The best and the worst of 2021 Met Gala fashion - From someone who has no expertise what-so-ever

By Meghan Connors

Monday, September 13, only one day after the wild and exciting MTV VMAs, musicians, celebrities, and socialites alike stepped out to represent their interpretation of “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” There were references to fashion moments in American history, obvious interpretations of “what America means” in fashion, and others who presumably chose to forgo the theme entirely.

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BILLIE EILISH

Bilie Eilish effortlessly referenced the Marylin Monroe in a custom Oscar De La Renta gown. Sources say she agreed only to wear the dress as long as De La Renta agreed to stop using fur in their future designs. The gown specifically referenced one Monroe wore to the 1951 Oscars.

After the frock Billie wore to Sunday’s VMAs, I am so excited to see this from her. It is elegant, gorgeous, and I believe still captures Eilish’s modest persona, while complementing her figure in a tasteful way. I hope to see more looks like this from her in the future.

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Emma chamberlain

I think it is only necessary that all social media influencers who have ever expected to be taken seriously in the industry owe Emma Chamberlain a big fat thank you. From the hair to the makeup to the stunningly glitzy little number, the Youtuber has set a high standard for her fellow social stars. Wearing Louis Vuitton, as expected, I don’t know if she is referencing anything but I literally don’t care because she looks gorgeous, professional, and amazing.

Actually, maybe she’s going for like a late 60s early 70s vibe? Either way she’s killing it.

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Kendall Jenner

Kendall looks absolutely incredible, but come on, did we expect anything less? I’m really into the whole diamonds and sheer mesh look. And the corset may be my favorite part. A perfect little touch. I’m seeing Gatsby-era without the obvious flapper reference and I'm loving it.

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Lil Nas X

Yes, obviously Lil Was X killed it, but he always does. Does it go with the theme? No. Do I care in the slightest? Absolutely not. I hope he becomes a Met Gala regular because I just know he’ll never disappoint.

He’s wearing Versace whom I know he’s worked with before (If you can recall: The hot pink cowboy suit from the 2020 Grammy’s) so let’s hope they stay working together!

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Gigi Hadid

Quick, someone tell me what she’s supposed to be because I don’t get it, and frankly, I kind of hate it. I don’t love the hair, the tights are a no, and even the shoes I can’t bring myself to like. Once again, I have no expertise so this is based entirely in opinion, but she’s just not doing it for me.

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J Lo

I don’t love it, but it’s a clear interpretation of the theme which I appreciate, and also comes across as somewhat of a risk which earns her extra brownie points. I can’t tell though if she’s supposed to be Wild West, or Native American inspired. Probably Wild West. I think the fur is throwing me off.

Image: Getty

Olivia Rodrigo

It truly pains me to say this but I’m just not into it. Olivia’s style is young and playful with an edgy grunge twist. This might work for someone else (maybe Kendall, or Gigi), but not for her. Too sophisticated. I don’t feel like I need to say anything else on the matter.

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Timothee Chalamet

Timothee really said, “and for my interpretation of the theme, I’ll be portraying ‘work from home’ realness.” Business on top, comfort on the bottom, it doesn’t get more American than that. Whether intentional or not, this for me is the night’s “most on theme.”

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Shawn Mendes and Camila cabello

While I like both of their outfits separately, I don’t think they work well as a pair. He’s giving 70s rocker, and she’s giving Cher. Great on their own, but together, a little disorienting. Also would it have killed Michael Kors to design a more flattering top for her?

All in all, I was impressed, but not blown away. I think Billie did it best in terms of dazzling while staying on theme. But at the same time I’m writing this in my pajamas, completely unqualified to judge. Hopefully next year the theme will be more inspiring.