Any fashion mum juggling the countless demands of an early morning will know that putting together an outfit that can see you through the rest of the day in style isn't always top of the agenda when you're caught up in the morning maelstrom. That's precisely why having a handful of simple, reliable and chic outfit formulas on lock pays dividends, helping you feel pulled together long after the morning drop-off.

When it comes to finding inspiration for these everyday looks, I always find it helpful to turn to some of the industry's chicest fashion mums. And who better to look towards than Rihanna? Mother of three, singer, entrepreneur and style icon, she's something of an expert when it comes to balancing a busy schedule with an enviable off-duty wardrobe. This week, as she stepped out in New York, the star served up an especially good example, swapping her usual blue jeans for an elevated alternative that made her otherwise relaxed look feel even more considered.

Building a chic, tonal outfit, Rihanna opted for a pair of rich khaki trousers, teaming them with a knit in a deep forest-green shade. The two colours worked harmoniously together, creating a rich, understated combination that felt seasonally appropriate and polished.

Whilst blue jeans would have made for a familiar enough outfit, her khaki pair brought an extra depth that worked particularly well with the green knit. Better still, I can see them looking just as chic styled with a fitted black knit or even a roomy grey style.

Neutral but far from boring, and as easy to wear with the rest of your wardrobe as your favourite blue jeans, I think khaki trousers are one of the smartest additions you can make to your winter rotation. If you're tempted to make the addition, read on to shop the pairs I'd recommend below.

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I don't always wear eye makeup, and when I do, I usually smudge some shadow across my upper lash line, slick on a coat of brown mascara, and call it a day. Maybe I'll add some champagne shimmer on the inner corners of my eyes or swap the brown lashes for burgundy if I'm feeling fancy. But generally, I'm much more of a statement lip and blush girl than someone who loves to play around with the lids. To each their own!

Then during Paris Fashion Week, I saw Rihanna and Inde Navarrette cosigning a very cool, yet very low-key, trend I used to obsess over in middle school: colorful bottom eyeliner. It certainly made my inner thirteen-year-old smile, but the celebs wore it in a way that felt fresh for 2026 and officially inspired me to get back on the bottom-eyeliner bandwagon. Below, check out the looks for yourself and all the products you need to recreate them this fall.

To be honest, when I saw Rihanna pull up to the Matières Fécales show on Monday September 28, the last thing on my mind was her eyeliner. But in the Getty photos that followed, I was able to get a closer look at the mogul's eye makeup and noticed a stripe of bright red along her lower waterline. She kept her top lids neutral with a gold eye shadow and fluttery black lashes, so the red really pops underneath. The line itself is also pretty minimal—no smudging or smokiness—which is, in my opinion, what makes it so intriguing; it's one of those looks that will have people leaning in to ask, "Wait, are you wearing red eyeliner?"

Then less than 24 hours later, Inde Navarrette showed up to Dior with a similar look—only this time in a dusty, denim blue. The liner was also a little more smudged than Rihanna's (celebrity makeup artist Kayli Rachelle actually used a limited-edition Dior eye shadow as liner), and it circled the top lash line as well for a monochromatic eye moment. Still, the rest of her eyes were kept minimal, which made the ring of blue really stand out. Both looks also focus on the waterline, which gives it a bit of that '90s, early 2000s edge. That said, if you're worried it might appear too "dated," using a colorful jewel-toned liner (blue, red, green, what have you) as opposed to black or brown will keep the look fresh and fashion-forward. Take it from the front-row regulars themselves.

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With a fresh wave of newness arriving with the Autumn 2026 collections, it takes something special to break through the noise. Many of us have waited patiently since the autumn/winter runways at the start of the year for the latest collections to drop, and already one particular bag has set itself apart and nestled into some of the most stylish celebrity wardrobes around. With clean lines, precise construction and a subtle nod to its luxury origins, the Ferragamo Cara bag has quietly become the It bag of the moment.

For a bag to reach It status takes a harmonious balance of finer details. Immaculate construction, considered colourways, refined materials and an enduring appeal that allows it to transcend just a season. Since its first unveiling on the autumn/winter 2026 runway, keen-eyed handbag enthusiasts have quietly waited for the Cara bag to arrive. First presented alongside the brand's refined tailoring, slouchy knitwear and luxurious outerwear, the bag was a key feature of the show. Whilst autumn has only just arrived, stylish celebrities have shown that the Cara bag is already a proven hit.

True to Ferragamo form, the Cara bag is a clear example of design expertise. From the brand that brought us the iconic Soft Bag and the Hug, Ferragamo applies its eye for detail to this latest addition. Bringing together practicality and form, the bag is composed of over 100 individual components, meticulously assembled to create a sleek shoulder bag with a central pocket and two outer sections. The leather of the side components wraps around, echoing the distinctive feature also noted on the Hug bag, finished with the understated yet eye-catching Gancini closure.

From Rihanna to Anne Hathaway, Karlie Kloss to Monica Barbara, stylish celebs have shown that the refined appeal of the Cara bag can suit all style aesthetics. Rihanna sported hers whilst attending the World Cup Final, paired with cargo shorts and suede boots, whilst Emma Roberts carried the soft blue version alongside a colourful slip dress for the US Open. Both Anne Hathaway and Karlie Kloss reached for the Cara bag to complement tailored looks, and Jack Innanen showed the effective appeal of matching your bag to your tie. Evidently, it's a bag created to bring an elegant finishing touch to all occasions.

Whilst currently a celebrity insider favourite, this bag is sure to be the breakout star of autumn 2026, and if you want to add it to basket before everyone else does, scroll on.

Shop the Ferragamo Cara Bag XS

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It's officially back-to-school season, and if you're a mom who wants to look like a fashion insider this fall, Rihanna has all the outfit inspiration you need. While this isn't one of her signature NYC looks, the outfit she recently wore in Paris has that effortlessly cool, European-approved factor that you can recreate and wear anywhere.

Forgoing baggy jeans and her usual track pants, Rihanna was spotted over the weekend at the Royal Monceau hotel in Paris wearing an elegant yet wearable look. She paired a long black trench coat with a dark gray T-shirt and light gray jogger sweats. To make the outfit look expensive, she added metallic pointed-toe mules, a gold choker necklace, and Dior's new Milly-La-Forêt Bag, also known as the Crunchy Bag.

Don't get us wrong—sweatpants and T-shirts are wardrobe staples; however, when styled together, they can read as "lazy" or "undone." The utilitarian coat, kitten heels, and designer bag are the key additions to Rihanna's outfit, instantly making the casual pieces feel polished and intentional.

Keep scrolling to see Rihanna's look and shop an assortment of trench coats, sweatpants, and kitten heels to add to your fall rotation.

Rihanna Wearing the Outfit Formula

On Rihanna: Dior Milly-La-Forêt Bag ($4200)

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As a mom, rushing is a tough endeavor no matter what your day entails. Whether it's doing school drop-off, picking up groceries, going to a PTA meeting, or volunteering, the last thing on your mind is your outfit. However, if you still want to look chic while doing these things, take a page out of cool mom Rihanna's playbook: Wear a tracksuit with heels. That's it—that's the rush-proof outfit solution she sticks with.

Rihanna is known for her interesting, eye-catching outfits, and she's never once compromised her personal style, even after having three children, which is why I'd deem her the best dressed mom. Rih was recently spotted wearing a bright-orange velour tracksuit reminiscent of the early aughts, but she modernized it with a pair of snakeskin heels by Amina Muaddi, which she frequently wears. She accessorized with oversize sunglasses and a croc-embossed bag. Her look was effortless and easy and eliminated the need for time-wasting overthinking.

If you're looking for ways to look like a cool mom in a pinch, keep scrolling to re-create Rihanna's look and shop more chic tracksuits.

How Rihanna Styled It

On Rihanna: Chloé Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Blend Velvet Sweater ($1250) and Wide-Leg Cotton-Blend Velvet Pants ($990)

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Those 5 a.m. wake-ups to get your kids ready for the day can be overwhelming, especially when you, as a mom, haven’t had the chance to get dressed yet either. Moms are always sacrificing something for the better of their children, but one thing fashion-mom Rihanna won’t give up is a cool outfit. Whether she’s dropping her kids off at school in the mornings or taking them to a birthday party, you’ll never catch her in a frumpy outfit; she’s Rih, after all.

If you’re overthinking your morning drop-off outfits, Rihanna has cracked the code for looking effortlessly chic no matter what by wearing a pant trend that elevates any look: satin balloon pants. This trend is equal parts stylish and comfortable. It’s flowy, breathable, and easy to style. The working mom wore her aqua Ulla Johnson balloon pants with a long-sleeve polo shirt in the same hue by Conner Ives, and completed her look with snake-skin heels. These silky pants are perfect for the mom on the go who doesn’t want to compromise on looking put-together.

If your goal is to look like a cool mom throughout the school year, keep scrolling to recreate Rih’s look, and shop more satin balloon pants in various colors that fit your personal style.

How Rihanna Styles Them

On Rihanna: Conner Ives Neon Organic Cotton Rugby ($560); Ulla Johnson Camile Silk Cinched Pants ($550); Amina Muaddi Juliette Snake-Effect Thong Pumps ($593)

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Reality television fans know her as one of the latest additions to Bravo's Summer House, a series that follows a group of New York City friends and their many dramas in a seasonal share nestled in the exclusive, coastal Hamptons. Rihanna knows her as a close friend and trusted confidant. Las Culturistas hosts Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers just awarded her the title of Best Vibe, Hands Down at the 2026 Las Culturistas Culture Awards. If that wasn't enough to decorate her résumé, she's also a bona fide makeup lover, so it was only natural for Mia Calabrese to divulge her summer beauty secrets to us.

On a balmy summer day in late June, Calabrese curls up on a couch in a sprawling downtown Brooklyn hotel room, her face gently sculpted in a flurry of Fenty Beauty. "I feel like she and I have a very similar energy," Calabrese tells Who What Wear of friend and Fenty Beauty founder Rihanna in an Instagram Reel. The reality star and real estate salesperson credits their compatibility to the stars (Calabrese is a Cancer, and Rihanna is a Pisces), though she confesses to being a Fenty makeup stan for years before the duo met.

We asked the burgeoning star for her summer makeup tips ("How does she keep those looks locked in place in the Hamptons heat?" we often wonder), discovered what's on her beauty restock list, and dished on her sisterly relationship with costar Ciara Miller. Keep reading.

First, we asked, What's one beauty product that at least someone needs to have on hand in a share house? Calabrese's response—the Fenty Beauty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder—nearly came out before we finished the question. "It's so hot in the Hamptons in the summer, so I put the Invisimatte all over my skin," she mimes, dabbing the product on her face. The translucent pressed powder extends the life of your look, controls oil, and keeps sweat at bay for hours. "So you're glowy, never oily!" she tells WWW.

She also shares that sunscreen, specifically the Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor, is a nonnegotiable. "It makes your skin so glowy and beautiful," she adds. "Some SPFs break me out, but this one doesn't. It sits on my skin perfectly. It gives my skin this natural glow, and I know my skin is being protected. I'm very serious about my SPF." Calabrese also calls out bug spray as a must in the house. "I can never pick just one!" she exclaims. Continue on for more.

You and Ciara famously live in the same apartment building—do you ever share products or clothes?

We joke that our closets are extensions of each other's. We're like sisters that don't fight. If I need to borrow anything, I'm like, "I need to go upstairs," or she'll come down [to mine] and be like, "I need to borrow these paper towels." I actually cannot think about not living in the same building with her; it makes me anxious.

Your friendship with Rihanna is iconic. What's your relationship like nowadays?

She actually texted me two days ago. I love her. That woman knows so much about my business. She's so sweet, such a good friend, and so thoughtful. She's just always checking in, which I appreciate as a water-sign girlie.

We know Rih's a reality TV lover. Did she watch your season and keep up with you as episodes came out?

She did! She was late to the reunion, though, and I had to text her. She's a big Summer House fan. When we were out, she was introducing me to people like, "Everyone, this is Mia from Summer House!" I'm like, "Everyone, this is Rihanna, period."

Do you remember your first Fenty Beauty purchase? What was it, and do you still restock?

Of course, I do!

Calabrese shouts out the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb and Match Stix Contour Skinstick as her first purchases from the brand, though they are far from her last. "I still restock, obviously!" she adds.

What's your beauty vibe this summer?

"Bad bitch" is my look this summer. I'm going for glowy skin and overlined lips.

(Duly noted.)

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Good news for retro-sneaker lovers: Nike has officially entered the 2026 chat. Earlier this year, Nike rereleased one of its beloved archival styles from 1971: the Moon Shoe. It followed the release of two collaborations with Jacquemus (a designer collab being a telltale sign of a new It sneaker). The retro track-style sneakers have gained a fast following among the fashion crowd and celebrities (Dua Lipa and Lisa included), and Rihanna is the latest to be photographed wearing the shoes.

While out shopping in Beverly Hills this week, Rihanna wore the pink iteration from the Nike x Jacquemus collab. They’re only available on the resale market now, but the non-collab Nike Moon shoes are an excellent alternative (and are just as buzzy). The current colorways include butter yellow, white, navy, and chocolate brown. But I will warn you that they’ve been selling fast as well. So before that happens, scroll on to see some of the chic dressers (Rihanna included) who are wearing the sneakers, and shop them in every available color for yourself.

The It Sneakers on Rihanna

On Rihanna: Savage X Fenty jumpsuit; Jacquemus + Nike Moon Shoe ($180)

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We all know and love (or love to hate) capri pants, but cropped skinny jeans are ready to share the spotlight. Recently, Rihanna endorsed the latter trend that usually has a reputation for being “dated,” but she wore a pair that looked much more modern because of one specific detail: a dark wash. Even reading the words "cropped skinny jeans" might be a jump scare, but if anyone has the power to make a dated trend look good, it's Rih.

Her outfit was a full deep-indigo denim-on-denim outfit consisting of a cropped jacket from Gap and Victoria Beckham's recent collaboration, strappy heeled sandals, and her cropped skinny jeans. She accessorized with a sleek black leather shoulder bag by Celine and a pair of black aviator sunglasses. Even though her look was dark-wash denim, it still looked appropriate for summer thanks to her cropped skinny jeans, which looked fresh and relevant in the hue.

If you still need some convincing on whether or not to try the newly modernized trend, keep scrolling to shop Rihanna’s look and more cropped dark-wash skinny jeans.

Spotted on Rihanna

On Rihanna: Gap x Victoria Beckham Relaxed Crop Denim Jacket ($128)

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Rihanna is a style icon through and through and is always privy to the newest trends—including the highly specific microtrends. The entrepreneur and her beau, ASAP Rocky, were just in NYC, looking stylish as ever. Rih wore a long black skirt, a gray tank top, a belt buckled at her waist, and a tan jacket layered over her outfit. In hand, she toted a quilted burgundy Dior bag and accessorised with a pair of bug-eye sunglasses. The most interesting accessory of the entire look, though, was her baseball cap. Why? Two-toned baseball caps have been everywhere recently.

Seriously, even the New York Times clocked it. In the recent article about the two-toned baseball cap phenomenon, the publication touches on the ubiquity of the trend (specifically speaking to green-and-white styles). Mitch Cahn, owner of Unionwear, a hat manufacturer in New Jersey, stated to the New York Times: “This year that particular combination is up about 10% from, like, zero.” It’s as if the highly specific trend came out of nowhere and is suddenly everywhere. The trend reads quite preppy and sporty, as many athletic brands may have started the trend and are selling out of their supply of two-tone caps. Designer fashion brands such as Miu Miu are now also making two-toned baseball caps, and the Rihannas of the world are wearing them. Wearing a baseball cap may seem counterintuitive to wear for a night out, but trust me, it’s the perfect accessory for a casual outing. She looks cool, polished, and effortless, all of which are characteristics of a perfect outfit.

Keep scrolling to re-create Rihanna’s outfit and shop more two-toned baseball caps in various color combinations.

How Rihanna Wears It

On Rihanna: Miu Miu Drill Baseball Cap ($650); Dior Crunchy Bag ($4600)

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On the first Monday in May, the upper echelons of the fashion industry gather on the Upper East Side for the most opulent display of style, taste and creative excellence; more commonly known as the Met Gala.

For the uninitiated, the annual charity ball has been hosted for three-quarters of a century and raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. With an exclusive guest list that gathers aristocrats, designers, actors, musicians, athletes, business tycoons and titans in their respective industries, the show-stopping night has come to be known as the crème de la crème of the sartorial calendar.

The actual proceedings of the event are an enigma thanks to a strict no-phones policy—save for star-studded selfies captured in the ladies’ room—making it also one of the most secretive events across the East Coast.

But of course, the real standout of the evening is the array of looks that grace the red carpet. Serving as a proverbial runway, the granite front steps are elevated beyond disbelief, serving both a literal and figurative platform for the haute couture creations that exceed all expectations.

From Gigi Hadid’s bespoke Thom Browne gown that made history for taking over 13,500 hours to construct to Dua Lipa wearing a completely beguiling 100-carat Tiffany & Co. necklace that was reportedly worth over $100 million USD, these ensembles aren’t for the faint of heart.

And with the annual Met Gala just around the corner, we felt it pertinent to revisit the best Met Gala dresses of all time. Blood racing, heart pumping, jaw-dropping and gasp-inducing, consider this the ultimate guide to the most memorable looks of all time.

The 13 Best Met Gala Dresses of All Time

1. Rihanna

Style Notes: With the theme as expansive and loaded with historical connotations as “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” it was only fitting that Rihanna take not only the most subversive route, but also the most straightforward.

Quite literally taking the fashion set to church, the multi-hyphenate musician and makeup mogul opted for a custom silver Maison Margiela cape-and-dress concoction designed by John Galliano. The pièce de résistance, however, was her homage to papal regalia in the form of her Stephen Jones headpiece. Hers is one conclave we’d gladly join.

2. Princess Diana

Style Notes: Six months after Princess Diana enshrined her fashion legacy by turning up to the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party wearing the inimitable revenge dress designed by Christina Stambolian, the late Lady Spencer made a discreet public outing to deliver another iconic ensemble for the ages.

Blending in with the Manhattan evening, she arrived at the soiree in an understated midnight blue slip dress designed by John Galliano for Christian Dior. (Just one of the British enfant terrible’s many features on this list.) Her one and only appearance at the event eventually came to define her sartorial shift following her separation from King Charles III; elegant, unburdened and an expression of her true sense of self.

3. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Style Notes: without an appearance from the perennially mysterious Olsen Twins. Mary Kate and Ashley have been fixtures at the soirée since they were 18 years old, making the event a true home-away-from-home for the secretive duo. However, it was at the 2017 iteration, which was themed “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons”, where The Row designers made their biggest impact.

Returning to their bohemian roots, the duo arrived in truly antique lace slip dresses that were reportedly over a century old. Dripping in pendant necklaces, fur-trimmed jackets and chunky accessories, the looks also honoured the Japanese designer’s autumn/winter 2005 collection “Broken Brides”, which was a subtle full-circle moment, given it also acknowledged the year they first started attending.

4. Zendaya

Style Notes: You can rest assured that whenever Zendaya has confirmed her RSVP, a sartorial feast is guaranteed. As one of the pioneers of method dressing, the 29-year-old takes her job as a guest incredibly seriously. However, when it came to her co-chairing the event in 2024, she exceeded all expectations.

Not only did she both open and close the red carpet with two separate but incredibly visionary looks, she delivered the most hauntingly beautiful interpretation of the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”. With the dress code being "The Garden of Time," which was inspired by J.G. Ballard's 1962 short story exploring themes of beauty, decay, and the fleeting nature of time, she wore a custom gown by John Galliano for Maison Margiela that embodied the ephemeral and elegant source material. Quite euphoric.

5. Kate Moss

Style Notes: Another iconic co-chair came in the form of Kate Moss. Attending the 2009 iteration, which adhered to the theme “The Model as Muse”, she proved the power that supermodels wield as the ultimate shapeshifter. A true incarnation of Marc Jacobs' vision for the evening, she ditched her Camden-core leather jackets, skinny jeans and knee-high boots for a gold lame mini dress and matching Elizabeth Taylor-inspired turban.

6. Zoë Kravtiz

Style Notes: One of the symbols for Anthony Vaccarello’s sensually sophisticated visions for Saint Laurent, Zoë Kravitz was truly firing on all cylinders when she arrived at the 2021 Met Gala. Dressing to the theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”, the actor-turned-director’s phenomenally risqué wore what could only be described as a netted dress made from dazzling crystals that made the shape of itty-bitty YSL monograms. Because who needs a slip dress when you’re dripping in diamantes?

7. Lady Gaga

Style Notes: Why have one look when you can have four? That was the thesis question that Lady Gaga designed her 2019 Met Gala ensemble around, landing on a captivating Brandon Maxwell look that was part performance art, part moving installation and completely camp.

Beginning with a magenta overcoat that featured an elongated train and accompanied by five dancers, she later slipped into a gown before changing into a Madonna-esque column dress, before closing out her epic entrance in a sequin-encrusted black bralette, panties, fishnet tights and platform booties.

8. Lily-Rose Depp

Style Notes: As someone who was appointed as one of Karl Lagerfeld’s “choupettes” as a teenager, it should come as no surprise that Lily-Rose Depp has almost unlimited access to Chanel’s archives for her public appearances.

At the 2019 Met Gala, The Idol star embraced the French maison’s most vampy silhouettes in a little black dress adorned with gold chains and gilded camellias. The piece was also first worn by Christy Turlington on the luxuriate’s spring/summer 1992 runway and later featured on Penelope Cruz in Pedro Almodóvar’s 2009 romantic thriller Broken Embraces.

9. Naomi Campbell

Style Notes: From walking the runway alongside her fellow “supers” to George Michael’s “Freedom” for Versace’s autumn/winter 1991 show to wearing the Italian designer’s iconic chainmail butterfly dress to an event alongside Kate Moss in 1999, Naomi Campbell has had no shortage of iconic Versace moments in her lifetime. Of course, the most sentimental moment came when she attended the 1995 Met Gala—the first hosted by Anna Wintour—alongside the brand’s founder, Gianni.

10. Tyla

Style Notes: It’s quite a feat to make the Met Gala best dressed list on your first time attending. But that’s exactly what South African pop sensation Tyla did for the 2024 event. In the spirit of surrealism and trompe l'oeil, the singer arrived in a Balmain dress that evoked the sands of time.

The gown was a custom fit to her figure and ended up being so tight that she needed to be carried up the steps by a security guard. Made from a plaster moulding that combined mica and mirror powder, the look was a true standout and firmly established her place in fashion’s elite circles.

11. Kendall Jenner

Style Notes: Though she might be known for her signature stealth wealth way of dressing, Kendall Jenner delivered her most high-octane look when attending the 2019 Met Gala in custom Versace. Wearing Marty Supreme orange and a feathered gown that left a trail of plumage, the look has become incredibly iconic over the years for the way the showgirl-esque silhouette completely transformed the model turned tequila maven. Later that year, for her Halloween-themed birthday party, the waiters were dressed up in this exact costume, proving just how camp the look actually was.

12. Kim Kardashian

Style Notes: Of course, it wouldn’t be a guide to the most iconic Met Gala dresses if it didn’t include this Kim Kardashian look on the list. Love it or hate it, this infamous Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy design helped segue the reality star and aspiring lawyer into a new stratosphere of fame.

Whilst many were vicious in their lamenting over her attendance at the event in the first place, the majority were brutal in tearing down the dress itself. Earning comparisons to Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire and even the couches owned by grandmothers, it's safe to say that Skims founder herself had the last laugh, given how iconic this look has become in its own right.

13. Anne Hathaway

Style Notes: Bearing resemblance to both an Oscar statuette and Star Wars character C3PO, Anne Hathaway’s Ralph Lauren dress from the 2015 Met Gala just proves how ahead of the fashion curve she is. This is a fact we might all recognise now, but it wasn’t the case over a decade ago. But as her fictional grandmother in The Princess Diaries, played by the incredibly Dame Julie Andrews, said, a queen is never late, everyone else is simply early.

What Is The Theme of the 2026 Met Gala?

As announced by VOGUE, the theme of the 2026 Met Gala is "Costume Art". As always, the theme is derived from the Costume Institute's spring exhibition. According to the centre's head curator, Andrew Bolton, the theme addresses “the centrality of the dressed body in the museum’s vast collection".

The museum reports that the exhibition will "pair garments with artworks to reveal the inherent relationship between clothing and the body". It continues, "from the formal to the conceptual, the aesthetic to the political, the individual to the universal, the illustrative to the symbolic, and the playful to the profound, these pairings are organised into a series of thematic body types that reflect their pervasiveness and endurance through time and cultures."

The exhibition is sponsored by tech billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, Saint Laurent and Condé Nast.

What is the Dress Code for the 2026 Met Gala?

Accompanying the theme, guests are invited to adhere to a compulsory dress code that further elucidates the crux of the exhibition. Keeping things incredibly simple for the 2026 event, the dress code is "Fashion is Art". This can be translated however the guest sees fit and can run the gamut from gowns that literally transpose famous works onto fabric to dresses that embrace the Métiers d'Art (or arts and crafts) that underscores any ensemble.

When is the 2026 Met Gala?

Like clockwork, the 2026 Met Gala is set for Monday, May 4, 2026. As the event is held in New York City, those of us here in the United Kingdom should expect to see looks from the red carpet begin to trickle in during the early hours of Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Gird your loins!

In the past, leggings had a reputation similar to sweatpants, in that they were often worn for comfort rather than fashion. Now, that's changed significantly. Thanks to Rihanna, the trend of wearing leggings as pants has even made its way to Paris, a city known for its ultra-chic fashion. Last night, Rihanna was seen wearing a pair of leggings at one of her favorite upscale restaurants, César, which is an indicator of how chic her look must have been.

Rih wore a pair of split-hem leggings with her bright-red lace-up Alaïa heels, which was an unexpected but cool contrast. Heels don't usually come to mind when we think of leggings, but split-hem leggings go perfectly with heels, as the slit is high enough to show off your shoes. Plus, they have a longer silhouette than athletic or leisure leggings, so they're even appropriate for a night out at a fancy restaurant. The entrepreneur is known for her on-the-pulse personal style, so it only makes sense that Rihanna would be the one to bring the split-hem-legging trend to the forefront again—in Paris, no less. She also wore a funnel-neck plaid jacket with a fur wrap layered over it and accessorized with a pair of large aviator sunglasses. To put it simply, she looked cool, which is synonymous with Rihanna.

Keep scrolling to re-create Rihanna's outfit and shop split-hem leggings and heels to wear with them.

Spotted on Rihanna

On Rihanna: Alaïa Lace-Up Pumps ($2500)

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The very first makeup product that made my heart skip was a pot of lilac eye shadow. I don't remember the specific shade or even the brand name (it most likely came from the drugstore), but I can recall exactly how I felt when I dusted it across my lids: elegantly grown-up, ethereal, and just so pretty. I wore it every single day to middle school—paired with a raccoon-like ring of black eyeliner, of course—and to this day, soft purple eye shadow remains a special staple.

As you can probably guess, I'm beyond psyched that lavender eye makeup is seeing a chic resurgence. I first clocked it on Quinta Brunson, who wore a wash of purple shadow at this year's Critics Choice Awards, then on Amelia Gray Hamlin, who donned purple eyes paired with a custom Swarovski dress at the Golden Globes. Laufey quickly followed, cosigning lavender with mermaid-esque makeup fit for a Grammy winner, then Barbie Ferreira arrived to Coachella rocking lilac lids. And finally, we have Rihanna, who just officially cemented soft purple eye shadow as the hottest spring makeup trend. The middle schooler in me is screaming!

Yesterday, Rihanna—and Rocki, her 7-month-old daughter with A$AP Rocky—starred on the cover of W Magazine's Pop Issue. She's absolutely regal in head-to-toe Dior (including a custom Dior diaper for baby Rocki!), but my beauty-editor eyes immediately zeroed in on the halo of purple and orange eye shadow on her top and bottom lids. Created by Daniel Sällström, the glam certainly aligns with the makeup artist's high-fashion, experimental work and pairs perfectly with the star's purple statement hat.

This isn't the first time Rihanna cosigned a soft purple eye look. Remember when she attended a 2023 Fenty x Puma event wearing a purple fuzzy jacket and matching shadow? And who could forget her violet glam in the "What's My Name" music video? While lavender eyes are taking the red carpet by storm—as Who What Wear predicted months ago in our inaugural Red Carpet Beauty Report—Rihanna has been rocking them for years. Consider her the blueprint for this pretty spring beauty trend.

While we aren't 100% sure which eye shadow Sällström used on the cover, we do know Rihanna wore plenty of Fenty Beauty products for the shoot, so I have to assume she incorporated her new Shadowstix Eyeshadow Stick in Miss Pri$$y (a sparkly lilac) into the look. Feel free to shop the hero product below, along with more celeb-approved soft purple eye makeup to wear for the rest of spring.

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If there's one night that consistently delivers jaw-dropping fashion, internet-breaking moments, and just the right amount of red carpet chaos, it's the Met Gala. Every year, I find myself scrolling for hours, dissecting every feather, train, and sheer illusion panel, in the name of answering one impossible question: What are the best Met Gala outfits of all time?

Let's be honest. "Best dressed Met Gala attendee of all time" isn't just a title. It's a debate. It's Cher in barely-there Bob Mackie, Princess Diana rewriting royal dress codes, and Rihanna ascending literal fashion-royalty status (multiple times, might I add). The Met Gala red carpet best dressed moments aren't just about clothes. They're about cultural shifts, risk-taking, and those rare looks that instantly make fashion history.

That's what makes this list so fun and so subjective. From the unapologetic excess of the '80s and the polished minimalism of the '90s to the experimental looks of the 2000s and the meme-worthy and theme-dominating looks of the 2010s and 2020s, the Met Gala has given us decades of style moments to obsess over. They might not be your cup of tea, but they sure are unforgettable.

Consider this your definitive, highly opinionated, fashion editor–approved walkthrough of the best dressed Met Gala of all time—era by era, look by iconic look. Let's get into it.

What is the Met Gala 2026 theme?

According to Vogue, the Met Gala 2026 theme is officially Costume Art. The theme ties directly to the Costume Institute's spring exhibition, which explores how clothing and the dressed body have been depicted across thousands of years of art history—pairing actual garments with paintings, sculptures, and more.

Now, when it comes to what we'll actually see on the steps, the dress code is where things get fun. For 2026, it's Fashion Is Art, a different theme that plays in conjunction with the Costume Institute's exhibition.

When is the Met Gala 2026?

Mark your calendar: The Met Gala 2026 is set for Monday, May 4, 2026. As always, it falls on the first Monday in May aka fashion's biggest night.

Where can I watch the Met Gala 2026 red carpet?

If your invite to the Met Gala 2026 got lost in the mail this year (same!), the next best thing is watching the Met Gala red carpet live. The official livestream will be hosted by Vogue and kicks off at 6 p.m. ET, streaming across its website, YouTube, and TikTok.

If you want the fashion-person commentary—the real reason we're all watching—we've got you. Who What Wear will be reacting in real time on our socials with best dressed breakdowns and all the moments that matter.

See the Best Met Gala Looks of All Time

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Burgundy is one of the most popular fall and winter color trends, without fail. And according to Rihanna, it’s officially a spring color, too. Rih redefined the fall and winter color trend by contrasting her recent monochrome, all-burgundy outfit with a vibrant bag color: a canary yellow bag.

She wore Tom Ford python-embossed pumps with cargo pants from Alaïa, styled with her covetable canary yellow Dracula Dior saddle bag. She sported the yellow bag while in Paris, proving the trend adds a fun and experimental element to her monochromatic burgundy outfit. The S/S 26 runways of Loewe and Miu Miu featured bold yellow bags in their collections, so it’s safe to say that the trend is timely and worth the investment. No other pop of color would’ve made her outfit look quite as spring-appropriate as canary yellow. It’s an energetic color to experiment with, and I can’t wait to try it with some of my fall items to make them more spring-ready, too.

If you have some burgundy items that you haven’t put away yet, try pairing them with a canary yellow bag like Rihanna did. Keeps scrolling to shop pieces similar to hers, along with more chic yellow bags.

Rihanna's Burgundy-and-Yellow Look

On Rihanna: Tom Ford Python Effect Pumps ($1850); Alaïa Cotton Cargo Pants ($2190); Dior Saddle Bag With Strap ($5000)

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Anytime that my wardrobe feels a little stale, I search for a dose of inspiration from my favourite celebrities. Gearing up for the shift into the spring season, I spent a few hours scrolling through the stylish off-duty looks of some of the chicest celebrities around and noticed one capsule wardrobe staple comes up over and over again. Just like us, A-listers rely on great denim when navigating their everyday outfits. But more than just a joint adoration of denim, the chicest dressers around all turn to Agolde when adding jeans to their wardrobes.

If you’re unfamiliar with Agolde, let me introduce you. The denim-obsessed brand focuses on reinventing and perfecting denim creations, from beloved classics like the 90’s pinch-waist jeans to launching new trends like the Arc Criss Cross jeans. Whether you know it or not, you’ve probably passed Agolde jeans in the street before, and certainly have seen your favourite celebrities wearing a pair, whether you’re drawn to Hailey Bieber's minimalism or the bolder stylings of Rihanna.

Considering that these celebrities have access to every designer brand and the rarest of fashion buys, it’s a testament to Agolde’s expertise that so many turn to the brand. Personally, I can see why, having tried and tested a selection of Agolde’s best styles myself after numerous recommendations from fellow editors and friends. The cuts are enduring, even the bolder styles seem to have a timeless edge, with various silhouettes and shades to suit all preferences. The focus on jeans is much more than simply cut, but also fabrication, finer details, and all with a sustainable focus. Now, I’ve hand-selected my favourite celebrity outfits that include Agolde jeans. Whether you’re leaning into the return of the straight-leg jean or barrelling ahead with horseshoe cuts, these are the four standout pairs of celebrity-approved Agolde jeans.

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Dakota Johnson in the Agolde 90s Pinch Waist Jeans

Style Notes: Dakota Johnson's best off-duty looks depend upon great basics. Most of her outfits can be replicated with a series of sleek capsule wardrobe styles, and no Agolde jean is more classic than the 90's pinch waist jeans. This year, we've seen a return to straight-leg cuts, and this pair will go the distance.

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Hailey Bieber in the Agolde Low Curve Wide-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: Hailey Bieber is a constant source of inspiration for us, whether it's a fresh bob cut, a designer bag sighting or her consistently chic outfits. This outfit feels so true to her personal style, making classic pieces incredibly cool by playing with silhouette. The Agolde Low Curve jeans play on the barrel-leg trend, just as sleek as wide-leg cuts but with a contemporary edge.

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Rihanna in the Agolde Dame Wide-Leg Denim Jeans

Style Notes: It isn't just the rarity of a Rihanna sighting that makes her outfits so intriguing. Her innate way of making staple pieces, like denim, look so standout comes by way of proportion play and styling. The wide-leg silhouette of the Dame jeans can be dressed up or down with ease, and Rihanna takes this chance to make a statement in a double-denim ensemble. Year after year, we find ourselves relying on oversized denim silhouettes, and this pair can keep up with moving trends.

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Bella Hadid in the Agolde Mid-Rise Kick Bootcut Jeans

Style Notes: Bella Hadid has stepped out a number of times in Agolde denim, but this pair has caught my eye recently. The kick flare is a refined cut frequently spotted in great French wardrobes, with an innate elegance whether dressed up for evening or worn casually throughout the day. The brilliance of the subtle cut is that they work well with boots through winter as well as sandals and ballet flats throughout the warmer months.

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I can't tell you when Rihanna is going to release her next album, but I can give you the details on her newest outfit, if that's any consolation. While in Beverly Hills this week, Rihanna wore a Miu Miu bomber jacket, super-baggy wide-leg jeans, and a flowy striped blouse. My favorite part of her look required closer attention to detail. Peeking out from under her tank top was Savage X Fenty's Daisy Darling Underwire Bustier ($70), which is currently still in stock on Nordstrom's website.

Rihanna's bustier, which is available in sizes XS to 4X, features delicately embroidered flowers that have me excited for spring. Yes, I know florals for summer aren't groundbreaking, but they are chic, so let me live! I also adore the pretty powder blue, a trend that never fails to resurface this time of year. In my mind, the cute, whimsical feel of the bustier is the perfect foil to a pair of no-nonsense, rugged jeans. Scroll down to see how Rihanna styled her lingerie brand for an outing in Los Angeles.

On Rihanna: Miu Miu jacket; Savage X Fenty Daisy Darling Underwire Bustier ($70)

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As a seasoned fashion editor, I controversially believe that leggings are the quiet hero of the modern capsule wardrobe. Cosy, comfortable and endlessly chic, they’re a staple I simply refuse to give up, but still most people hate wearing them outside of the gym. Determined to give leggings their dues, I closely tracked the outfits my favourite celebrities wore on repeat; and one thing was immediately clear—I’m not alone in my appreciation of the stretchy basic. In 2026, simple black leggings are the A-lister go-to for off-duty cool.

From Lori Harvey’s cropped capris to Rihanna’s split hems, the most stylish celebs continually prove that leggings outfits should be considered anything but dull. Whether dressing up a casual rugby shirt or adding luxe allure to a spring jacket, leggings have never looked chicer. Still unconvinced by their athleisure appeal? There are three leggings trends that celebs keep bringing back, and I'm convinced at least one of them might sell you on jersey. Keep reading to discover them below.

1. Capri Leggings

Style Notes: Led by Lori Harvey, the return of the capri feels sleek and sophisticated rather than sporty. By playing with proportions, the negative space instantly draws the eye down making legs look longer (especially with heels), and adds fashion-forward edge compared to the classic 7/8ths length. Take a style cues from Harvey and pair with cropped jacket and satin stilettos for an evening look that doesn't try too hard.

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2. Split-Hem

Style Notes: Having previously only worn leggings for working out or running errands, Rihanna’s split-hems have convinced me to branch out of my comfort zone. Elevating an otherwise casual outfit, the addition of a blazer and flared leggings over heels dresses up even a rugby shirt—proof that the slimline silhouette is all you need to take a look from day to night.

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3. Full-Length

Style Notes: Staying true to the classics, Elsa Hosk plays with neutral colourways to refine her full-lengths. Anyone bored of the thought of black leggings should start here, as cream and ecru leggings look particularly expensive with luxe textures like brown suede and polished accessories.

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One thing I love about a pair of classic blue jeans is how timeless they are. In most cases, they’re night-out appropriate, but sometimes they fall short for fancier occasions. Rihanna has found the solution to that dilemma by wearing her casual jeans with dressy heels that are making me excited for spring.

While on a night out in Paris, Rihanna wore a plain white T-shirt and blue baggy jeans with a slight cuff, which she styled with a pair of pastel pink, satin pointed-toe heels. The sheen of the heels looks opulent and polished, making her otherwise plain outfit look far more chic and dressed up. Coincidentally, other celebrities such as Taylor Russell and Anya Taylor-Joy have also been spotted wearing the satin shoe trend in Paris in recent days. So it’s safe to say it’s a fashion-crowd favorite for 2026. To complete her look, Rih also accessorized with a fur scarf and fresh off the Dior runway pink earmuffs.

If you’re looking for new and simple ways to dress up your casual jeans, keep scrolling to recreate this look and shop similar items.

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If I were to take an internet poll and ask people what the best date-night lip color is, I bet there would be one resounding and overwhelming answer: red. I get it! It's a classic. Even Taylor Swift thinks so. However, Rihanna, the eternal cool girl that she is, just made the case for something even darker and richer.

Recently, the singer, brand founder, and fashion and beauty icon stepped out in NYC on a date night with her longtime partner, A$AP Rocky. She sported a signature chic outfit, glossy hair, and a bold makeup look. As a beauty editor, I was most interested in the latter. Thick lashes! Glowing skin! A bright pop of blush! And a rich, red-purple lip combo that I coined "winter berry." It's officially become my blueprint for how to create a cool mid-winter date-night look. Ahead, see the exact two products her makeup artist, Hector Espinal, used to create it.

Rihanna's Exact Lip Combo

5 More Berry Lip Products I Love

When heel trends come and go, it’s usually silhouettes that take the hit. Kitten heels replace sky-high stilettos, pointed toes edge out rounded styles—but the colour palette tends to stay familiar. This season, however, I’ve noticed a shift. One heel colour many of us had long written off is making an unexpected return.

It’s a colour trend we haven’t seen embraced for several seasons—and one that fashion people have long approached with caution. With their unforgiving finish and knack for showing every scuff, white heels have traditionally been dismissed as impractical at best, passé at worst. And yet, this week, I spotted not one but two of my enduring style icons embracing the once-dated trend.

First up: Sabrina Carpenter, who stepped out in ultra-tall platform heels rendered in a gleaming optic white. She anchored the look with a longline black layer, allowing the shoes to command attention—and proving just how impactful a crisp white heel can be when styled with restraint.

Soon after, I clocked Rihanna elevating her sleek black leggings with a pair of sharp, pointed-toe white heels. Leggings and heels can be a tricky pairing to master, but the high-contrast combination worked brilliantly here. The bright white against inky black created a striking silhouette that made the look feel intentional and elevated.

Of course, white heels come with a caveat. As with all white garments, their chicness hinges on keeping them pristine. Save them for dry days, handle with care, and enlist a trusted cobbler at the first sign of wear.

Inspired by the white heel revival, celebrities are already championing? Scroll on to shop the chicest pairs to buy now.

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