The Best Met Gala After-Party Outfits in History

Kendall Jenner wears a dress with wing details.

You've probably seen plenty of Met Gala fashion retrospectives, but most of them focus on red carpet looks. Yes, that's where some of the most well-known outfits were worn, but we shouldn't overlook the after-parties. Away from the formality of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its hundreds of photographers, reporters, agents, and PR people, celebrities can really let their hair down at the post-event soirées. That's the perfect recipe for some amazing fashion moments.

Sartorially speaking, the Met Gala after-parties are a bit of a free-for-all. Some people go the ultra-sexy route, opting for sheer naked dresses, miniskirts, and backless numbers. Some stars choose looks with whimsical, quirky details—see Janelle Monáe's googly eyes and Kendall Jenner's angel wings. Still, others show up to party in tank tops and sweatpants. In other words, you never know what to expect. Ahead of the 2026 Met Gala on Monday, May 4, scroll down to see my all-time favorite after-party outfits from the illustrious event.

Zendaya at the 2025 Met Gala after-party in a red gown.

In 2025, Zendaya's vintage Patrick Kelly dress was a fantastic archival pull.

How low can you go? Rihanna went backless in 2014 after the red carpet.

Janelle Monae attends a Met Gala after-party.

Monáe wore a googly-eyed number by Area in 2024.

Mary-Kate Olsen attends a Met Gala after-party.

Mary-Kate Olsen changed into a vintage beaded jacket for the 2015 soirées.

Jonathan Bailey attends a Met Gala party.

Bridgerton costars Jonathan Bailey and Phoebe Dynevor left The Mark Hotel together en route to post-Met celebrations.

Kendall Jenner wears a bird-inspired dress to the Met Gala after-parties in 2024.

In 2024, Jenner wore this Givenchy by Alexander McQueen S/S 97 dress.

Kendall Jenner attends a Met Gala after-party wearing a white dress.

Yes, Jenner had two different after-party looks in 2024. The second one was this Vivienne Westwood lace number.

Kate Bosworth wore a feathered dress in 2012.

I love how Kate Bosworth's lipstick matched her dress in 2012.

Cardi B wore this vintage Versace dress in 2022.

Zendaya changed into this slinky Loewe gown after the 2024 Met Gala.

Bad Bunny attends a Met Gala after-party.

Bad Bunny gave off Western vibes at the 2023 Met Gala after-party.

Irina Shayk attends a Met Gala after-party wearing sweatpants.

Irina Shayk wore a tongue-in-cheek nod to Karl Lagerfeld in 2023, the year he was the subject of the Met's exhibition. Her outfit referenced one of Lagerfeld's most famous quotes: "Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants."

Anna Wintour and Karl Lagerfeld wearing Met Gala after-party outfits.

In a rare candid moment, Anna Wintour and Lagerfeld partied it up after the 2008 event.

Emily Ratajkowski wearing a Met Gala after-party outfit.

In 2024, Emily Ratajkowski wore a Givenchy by Alexander McQueen S/S 98 dress sourced from Tab Vintage along with a custom Victoria's Secret bra and underwear.

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Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern in 2011—back when the site only published a single story per day. (We have since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC and lives in Los Angeles. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2015, where she is now the Associate Director of Fashion News. From the Oscars to the Met Gala, she leads the site's entire red carpet coverage strategy. She specializes in celebrity and fashion news but also enjoys writing travel features and runway reports. She frequently contributes to WWW's social accounts and has a sizable following on her personal TikTok.