“Met Gala Behavior”: How to Dress According to Your Favorite Met Gala Theme
*Title credits to @devinhalbal
The Met Gala is slowly but surely approaching—and we cannot wait. With all of the glitz and glam that goes along with the looks that are presented on the Met Gala carpet, there is also the praise for which theme is chosen for one of the most important events in fashion and art. Some memorable themes include “Superheroes: Fashion & Fantasy,” “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” and “Camp: Notes on Fashion.”
If you are a fan of Met Gala themes—so much so that you would want to implement them into your style for a little fun here and there—here is a breakdown of how you can bolden your style according to your favorite theme.
SOURCES: POPSUGAR, HARPERS BAzaar, & ELLE Magazine
PUNK: CHAOS TO COUTURE
SOURCE: BILLBOARD
The 2013 Met Gala theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture” examined the influence that the punk fashion movement has had on the high fashion industry since the early 1970s’. Many notable celebrities were present including Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and the punk-fashion icon herself, Vivienne Westwood.
If this is your favorite Met Gala theme, then you are probably a fan of all things punk fashion related such as tartan and plaid prints, bold, smokey eye makeup, leather everything, and crazy, yet stylish pieces. Adding a tartan mini or midi skirt to your wardrobe if you do not already have one would be perfect for this theme, as well as experimenting with bolder color palettes, and investing in some statement pieces.
Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology
SOURCEs: VOGUE, The cut, & Billboard
In 2016, the Met Gala theme was “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age of Technology.” This theme explored hand-made and machine-made haute couture and ready-to-wear pieces. There were a ton of iconic looks from celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik, Zendaya, Kate Hudson, and so many more.
This theme calls for a lot of clothing and accessories made from reused/recyclable materials. You can shop brands like Patagonia, H&M, Re/Done, and Everlane. Wearing cool silver hardware pieces would also be very fitting to the theme, as well as any tech-like accessories, and of course, anything handmade.
SUPERHEROeS: FASHION & fantasy
SOURCEs: FOOTWEAR NEWS, POPSUGAR, & THE FADER
Back in 2008, the Met Gala theme was “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy.” This theme was definitely different from a lot of the past, and more recent themes. It celebrated the link between the runway and the superheroes who began their lives in comic strips. Many A-list and future on-screen superheroes were present such as Marvel and DC stars Scarlett Johansson, Henry Cavill, and Zoë Kravitz, as well Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman), George Clooney (Batman & Robin), and Tom Welling (Clark Kent in Smallville).
For this theme, keeping a mostly red, blue, gold, silver, white, and black color scheme would work, but just like any superhero, you can totally wear any color “suit.” Try experimenting with prints like stars and stripes, and going for much bolder, statement pieces when it comes to picking out jewelry. If you want to get super-crazy (pun-intended) with your makeup, going for a silver or gold eye look and a bright red lip would definitely do the trick.
CAMP: NOTES ON FASHION
SOURCE: VOGUE & BUZZFEED
One of the most iconic Met Gala themes was in 2019—before the start of the pandemic. “Camp: Notes on Fashion” explored the origins of camp's exuberant aesthetic. The looks were outrageous, in all of the best ways. Some of the celebrities that attended this Met Gala were Lady Gaga, Ezra Miller, Jared Leto, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, Lily-Rose Depp, Zendaya, Katy Perry, Billy Porter, and many more.
Camp fashion is basically anything theatrical, and out of the ordinary. Think unconventional accessories like big fluffy tophats (Pamela Anderson inspired) or even wearing mix-match shoes. Moschino is one brand that goes all out when it comes to camp fashion, but obviously, not everyone can afford designer so finding anything remotely dramatic or out-of-the-ordinary and wearing it will do just fine.
This year’s Met Gala theme is “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” and the dress code is Gilded Glamour, so we can expect some over-the-top looks, white ties, plenty of pearls, and lustrous textiles. We absolutely cannot wait to see how this year’s guests will embody the theme in their chosen looks.
With new inspiration for some of the past Met Gala themes, you should be all set to implement each theme into your style. The question is, which one was your favorite?
Leave a comment below.