How to Wear the Met Gala Theme IRL, According to These Street-Style Stars
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Every year, the Met Gala red carpet inspires style fanatics everywhere, from beauty lovers looking for drugstore products that celebrities used to fashion obsessives uncovering every detail behind the looks. Since Met Gala guests often choose extravagant designs, you may be at a loss for what to wear to a watch party or themed get-together. But not to worry, look no further than the Meta Watch Party for how to turn Met Gala themes into wearable outfits. Instagram hosts the event every year at the Mark Hotel, and this year saw over fifty fashion creators bringing the Met Gala theme to life in a fun, approachable way.
Much like the Black Dandyism theme that translated to fashion, beauty, and decor finds, this year's "Fashion Is Art" dress code is more accessible than you think. You can embrace Yves Klein blue with a suit or gown in the vibrant cobalt hue or simply add a headpiece or floral arrangement (seriously) to your look to give it a dramatic flair. Prints like florals are perfectly appropriate, and you can go a step further with artful patterns from graffiti to watercolor. Finally, if you're out of ideas, a metallic dress is always party-ready.
Keep scrolling for street-style photos from the Meta Watch party as well as on-theme pieces to shop for every budget from Nordstrom, Shopbop, Anthropologie, Etsy, and more.
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Artful Patterns
You don't have to dress like a sculpture or a human-robot hybrid to nail the "Fashion Is Art" theme. The Meta watch party guests found a stylish middle ground: artful patterns. From watercolor to graffiti to creator April Lockhart's exquisite Kristin Mallison gown featuring an Italian landscape, they were a walking work of art.
Get The Look: Christopher John Rogers Moonshine Cowl Halter Midi Dress ($1,195). Comme des Garcons Black Filip Pagowski Print Blazer ($870, originally $1,580). Alice and Olivia Diana Sleeveless Dress ($695). Diarra Blu Tubi Dress in Aura Blue ($295). Desigual Recycled Scrappy Dress ($167, originally $239).
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Yves Klein Blue
Yves Klein blue is a prominent theme for "Fashion Is Art" dressing, inspired by the French artist who developed the rich pigment in 1960. Go for blue suiting, gowns, shoes, and even makeup. Take your cue from Eva Chen, the Meta Fashion Partnerships director, in Proenza Schouler; Brooke DeVard, the Chief Content Officer of Refinery29, in vintage Mugler; and creator Dylan Kelly in Luar.
Get The Look: Ulla Johnson Koa Sleeveless Knit Top with Fringe ($450). Ulla Johnson Paulina Knit Skirt with Fringe ($590). Express Studio Stretch Twill Long Slim Blazer ($99, originally $148). Express Editor Studio Stretch Twill Mid Rise Bootcut Pant ($69, originally $80). Reformation Shoshana Block Heel ($278).
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Printmaxxing
A 2026 Met Gala-themed party is definitely the time for printmaxxing. Whether you're embracing stripes or florals like Picasso's Rose Period, there's so many gowns, cocktail dresses, and coats that nail the aesthetic. Try the below pieces inspired by editor Brooke Frischer in Moschino; WhoWhatWear editor Sierra Mayhew in RVNG Couture; Cliché Wynter Mayo, Director of Sponsor and Affiliate Content at iOne Digital, in vintage and Manolo Blahnik; Deena Campbell, Fashion and Beauty Director at Large at PureWow, in ASOS; and myself in BCBGMaxAzria.
Get The Look: BCBGMaxAzria Madison Printed Gown ($498). Staud Ruby Dress Red Zone Multi ($345). Karen Millen Brushed Wool Placed Embroidery Tailored Midi Coat ($319, originally $1,059). For Love and Lemons Dark Romance Mini Dress ($297, originally $348). Arrange Structured Volume Bandeau Midi Dress in Bloom Floral Print ($269).
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Balletcore
As a former dancer, balletcore is a mainstay in my closet and the "Fashion Is Art" theme presents the perfect opportunity to indulge, channeling the work of Edgar Degas. Pull out your favorite pink ruffle gown or tulle cocktail dress, add Christian Louboutin's viral Cassia lace-up heels, a bow choker, a messy bun, and you're good to go.
Get The Look: Aje Pandorea Layered Maxi Dress ($769). Christian Louboutin Cassia Lace-Up Slingback Pump ($1,195). Selkie En Pointe Degas Dress ($308). Petal & Pup Floret Bow Strap Midi Sundress ($82, originally $109). Romantic Velvet Bow Choker ($28).
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Flowers as Accessories
Now's the time to get creative and crafty. If you want a simpler look like a black suit or neutral separates, reach for flowers as accessories. You can buy (or create!) a floral headpiece like the guest on the right or place a bouquet inside a corset like the Atanga twins.
Get The Look: Rose Fascinator Headband ($110). Lele Sadoughi Ivory Blair Orchid Headband ($69, originally $95). Anthropologie Dried Natural Meadow Bouquet ($48). By Anthropologie Orchid French Hair Pin ($18). South Beach Flower Clip in Red ($14).
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Headpieces
Headpieces are the perfect punctuation to your Met Gala-themed 'fit, as evidenced by Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter and Ciara on the red carpet and Isabel Tan at the Meta Watch party. Go for an ornate topper and keep the rest of your look simple and complementary.
Get The Look: Handmade Ostrich & Marabou Feather Sun Hat ($385). Gold Butterfly Fascinator ($275). Jennifer Behr Crystal Czarina Ponywrap ($228). Lovers and Friends Liza Beaded Hat ($58).
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Metallic
If you'd rather not step outside your comfort zone — but you still want to look festive — may I suggest metallic? Whether you opt for a regal gold option or shiny silver like editor Morgan Evans, you'll look like the epitome of glamour and decadence, and what's more artistic than that?
Get The Look: Mac Duggal Sleeveless Disc Sequin Trapeze Mini Dress ($598). Georgia Hardinge Scope Dress Floorlength ($395, originally $540). ASOS Curve Large Disc Sequin Square Neck Mini Dress ($309). Zara Sequin Knit Midi Dress ($129).
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Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of Popsugar, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.