Best Dressed at the Met Gala

As far as I can see, there is a very specific formula that needs to be followed if you want to dress successfully for the Met Gala - New York's Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute's yearly fashion shindig and it's this:

1. Don't be boring 
2. Stick to the theme (in this case China: Through the Looking Glass) 
3. Don't go nuts (or in this case go stereotyped and/or offensive)

I'm sort of disappointed at how few people stuck to those rules tbh. 1. and 2. were the most oft broken, with loads of gorgeous-but-how-is-this-relevant? gowns gliding up the famous stairs (Claire Danes, Hailee Steinfeld, Jessica Chastain, Rosie HW, the list goes on) and a predictable trinity of ohmigodisthisstillathing all over sheer 'gowns' following them on Kim K, Beyonce and J Lo (who at least had a crack at the theme, to be fair).  Lade Gaga and Rihanna were the only ones who came close to breaking rule 3. but made their fantastical looks work through sheer force of personality if nothing else. At least their looks are memorable though.

So who did nail it? For my money, here's the top five:

Emily Blunt in Prada

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Chapter 90005 in my book of red carpet capes that I love. The theme is subtly nailed through the choice of fabric, the beautiful embroidery and the cut of this stunner. I love the contrast between the different shades of blue and silver used throughout. I love her styling - those earrings omg - and her hair and makeup even more.

Rita Ora in Tom Ford

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Going much more literal with the theme but equally stunning is this bad boy. Red is Rita's colour and the combo of this fierce gown with her fierce red pout/platinum crop combo is a perfect illustration of that. The construction of the dress is perfect too.

Emma Roberts in Ralph Lauren

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My favourite of the night. Very subtle nods to the theme (the belt, the colour, the jade accessories) combine to make this perfect. I am 100% obsessed with that green.

Anne Hathaway in Ralph Lauren

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Ralph Lauren got the memo on theme clearly. I adore this eastern inspired look, mostly because it's so sleek and cool but also because it makes a huge statement without really trying. I love the ear cuff too, a great fashion forward accessory for an otherwise minimalist look.

Olivia Munn in J Mendel

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There's so much going on here and it's all amazing. I love the colours, I love the cut out sleeves, I love the more is more jewellery and I love that it's on theme without being on the nose. Perfect paired down makeup too.

SJP Special Bonus Round
Because you can't have a Met Gala round up without bowing down at the alter of SJP. Here she is owning the theme, as she does every year without fail.

Sarah Jessica Parker in H&M

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First of all, OMG SJP doing the Met Gala in high street?! But let's be honest that's not the thing that makes this outfit a classic from her play book, the credit for that belongs firmly to her amazing Philip Treacy headpiece. Love it or hate it, you can't deny that it's 100% Met Gala. Long live the undisputed Queen of this event!

Best Dressed: Met Ball

I find it weird that until a few years ago I was largely unaware that the Met Ball was even a thing given how utterly in love with it I am now.

Technically, the purpose of the evening is an annual fundraising shindig for The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. In reality it's the most exciting fashion event of the year with anyone who's anyone (and Kim Kardashian) rocking up on the red carpet to show off their fashion cajones.

It's all about the outfits. It's not about looking pretty - it's about making a statement.

It's go big or go home made flesh.

So who rocked my world this year?

Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere

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I mean, do I need to explain why this is good?! Best dressed of the night by some way for me. This look just takes my breath away: the dress, the accessories, the hair and makeup are all just perfect. Also +100 for the cape.


Charlize Theron in Christian Dior Haute Couture

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God I love this. Proof that going big doesn't have to mean a million colours and crazy embellishment, this is polished and stunning. The insouciance of the tux jacket thrown over her shoulders is to die for. Glamour personified.


Arizona Muse in Ralph and Russo Couture

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A classic ballgown in a classic colour executed perfectly. The diamond necklace is the perfect accessory. So simple, so classic, so huge.


Rihanna in Stella McCartney

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Style is all about being yourself right? And this is Rihanna being Rihanna at her best. Edgy and cool but without trying too hard. White haute.


Reese Witherspoon in Stella McCartney

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ELLE WOODS WENT TO THE MET GALA AND IT WAS AWESOME! Ok, bit over excited there, sorry. But seriously, this colour + this neckline = all kinds of win.