For those who are involved in the fashion world, the Met Gala is a big deal. Put on by Anna Wintour and Vogue, the gala always has a theme (which celebrities often seem to ignore). And this year proved no different. 

American Independence was the dress code for this year’s event. The looks ranged from overtly Americana to more subtle connections to what in the world?! And with how polarized the country has become, it unsurprisingly led to some very different interpretations and statements being made on the Met red carpet.

The theme "celebration of American fashion" left the door open for some really wonderful looks inspired by everything from the American flag, to denim, to famous fashion icons and designers, to Old Hollywood-inspired looks. The stars who really stuck to the theme this year were the stars of this year’s gala, in my opinion. So without further ado, let’s introduce some of the best dressed stars of the night.

The Best Dressed

Billie Eilish

The young singer has definitely left her days of baggy sweat sets behind. In an absolute confection of a gown by Oscar de La Renta, Eilish took up nearly the entire staircase with her over the top train. We loved the pairing of the vintage-style gown with platinum Marilyn Monroe hair. 

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o of Twelve Years a Slave and Black Panther had one of my favorite looks of the night in a sparkly blue denim gown. She captioned her photo from the carpet “Blue jean baby. Versace lady.” If you didn’t read that to the tune of “Tiny Dancer,” I’m telling you now so you can go back and do it. You’re welcome. On theme and gorgeous, Lupita was undoubtedly one of the best dressed stars yesterday.

Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid channeled The Little Mermaid with a stunning red ponytail and incredibly sleek dress by Prada. We love the mixture of ‘60s hair with very modern lines. 

Eiza Gonzalez

Actress and singer Eiza Gonzalez shined at the Met Gala in a Rita Hayworth-inspired ensemble. Rita Hayworth is one of our favorite vintage fashion icons here at Evie, and the ‘40s inspiration gave Eiza what was quite possibly the best Old Hollywood reference of the night.

Jennifer Hudson

Wearing AZ Factory, actress Jennifer Hudson, who most recently played the starring role of Aretha Franklin in the new movie musical Respect, shined in her very glamorous red gown. 

Bee Carozzini

One of my favorite looks of the night didn’t come from a bonafide celebrity, but from Anna Wintour’s daughter Bee Carozzini. Walking the Met red carpet with her baby bump, she looked stunning, and her teal blue gown was simple compared to many, but perhaps the most elegant look of the night.

Taylor Hill

American supermodel Taylor Hill walked the Met steps in a Versace gown that reminded me of the Statue of Liberty. What could be more perfect for a celebration of American fashion?

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman looked stunning on the Met red carpet in her sparkly blue gown designed by Vera Wang. The book clutch is a nice touch too. Captioning her post of the night as “grateful,” she embodied the theme of the gala very well.

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan might be British, but she embodied the glamour of retro American fashion so well. On theme and looking positively beautiful. What more can you ask for on the Met red carpet?

Kaia Gerber

Kaia Gerber looked gorgeous yesterday. Her dress was a reference to what humanitarian and actress Bianca Jagger wore to the Met in 1981. Jagger’s dress was designed by the quintessentially American fashion designer Halston, so it was a very fitting choice for the theme. 

Vanessa Bryant

While initially, I thought to myself, what an odd shape for a dress, I ended up loving this ‘60s inspired look and the beehive hairdo Vanessa wore it with. And the Met really is the best place to take things a bit outside of the box.

The Worst Dressed

Frank Ocean

What on earth is happening here? It’s strange. It doesn’t connect to the theme. And he gave no explanation to Met Gala host Keke Palmer when asked what the baby robot meant. 

Kim Petras

I like horses just as much as the next person, but this look from Kim Petras just didn’t hit the mark. An equestrian-inspired gown designed by someone like Ralph Lauren would have been a much better path to take if she wanted to go the horse route.

Kim Kardashian

Do I have to explain why I’m putting Kim Kardashian on the worst dressed list? Her stunt has no apparent relation to the theme and is just bizarre.

Rihanna

Once again we have a strange all-black look. (Gangster princess, maybe?) It has zero connection to American fashion, and the bagginess of it would not flatter anyone’s figure. It was one of the worst looks of the night, in my opinion.

Erykah Badu

Why is everyone wearing these strange black outfits that look like they belong in horror movies? Suffice it to say, this look belongs on the worst dressed list. 

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne may hate the patriarchy, but I hate whatever this look was. Basic white pants with a strangely structured top that has a political message is now what we’re considering appropriate for the Met Gala? Wake me up next May.

Dan Levy

Dan Levy’s ensemble felt like it belonged in some sort of superhero cartoon. The puff sleeves and combat boots created a very unflattering combination, and he had no apparent connection to American fashion.

Naomi Osaka

I like Naomi Osaka and wanted to like what she wore, but I just can’t get behind this look. 

Lil Nas X

Once again Lil Nas X comes across as conceited and wanting everything to be about him. He had an elaborate three-part outfit to the Met, all of which fell flat.

Jordan Alexander

As one of the actresses on the HBO Max Gossip Girl reboot, Jordan Alexander scored an invite to the Met this year. Unfortunately, she had zero connection to the theme, and the fabric of her gown was awkwardly bunched and had a train that resulted in a completely unflattering effect.

Serena Williams

Finally (because I can’t keep looking at these horrible outfits), we have Serena Williams. Her look was put together by Gucci, but nothing went well together and the big feather cape was honestly just ugly. 

Closing Thoughts

Whether it’s beautiful or cringey that comes to mind, the Met Gala always gives ample interesting fashion looks that will be reappearing on overall best and worst dressed lists from past Met Galas for years to come.