Best Met Gala Looks 2024

# 1  Zendaya (both looks)

Zendaya truly delivered at the 2024 Met Gala! Her two stunning looks perfectly captured the theme "Sleeping Beauty Awakening," making it impossible to choose a favorite. Both ensembles not only showcased exquisite design but also conveyed a compelling narrative through her fierce expressions.

The first gown, symbolizing the awakening, is both elegant and transformative. The off-the-shoulder black dress, adorned with delicate frills and a dramatic train, exudes sophistication and grace. Topped with a striking headpiece made of vibrant flowers, this ensemble beautifully captures the essence of rebirth and renewal. Zendaya’s serene and composed expressions enhance the narrative of emerging from a deep slumber into a world of light and beauty, making this look both captivating and enchanting.

In contrast, the second look channels the essence of an evil queen, adding depth and drama to the story. The bold, avant-garde design of the blue and green gown, complete with intricate detailing and a commanding presence, exudes power and mystery. Zendaya’s fierce and intense expressions bring this character to life, telling a story of allure and dominance. The strategic use of dark, luxurious fabrics and sharp, structured lines create an aura of regality and intrigue, perfectly embodying the darker side of the theme.

From head to toe, Zendaya's outfits narrate the full spectrum of the theme "Sleeping Beauty Awakening." Her ability to embody such contrasting characters while maintaining impeccable style is truly impressive. Each look stands out on its own, yet together they provide a comprehensive and captivating interpretation of the theme.

Zendaya’s performance at the Met Gala was a stunning display of fashion artistry and storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it. Impressive, simply impressive.

#2 Nicki Minaj 

Nicki Minaj was given an assignment, and she understood it flawlessly! Her golden yellow Marni minidress was a bold and stunning choice for the 2024 Met Gala, perfectly symbolizing the midlife reawakening period.

The vibrant golden yellow hue signifies a burst of energy and renewal, representing fresh beginnings. This color choice is both eye-catching and symbolic, evoking the optimism and brightness of starting anew. The beautifully bloomed flowers adorning the dress add a sense of maturity and experience, symbolizing growth and wisdom. These floral elements suggest a journey of personal development, with each bloom representing a milestone achieved and lesson learned.

This combination creates a striking balance, embodying reawakening with a past. The golden shimmer over the yellow fabric reflects both the freshness of new beginnings and the richness of past experiences, suggesting a renewal that is informed by history and experience.

Nicki's choice of a minidress with its youthful silhouette contrasts with the sophisticated detailing, representing the blend of past and present. The short, playful cut of the dress speaks to a vibrant, youthful energy, while the intricate details and luxurious fabric convey sophistication and depth. Her confident demeanor and fierce expressions further tell a story of empowerment and transformation, showcasing a woman who is both aware of her past and excited for her future.

#3 Queen Latifah 

Queen Latifah is her name, and she delivered such elegance as a queen would. Her look at the 2024 Met Gala was truly captivating, especially the dark base of her dress. This element powerfully represents pain and a dark history, grounding the ensemble in a deep, meaningful context. When paired with the gorgeous floral print, the dress beautifully conveys the reawakening of resilience.

The contrast between the dark base and the vibrant floral patterns symbolizes a journey from struggle to strength. The dark tones speak to past hardships, reflecting the pain and challenges that many women of color face. However, the flourishing flowers emerging from this darkness tell a story of growth, renewal, and enduring resilience in a Black woman. This narrative of overcoming adversity and blossoming into strength is something many women of color can deeply relate to, making the ensemble both personal and universally resonant.

What makes this look particularly compelling is how it suggests that this is not her first reawakening. The sophisticated elegance and depth of the design imply a history of triumphs and transformations. Each flower seems to represent a chapter of renewal, illustrating Queen Latifah’s journey and the collective experiences of many women who have risen above their struggles time and again.

I do find the look a bit understated, which is why I ranked it number three, but this subtlety enhances its storytelling power. The elegance of the dress, combined with its rich symbolism, conveys a true story and it looks good. Queen Latifah’s choice is not just on theme but embodies the spirit of the theme in a profound and relatable way.

#4 La La Anthony

La La Anthony surprised me with this one. Her look at the 2024 Met Gala may have been rather simple, but the angle she took on the theme was phenomenal. Unlike the many princess-inspired looks that dominated the event, La La reawakened into the villain, offering a refreshing and unique perspective on the theme.

The simplicity of the dress itself might not have been memorable, but its narrative power was undeniable. The choice to embody a villain rather than a princess set her apart from the crowd. It was a bold move that conveyed a compelling story of complexity with in transformation. While many chose to highlight themes of innocence and renewal, La La's ensemble explored the darker, more nuanced aspects of reawakening.

This angle of the theme is not only unique but also deeply interesting. It suggests a reawakening into strength, power, and perhaps a reclaiming of one's narrative. Villains in stories are often characters of great depth and resilience, having gone through significant trials and emerged stronger, but more hardened. La La’s choice to channel this energy was a powerful statement about the multifaceted nature of reawakening. It highlighted that transformation is not always about becoming softer or superficial but can also be about embracing strength and pain.

Although the dress itself did not leave a lasting visual impression, its thematic resonance was strong. The understated design allowed the concept to take center stage, emphasizing the uniqueness of her interpretation. La La Anthony's look was a narrative-driven choice that showcased her ability to think outside the box and bring a fresh perspective to a well-explored theme.

#5 Kerry Washington