The Met Gala 2025 has already wrapped, and we couldn’t help but indulge in the glamour of it all. From who made Anna Wintour’s coveted guest list to which designer dressed which celeb, the build-up to the Met Gala 2025 has been one of the hottest topics of the week. We’ve already been teased with several pre-party paparazzi looks from stars like Tyla, Doechii, and Sabrina Carpenter. Now that the blue carpet has come and gone, it’s time we got down to the heart of it all: who stayed true to the theme and the dress code?
The mood board for the Met Gala 2025 is rich in heritage and creativity. The annual event is held to raise funds for the Costume Institute in New York. This year, their Spring exhibition is called “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. It pays homage to Black Dandies of the past and present across the diaspora. Think sharp tailoring, period pieces, and head-turning accessories like hats and ties in larger-than-life proportions. Channeling all things extra and elegant is key.
The movement’s rich history may have begun in London in 1800s, but its legacy lives on in pop culture and fashion, especially in menswear. From Hip Hop trendsetters like Outkast’s André 3000 and Met Gala co-chair A$AP Rocky, to high fashion icons like the late André Leon Talley and designer Dapper Dan, dandyism is forever timeless. Women like Janelle Monáe and Teyana Taylor are also dandy revivalists, as you’ll see from their stunning 2025 red carpet moments.
These references are only the tip of the iceberg. Whether it be the Harlem Renaissance or La Sape, a Congolese subculture defined by tailored ecocentrism with roots in 1930s French colonialism, there is so much material to pull from. So, it’s only right that guests have fun and take risks with it. Celebs also got the chance to venture more outside the theme with the dress code, “Tailored for You,” which opened the door for more possibilities. Class is in session. Let’s discuss who passed the theme with flying colors.
Teyana Taylor
One of the first guests on the carpet was actress Teyana Taylor. Always toeing the line between androgyny, she arrived dressed to the nines in a suit she designed herself with Ruth E. Carter, who was the mind behind the costume design in Marvel’s Black Panther. Wearing some platform Marc Jacobs heels, she came as a Harlem rose in statement red from her durag to her leather gloves. In one ‘fit she managed to hit dandyism from every angle. We’re talking exaggerated silhouettes like her pleated train and super-sized shoulder pads. Let’s not forget her maximalist accessories. Cane and all, Teyana left no crumbs.
Rihanna
It is impossible for Rihanna not to serve, and this year she did not disappoint. As one of the final arrivals of the night, she revealed her pregnancy wearing Marc Jacobs head to toe. The tailoring was immaculate and snatched in every way. From the pinstripe body to the oversized detailing on the back, this is how you arrive fashionably on theme.
Doechii
If you couldn’t tell from the LV logo on her cheek, Doechii was in her Louis Vuitton bag for the Met Gala, wearing an ultra mini Speedy to match. Doechii is no stranger to playing with androgynous silhouettes, and she delivered with a bold and tailored checkered suit. Dressed by Pharrell, it was the ultimate take on Black dandyism from her grill to her fro. For her Met Gala debut, she devoured.
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña gave a beautiful and modern take on the dandy theme, showcasing stunning tailoring in Thom Browne. She contrasted the femininity of a leg-slit gown with flawless tailoring and symmetry. She embellished her classic white shirt and pinstripe waistcoat with buttons in unexpected places. Once she turned to the back, she revealed her stunning dress was backless with an oversized white bow. It was a simplistic yet elevated look that fit the theme and dress code to a T.
Zendaya
Some may say Zendaya was yet another white suit on a blue carpet, but in all its simplicity, her monochrome white look had all the elements of a classic dandy look with references aplenty. Z gave us immaculate tailoring, flare pants, and a show-stopping hat. A subtle but striking nod to the theme, and a source for plenty of memes.
Colman Domingo
Met Gala 2025 co-chair Coleman Domingo gave us a double look. First, in a clear nod to former Met Gala carpet host and Dandy icon André Leon Talley, Domingo wore a royal blue embellished cloak before revealing a Valentino black and white suit done right. Despite the neutral color palette, everything about his look gave refined maximalism. He played with pattern, texture, and accessories, wearing an oversized polka dot floral brooch and a bedazzled silver ear cuff. No notes!
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross has always been a dandy at heart, so she pulled out all the stops for her Met Gala look. Dressed in Marc Jacobs, she brought some much-needed color to the blue carpet, wearing shades of pink and burgundy. She played around with avant-garde proportions in her oversized hat, satin pants, and over-the-top bow. In other words, she did what needed to be done.
Janelle Monáe
The queen of modern dandyism herself pulled up to the blue carpet wearing Thom Browne. The pairing was magical, as the designer is known for his pristine tailoring. Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell was behind her 1930s tuxedo cloak. After a dramatic cape drop, Monae revealed that she was wearing an outfit that mirrored the design on her cape. Her deconstructed suit with exposed stitching was one of the best-tailored looks of the evening. There were so many layers to this look, but her clock monocle was an excellent way to honor the dandy theme.
Gigi Hadid
Although the internet has been in a hot debate on whether Gigi Hadid’s Miu Miu look fits the theme, her stunning gilded dress is a historical nod to couture dress maker Zelda Wynn Valdes. She learned men’s tailoring in her uncle’s shop and went on to dress stars like Josephine Baker, who is an iconic symbol of women in dandyism.
Ugbad Abdi
A moment of silence for one of the best looks of the night. Model Ugbad Abdi overstood the theme wearing Michael Kors. Her sparkly pin stripe pants, metallic paisley cloak, and faux fur silver collar stole the show. 10s across the board.
Joey King
Actor Joey King brought a retro essence to dandyism in her forest green Miu Miu suit. Experimentation is what made her look shine. Adorned in mirror crystals, her checkerboard shirt and 3D abstract tie were the cherry on top of a perfect look.
Jodie Turner Smith
Jodie Turner Smith was one of the highlights of the evening in her custom Burberry suit inspired by Black equestrian Selika Lazevski in Belle Époque Paris. The period ensemble featured a bustle coat and corset paired with an Esenshel top hat. Burgundy never looked so good!
Lupita Nyong’o
Dressed in Chanel, Lupita Nyong’o looked radiant in an aquamarine wool suit with a satin blouse and collar. Paired with a delicate chiffon cape, matching top hat, and signature Chanel camellia brooch, she was truly a vision in blue.
Shaboozey
Country artist Shaboozey leaned into the dandy theme wearing a fitted black suit that mimicked the grain of wood. He played around with texture throughout his look, wearing turquoise beading on his body and some matching grills. To top it off, he accessorized with a curved and sleek black hat, making for one of the more unique takes on the theme.
Tems
Nigerian singer Tems wore British designer Ozwald Boateng to the Met Gala, giving one of the few nods to Dandyism’s African influence. Boateng’s work is rooted in the bespoke tailoring of London’s Saville Row and his Ghanaian heritage, as stunningly showcased by the regal patterns of Tems’ look.
Coco Jones
Singer Coco Jones brought drama and elegance to her first 2025 Met Gala. She wore an ivory Manish Malhotra monochrome two-piece with intricate embellishments on every inch of fabric. Her suit jacket featured a luxurious train that she paired with a floor-length braided ponytail and big and bold jewels. It’s a glamorous and demure take on the theme that was tailor-made for her, nailing also the dress code.
Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega literally brought the art of tailoring to life with her Met Gala look. Her custom Balmain gown was crafted entirely from the metallic rulers tailors use to create patterns. We love that she didn't take the theme too literally and instead went for a quippy, literal take on the “Tailored for You” dress code while honoring the very roots of dandy styling. Her silver bustier and belt fit her perfectly, making for one of the most memorable 'fits of the night.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX took the dandy theme and made it entirely her own. For her Met Gala debut, she wore an all black gothic three-piece set by Ann Demeulemeester. The bottom half of her look stayed true to her party girl aesthetic with some thigh-high leather boots, a sheer chiffon skirt with an elongated train, and some panties. She played with tailoring on top, wearing a backless waistcoat and blazer lined with black feathers. Charli elegantly proved why she is always the reference.
