The Met Gala 2021: The Best Red Carpet Looks

The best of the best of "American Fashion."

met gala dresses
(Image credit: Getty Images)

No, it’s not the first Monday in May, and in fact, it’s not the first Monday in September either, but tonight, celebrities will return to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for one of the most glamorous events of the fashion season—the 2021 Met Gala. Following the cancelation of 2020’s event amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s more intimate star-studded guest list will gather in celebration of a theme that hits close to home: American Fashion.

Rather than showcasing only big name legacy brands, this year’s exhibit will put an emphasis on young, emerging, and avant-garde designers who are the future of fashion. The hosts of the evening are also a nod to a new generation of artists: Naomi Osaka, Timothée Chalamet, Amanda Gordon, and Billie Eilish will kick off the festivities, while some 400 guests will arrived dressed in the theme of American Independence. Before guests enter the Met for cocktails and dinner (where social media is strictly prohibited), take a peek at what they’re wearing to this year’s Met Ball.

Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.