dressed of the night.